(BEIJING, December 25) -- In a continued effort to improve Beijing's network of barrier-free facilities to a level that meets the demands of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city has spent 380 million yuan on related efforts this year.

A recent inspection found that the new Paralympic venues meet the standards of accessibility set by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The inspection also showed progress in the construction of accessible facilities in Beijing's transport system, hospitals, shopping centers, tourist spots and other public places, according to Ding Xiangyang, vice-mayor of Beijing.

Ding told those at a Monday meeting concerning the topic that since 2005, the city has renovated or constructed up to 1,000 such facilities. These endeavors will go on to make Beijing an advanced city at the national-level in the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2006-2010) in the area of accessibility.

"We need to make these facilities a legacy of the Olympic Games and let them not only serve people with a disability but also the elderly, young and other people," said Ding.