Zhang Haidi, chairwoman of Rehabilitation International (RI) and China Disabled Persons Federation, visits a hospital in Edinburgh to inspect local rehab facilities. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Zhang's inauguration came as China has rolled out its 13th Five-Year plan (2016-20) which goes further in improving the wellbeing of disabled people.

"China has just entered an important stage with the presidency of a global organization dedicated to rehabilitation and people with disabilities," said outgoing RI president Jan Monsbakken. "I think it's about time for China to hold such position."

Zhang Haidi, chairwoman of Rehabilitation International (RI) and China Disabled Persons Federation, visits a hospital in Edinburgh to inspect local rehab facilities. [Photo provided to China Daily]

An estimated 85 million disabled people live in China, less than a third of whom are registered. According to the federation, China had 7,111 rehabilitation centers as of 2015, with 232,000 employees.

"I'm sure Zhang's succession will intensify the collaboration between China and the world," said Alarcos Cieza, who oversees the World Health Organization's work on Disability and Rehabilitation. "It's important to work together."

Founded in 1922, the New York-headquartered RI network includes people with disabilities, service providers, government agencies, academics and researchers. The RI World Congress, staged every four years, will hold its next convention in Denmark in 2020.