Some 7,864 students with special needs were admitted by regular Chinese universities last year, the Ministry of Education said.

The ministry has made efforts to improve special education across the country in recent years to boost equality.

In 2014, the national college entrance exam started to provide a special test for vision-impaired candidates. Three students took part and one was admitted.

This year the number of vision-impaired examinees increased to eight and seven were accepted.

Government investment has increased dramatically. "Previously, we would be thrilled to receive a dozen million yuan from the central government. But in 2008 and 2012, the government invested 10.2 billion yuan ($ 1.7 billion) merely for facility and equipment establishment. What progress," said Cheng Kai, vice-chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation.

As of 2014, China has 2,000 special education schools, an increase of 328 from 2009.

In 2014, the total investment in special schools reached 9.59 billion yuan.

"Special education is not charity, but the government's duty," said Cheng.

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn