Zhang Haidi, a role model for China's disabled, has been elected the new leader of an international disability rights organization.

Her election on Monday in Warsaw, the Polish capital, demonstrates global approval for China as it strives to improve life for its disabled population, the China Disabled Persons' Federation said.

Zhang, who has used a wheelchair since contracting a spinal disease at age 5, was elected president of Rehabilitation International, which was founded in 1922 and has member organizations in every region of the world.