A visually handicapped reader scans a Chinese book Zuo's Commentary on Spring and Autumn Annals (Zuo Zhuan) in Braille. Zuo Zhuan is a famous Chinese classic recording the history of the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476BC) of China.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Government officials, publishers and library professionals in the US and China gathered on Monday in Seattle to launch a joint exhibit on Chinese braille publications.

They also shared ideas on how the government and community could better serve the visually impaired to increase their inclusion in society and the workforce.

Hosted by the Washington State Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) in Seattle, the event was sponsored by the State Council Information Office of China and organized by the China Braille Press and the China Braille Library.

Guo Weimin, deputy director of the State Council Information Office, attended the opening ceremony with Kim Wyman, secretary of Washington state. China and Washington state have been active in economic and trade exchanges. The Braille-publication exchange will benefit the blind communities in both countries, Guo said.

There are about 17.3 million blind people in China. Braille publication is the cornerstone that supports the blind so that they can receive equal educations, share societal achievements and fully participate in society.

The Chinese government is increasing support for braille publication through legislation and regulations, having implemented the Basic Public Service System and the Opinions on Accelerating the Well-off Processes of the Disabled Persons, according to Guo.