'Sweet Homes' for disabled people open ahead of Paralympics

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 150 multi-function service centers for disabled people, named as "Sweet Homes," have opened ahead of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

In a "Sweet Home" in downtown Beijing on Wednesday, 17 disabled people held a party to celebrate the birthday for one of them. They chatted and joked and learned to make dumplings under the guidance of center staff.

The "Sweet Homes" were built to provide multi-services and activities with the help from nearby communities.

"The 'Sweet Homes' are spread all over Beijing and they offer all kinds of services including job training and psychological counseling," said Zhao Chunluan, director of the Beijing Disabled Person's Federation.