Objective  To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and needs of rehabilitations in disabled persons in Chongqing.   Methods  According to the Chongqing data of the Second National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006

their epidemiological characteristics and rehabilitation condition were evaluated.   Results  Among the 4 990 disable people

2 689 were males and 2 301 were females

and 1 262 in urban area and 3 728 in rural area. The overall prevalence of disabilities was 6.05%

with 6.43%  in men and 5.66% in women

with 5.27% in urban area and 6.37% in rural area. The prevalence of disabilities in men and rural areas were higher than that in the women and urban areas respectively. The prevalence of physical disability was the highest

while the prevalence of speech disability was the lowest. Those over the age of 60 had the largest proportion. The needs of rehabilitation for disable people were huge

but the rehabilitation services were very insufficient.   Conclusion  There is a large number of disable persons in Chongqing with an overall prevalence of 6.05%. Physical disability is of the highest prevalence

while speech disability of the lowest. The prevalence of overall disabilities in men is higher than in women

and in rural area is higher  than in urban area. Huge rehabilitation needs of disabilities exist in Chongqing. The rehabilitation system should be improved to satisfy their needs.