CONTENTS OCTOBER 22, 2016

FROM THE EDITOR

02 Inclusiveness Prevails

03 Serving People With Different Abilities

COVER STORY

04 A Champion of Disability Rights

MILESTONES

08 No One Left Behind

OPINION

14 End of Exclusion

POVERTY ALLEVIATION PEOPLE 16 Right on Target 34 Taking Center Stage EMPLOYMENT 35 Moving to the Beat 18 Willing and Able 36 Living an Adventure EDUCATION 37 A Cut Above the Rest 22 Opening the Door to Opportunity 38 A Machine’s Soul REHABILITATION 39 Brave Heart in a Wheelchair 24 The Sound of Hope COLLAGE SOCIAL INITIATIVE 40 Rio Moments 26 A Helping Hand 44 Colorful Inclusiveness 28 One Step Ahead INFORMATION 30 Canine Companions 48 The Call of Humanitarianism Out in an INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Abridged Version

32 Inclusive Society 48 Rights of the Disabled Protected FROM THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR

A News Weekly Magazine Published Since 1958 Inclusiveness Prevails Serving People With Disabilities

President: Li Yafang Zhang Haidi, Chairperson, China Disabled Persons’ Federation Vice President: Qi Wengong After Team China topped the Rio Paralympic medal tally in Associate Editors in Chief: Li Jianguo, Huang Wei, September, iconic figure Zhang Haidi’s assumption of a global Wang Yanjuan, Ding Zhitao In 1988, the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) was founded. The living Assistant President: Li Zhenzhou role will add a new feather to the cap of the nation. Zhang, Chairperson of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), will conditions of persons with disabilities in China have been greatly improved over Executive Editor: Yan Wei Assistant Executive Editors: Zan Jifang, Liu Yunyun, Yu Shujun take over the presidency of Rehabilitation International (RI) at the the last 20 years. In 2008, I was elected chairperson of the CDPF, working for Production Director: Yao Bin more than 85 million persons with disabilities. Editorial Administrators: Zeng Wenhui, Shi Bosen, Hou Beibei organization’s world congress on October 25-27 in Edinburgh, Commentators: Zhang Zhiping, Lan Xinzhen Scotland. I firmly believe that the human rights protection of persons with disabilities Opinion/Culture Editor: Yan Wei should and can start only by meeting their real needs. It is only when they have World Editor: Liu Yunyun Founded in 1922, RI is composed of persons with disabilities Nation Editor: Zan Jifang as well as service providers, government agencies, researchers and access to rehabilitation and convenient living conditions that human rights pro- Business Editor: Zhou Xiaoyan Web Editor: Chen Ran advocates working to improve the community’s quality of life. With tection carries real weight. Editorial Consultants: Bryan Michael Galvan, Dominic James Madar, As chairperson of the CDPF, one of my priorities is to go into urban and rural Chris Surtees member organizations in more than 100 countries and regions, RI Staff Reporters: Tang Yuankai, Wang Jun, Yin Pumin, Pan Xiaoqiao, provides a forum for sharing experience and information. areas to get first-hand information about the real conditions and needs of persons with disabilities, espe- Yuan Yuan, Wang Hairong, Yu Lintao, Bai Shi, Li Fangfang, Deng Yaqing, Ji Jing, Li Nan, Lu Yan Zhang rose to fame in China in the early 1980s. Despite be- cially at the grassroots level. My colleagues and I visited such families in poverty-stricken areas across China. Visual Director: Pamela Tobey ing confined to bed for 10 years because of complications from Accordingly, we advised the government to formulate and revise its disability-related policies. In 2015, we Photo Editor: Wang Xiang Photographer: Wei Yao polio, she educated herself, learning several foreign languages in- made a special survey nationwide of 26 million registered persons with disabilities, and collected informa- Art: Li Shigong tion about them and their needs. The data is of great significance for the government to conduct relevant Design Director: Wang Yajuan cluding English, Japanese, German and Esperanto, and became a Chief Designer: Cui Xiaodong published writer and translator. She went on to engage in disabil- research and develop targeted policies. Designer: Zhao Boyu Proofreading: Ma Xin ity advocacy. In her various public positions, including as member During this process, we gained further understanding of the urgency of poverty alleviation for persons Distribution Director: Hu Keqiang of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political with disabilities. Therefore, I recommended to the government to grant living allowances to poor per- Human Resources: Zhang Yajie sons with disabilities and nursing subsidies to those with severe disabilities. Last September, the Chinese Marketing/PR Director: Pan Changqing Consultative Conference, the country’s top political advisory body, Legal Counsel: Yue Cheng she has campaigned for a more inclusive and accessible society Government laid out the Double Subsidy Scheme, which took effect on January 1, 2016. More than 20 million North America Bureau for all. people with disabilities across the country are benefiting from it. Deputy Chief: Ding Ying Over the years, in order to realize the goal of inclusive development for persons with disabilities, we Tel/Fax: 1-201-792-0334 Since being elected RI president in October 2014, the presi- E-mail: [email protected] dent-elect has spearheaded multiple initiatives. The RI Strategic assisted the Ministry of Education to develop facilitation measures for persons with disabilities to attend the Africa Bureau Plan (2017-21) to be adopted in Edinburgh, for instance, aims to national entrance examination. Candidates with visual impairments now have access to Braille and large-print Chief: Li Jianguo Tel: 27-71-6132053 offer greater support to people with disabilities around the world test papers. Candidates with no upper limbs can use their own suitable tables and chairs, and those with cere- E-mail: [email protected] with focuses on rehabilitation, human rights, poverty alleviation bral palsy can apply for extended time. In 2015 alone, universities and colleges received 8,500 students with General Editorial Office disabilities. Tel: 86-10-68996252 and inclusive development, a stronger RI network and the global Fax: 86-10-68326628 effect of RI. Rehabilitation is always our top priority. In recent years, rehabilitation centers have been built in more English Edition Tel: 86-10-68996250 The Chinese Government sets great store by the inclusion of than 30 provinces, regions and cities across China. Due to a serious shortage of rehabilitation profession- Advertising Department als, I proposed the government build up a China Rehabilitation University. I’m happy to inform you that the Tel: 86-10-68995807 people with disabilities in the process of development. The first E-mail: [email protected] law on the protection of their rights and interests was put in place proposal has been incorporated into the 13th Five-Year Plan. We pay special attention to the rehabilitation of Distribution Department children with disabilities. We are carrying out “rescue of rehabilitation,” designed to meet the urgent needs Tel: 86-10-68310644 in the 1990s. Later, a series of regulations guaranteeing their E-mail: [email protected] rights in fields such as education and employment were enacted. of infants and children under 6 years. This program has enabled many children with hearing impairments or Published every Thursday by The government has also made efforts to improve basic cerebral palsy to rehabilitate, go to school and enjoy a happy childhood with their peers. BEIJING REVIEW, 24 Baiwanzhuang Lu, Beijing 100037, China. public services and provide more vocational training and rehabili- During the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Beijing in 2014, the Overseas Distributor: China International Book Trading CDPF hosted an event called Equal Access, Inclusive Development. The outcome document of the event Corporation (Guoji Shudian), P. O. BOX 399, tation opportunities for individuals with disabilities so as to help Beijing 100044, China them get better jobs, enjoy better lives and play more active roles. called for the incorporation of the disability issue into the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Tel: 86-10-68413849, 1-416-497-8096 (Canada) In 2016, I proposed the UN establish a World Disability Organization because there are 1 billion persons Fax: 86-10-68412166 In spite of the great strides it has made, China still lags behind E-mail: [email protected] many Western countries regarding disability services. This is large- with disabilities in the world. Website: http://www.cibtc.com General Distributor for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan: ly due to a gap in economic development. With the growth of the The suffering and plight of persons with disabilities is beyond imagination. I have seen some patients with Peace Book Co. Ltd. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who were completely paralyzed and could only blink their eyes to show that 17/Fl, Paramount Bldg, 12 Ka Yip St, Chai Wan, HK Chinese economy, the gap will gradually be bridged. Tel: 852-28046687 Fax: 852-28046409 The differences, however, leave ample room for cooperation. they wanted to put an end to their lives as they had lost the ability of speech. I’ve also seen many autistic chil- Beijing Review (ISSN 1000-9140 USPS 2812) is published weekly in the The CDPF, a member organization of RI, is committed to work- dren and their parents. Some parents had to give up their jobs to take care of their kids. I hope I can do more United States for US$61.00 per year by Cypress Books, 360 Swift Avenue, Suite 48, South San Francisco, CA 94080 ing in concert with its peers in other parts of the world with the to help them relieve their pain, address their difficulties and enable them to live a better life. News Postage Paid at South San Francisco, CA 94080 shared goal of advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with Later in October, I will take office in Edinburgh as president of Rehabilitation International. I will spare no POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Beijing Review, n Cypress Books, 360 Swift Avenue, Suite 48, disabilities. n efforts in serving persons with disabilities throughout the world. ­ South San Francisco, CA 94080

2 3 COVER STORY COVER STORY

Zhang Haidi accompanies Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, on a visit to an orphanage in Beijing A Champion on May 15 Of Disability Rights Contemporary icon Zhang Haidi set to make a difference for people with disabilities worldwide By Ji Jing

hang Haidi, Chairperson of the China She liked reading books, from which she Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), learned how to overcome difficulties. Zhang Zwill assume her new role as president of also translated English novels into Chinese. In Rehabilitation International (RI) in late October addition, she learned acupuncture and offered at the RI World Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland. free treatment to patients. Zhang is the first Chinese woman to take up the In 1983, China Youth Daily published an post. article about Zhang’s story, and other Chinese With a history of over 90 years, RI is a New media outlets followed suit. Zhang subsequent- York City-based global organization with a ly became a household name. She was held up mission to advance the rights and inclusion of as a role model for young people across China persons with disabilities across the world. Lu for her strong will. At that time, Zhang received Yong, CDPF Vice Chairperson, said Zhang’s new bags of letters every day. Some people even role as president of RI shows international rec- visited her home just to have a look at her. ognition of the results of China’s protection of However, Zhang chose to escape the people with disabilities. limelight. She went on with her studies and How has Zhang, a role model for young received a master’s degree in philosophy from people in China during the 1980s, managed to Jilin University in 1993. It required a clear mind realize her transformation to a global leader of and courage to explore a new personal develop- empowerment of people with disabilities? ment path in the face of overwhelming honors. Zhang’s hard work has paid off. Since 1983, From humble beginnings she has published works amounting to over 2

million characters in length. One of her novels, XINHUA Zhang was born in east China’s Shandong Dream in a Wheelchair, was published in Japan Province in 1955. At the age of 5, she suffered and South Korea and had been adapted into a paraplegia due to a spinal cord disease. She film. Another of her novels, The Topmost, was therefore laid in bed for 10 years and had no recently published in English. Zhang was elect- of the CDPF, Zhang is committed to advancing specialists who should be cultivated by spe- friends. Zhang said those were the loneliest social activities and live independently. with disabilities, and rehabilitation centers, but ed vice president of the Shandong Provincial the interests of those with disabilities. She has cialized universities. Establishing a national The 13th Five-Year Plan has mapped out also the participation and support of the whole days in her life and that they taught her to be university for cultivating rehabilitation workers Writers Association in 2002. always attached great importance to the reha- a goal of putting in place a rehabilitation as- of society. strong. bilitation of people with disabilities and regards was incorporated into the 13th Five-Year Plan sistance system for children with disabilities Zhang has suggested multiple times that Although Zhang didn’t attend school, it as the key to improving their quality of life. (2016-20). Zhang believes such an institution and realizing free surgical procedures, auxiliary people with disabilities should be granted equal she learned all the primary school and middle Disability advocate Zhang said most people with disabilities will help alleviate the difficulties endured by school subjects, including English, on her own. In November 2008, Zhang became chairperson in China are in urgent need of rehabilitation, people with disabilities. equipment and rehabilitation therapy for chil- opportunities to take part in the national univer- At the age of 10, her mother gave her a note- of the CDPF and embarked on a new journey. but service provisions presently fall far short Zhang is most concerned with the reha- dren aged up to 6 who have visual or hearing sity entrance examination. book so she could keep a diary. She recorded Her predecessor, Deng Pufang, is the winner of demand. Of the over 26 million citizens bilitation of children with disabilities. The most impairments, speech disorders, other physical The Ministry of Education and the CDPF the knowledge she learned by herself as well as of the 2003 UN Human Rights Prize, the first registered as having disabilities, less than 30 important period for rehabilitation is during disabilities and mental deficiencies or autism. the jointly issued in April 2015 regulations her aspirations. Zhang said she would not have person with disabilities worldwide and the first percent have access to rehabilitation services. childhood. Children with disabilities who have The realization of such a goal requires not only aimed at protecting the rights and interests of become a writer later on had she not developed Chinese person to have won the honor. The primary problem is the lack of professional received effective rehabilitation therapy can relentless effort from all levels of government, people with disabilities sitting the exam. The s s the habit of writing a diary in her teenage years. Like Deng, who is currently honorary chair rehabilitation workers. Such multi-domain gain or re-gain the abilities to learn, take part in federations representing the interests of people measures include providing test papers in large 4 5 COVER STORY COVER STORY CFP CFP font sizes and in Braille as well as sign language Global outreach interpreters. Such steps make a vast difference During Beijing’s bid for to students with disabilities taking the university the 2022 Winter Olympic entrance exam, and higher educational institu- Games, Zhang said in a tions admitted 8,500 such students in 2015. speech on July 31, 2015 Zhang said education is essential if people that although she had with disabilities are to realize equal participation been wheelchair-bound and integrated development goals. During the since being paralyzed 55 13th Five-Year Plan period, China will continue years previously, her heart to improve the educational system for people had always forged ahead. with disabilities and develop special education in order to enable such people to have access “Paralympians are to quality education. In particular, China will real heroes, and their promote inclusive education to allow more chil- spirit empowers the whole dren with disabilities to study in regular schools world. The 2008 Beijing and grow up together with other children. Paralympics left a valu- Zhang knows full well the importance of acces- able legacy for people sible facilities for people with disabilities. She said the with disabilities. I sincerely construction of barrier-free infrastructure exempli- hope the 2022 Winter fies humanitarian concern and benefits the whole Paralympic Games are of society. Such infrastructure is important to guar- held in Beijing,” said Zhang. antee that people with disabilities, senior citizens After Beijing won the and invalids can take part in social activities. Pushing bid, Zhang was in tears. forward the construction of such infrastructure is “I’m happy for China to win therefore important, and the Central Government the Winter Olympics bid. A issued a guideline for promoting barrier-free access lot of brothers and sisters in 2012. with disabilities will come RI created the International Symbol of to China to train for the Access, featuring a stylized image of a wheel- games, and we will have chair, in 1969. It is said to be one of the most more accessible facilities. Zhang Haidi visits the Shaanxi Provincial Conference on Assistive Devices & Technology, Rehabilitation Center for People With Disabilities in recognized signs in the world today. The whole nation will make a great endeavor which was held in conjunction with a high-level the province’s capital, Xi’an, on February 9, 2015 China is seeking to complete the process to make the Winter Olympics and Paralympics meeting on disability cooperation among Asia- of building a moderately prosperous society in a success and help people with disabilities live Europe Meeting (ASEM) members that took all respects by 2020. Zhang is concerned with better lives,” she said. place in Beijing on October 29, 2015. whether people with disabilities can get out of Zhang headed China’s delegation for the and children. Merkel added that cooperation on develop- poverty and become moderately prosperous in 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In addition, as leader of the RI Strategic Plan ment of people with disabilities under the ASEM sync with other people. During the games, Team China won 107 gold, (2017-21) drafting committee, Zhang played an framework had opened up new areas of coop- Lifting people with disabilities out of poverty 81 silver and 51 bronze medals, broke 51 world essential role in the formulation of the plan, set eration for China and Germany and had bright is a tough task. Currently, over 4 million such records, and topped both the overall medal tally to be adopted at the Edinburgh conference. prospects. Germany is willing to strengthen people live in extreme poverty in China. People and the gold medal tally. The plan aims to reinforce RI’s leading role cooperation and mutual learning with China on with disabilities should not be left out on the Zhang said the medals resulted from in promoting the rights and inclusion of people development of people with disabilities, explore path toward prosperity. Chinese athletes’ efforts and served to empower with disabilities. Based on the vision and mission new cooperation models, and help with the Zhang is pleased to see that the 13th all people with disabilities in China. that all people with disabilities shall live in an in- development of people with disabilities in China Five-Year Plan has special sections devoted Since becoming CDPF chairperson, Zhang has clusive world and enjoy active participation and in order to enable the nation to become a mod- to people with disabilities. She said various actively pushed for the organization’s cooperation full human rights, it proposes five focuses— erately prosperous society in all respects. measures should be introduced to solve the and exchanges with international organizations. rehabilitation, human rights, poverty alleviation UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon highly problems of people with disabilities in China, the The Central Government and the CDPF have ad- and inclusive development, a stronger RI net- commended China’s efforts toward protecting number of whom totals 85 million, and acceler- vocated the inclusion of development of people work, and the global effect of RI—to provide the rights of people with disabilities and the na- ate their progress toward prosperity. with disabilities in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable support to people with disabilities around the tion’s achievements in this regard to date during Zhang suggests leveraging big data to Development. In order to acknowledge China’s world. lift people with disabilities out of poverty. The contribution to that cause, the UN invited the CDPF a conference held by the Chinese Government “With joint efforts of individuals as well as CDPF will establish a large database to provide to co-design and issue a souvenir stamp with the to mark the 10th anniversary of the passing of international organizations, the goals can be reference data for the nation’s targeted poverty theme of people with disabilities as part of celebra- the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons fully achieved,” said Li Xiaomei, Deputy Director alleviation efforts. In the meantime, the organi- tions for the international organization’s 70th With Disabilities in July. RI oversaw the adoption of the International Affairs Department of the zation will prompt the government and call on anniversary. of the convention in 2006. CDPF. “As a national member organization of RI, society at large to help people with disabilities. The topic “disabled people and economic The future of RI with Zhang as president we believe the work of the CDPF can have posi- Zhang believes that with these efforts, the living development,” proposed by China, has become holds promise. Since she was elected in 2014, tive effects on RI’s future development.” standards of people with disabilities will signifi- a formal topic at the Asia-Pacific Economic Zhang has attended multiple RI meetings and The interaction between RI and the CDPF cantly improve in five years. Cooperation (APEC) forum, and a CDPF repre- reviewed the performance of the organization can strengthen mutual understanding and pro- sentative was elected the first chairperson of with members of the Executive Committee. mote disability rights and interests in China and the APEC Group of Friends on Disability Issues. Together, they have launched new initiatives. For beyond, Li added. Zhang Haidi visits children undergoing rehabilitation training at a comprehensive service center for people with German Chancellor Angela Merkel said instance, an African fund has been established “We will try to enable RI to continue contrib- disabilities in Xinmi, central China’s Henan Province, on inclusiveness is the key to the development to help impoverished people with disabili- uting positively to the empowerment of people December 23, 2012 of people with disabilities during the Global ties in African countries, especially women with disabilities worldwide,” Zhang said. n 6 7 MILESTONES MILESTONES No One Left Behind XINHUA China strives to promote the well-being of citizens with disabilities By Zhang Zhiping & Wang Hairong

ang Yuanwang exudes confi- Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF). Also, twice the national average. dence. It’s the confidence that 9.13 million people with disabilities received According to the national yardstick effec- stems from his transformation— government or private assistance to find tive from 2011, those earning less than 2,300 from someone who needed help employment or other means of livelihood. yuan ($343) annually vis-a-vis 2010 prices to someone who helps others. In addition, 438,000 impoverished people are considered to be impoverished. YYang lives in Datang, a village in central with disabilities had their dilapidated houses On October 17, 2015, China’s National China’s Hunan Province. A few years ago, a renovated and 3.36 million received training Poverty Relief Day, CDPF Chairperson Zhang workplace accident left him with a maimed in vocational skills. Haidi said alleviating the poverty of rural left hand and he went into severe depres- Between 2012, when the government people with disabilities is directly related to sion. Then he happened to take part in a released the Outline for Development- the effectiveness of development-oriented free training in livestock breeding conducted Oriented Poverty Reduction for China’s Rural poverty mitigation. by the Disabled Persons’ Federation of Areas, a poverty reduction plan that will run China attaches great importance to Hongjiang City and it changed his life. He till 2020, and last year, more than 6.8 million targeted poverty reduction. The national learned to raise chickens, ducks and pigs and rural residents with disabilities had received poverty alleviation program includes assis- later traveled out of town with the federation state support. tance measures for persons with disabilities. to learn how to keep swans. The government has said it will verify the In 2009, with the federation’s help, Yang status of indigent people with disabilities and founded an animal husbandry cooperative Poverty alleviation designate persons to help such households. with other villagers. The new cooperative The Chinese Government has announced From January 1, the government has initially leased a reservoir where it bred fish that by 2020, all the 70 million-plus people started giving subsistence allowances to and set up a farm to rear poultry, goats, pigs living below the national poverty standard such persons as well as a nursing subsidy and swans. It obtained low-interest loans will be lifted, including millions of citizens to those with severe disabilities. This is in available to persons with disabilities and the with disabilities. line with the policies rolled out by the State business gradually expanded. Today, more CDPF statistics show that of China’s 85 Council, China’s cabinet, in 2015 to increase than 50 people are working in the coopera- million people with disabilities, over 70 per- welfare benefits for people with disabilities. tive, including several with disabilities. cent live in rural areas; one out of every five These allowances benefit about 20 million Between 2011 and 2015, a total of 5.06 rural persons with disabilities lives below the people with disabilities, Zhang said at a press million people with disabilities moved out current poverty line. This indicates that the conference on August 31. of poverty in China, according to the China indigence rate in this group is more than The government is also providing more vocational training opportunities and mortgage- and interest-free micro loans to persons with disabilities. Industrial bases China Disabled Persons’ Federation have been created to provide more employ- Established in March 1988, the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) is a national um- ment opportunities for them and an income brella organization of and for persons with diverse disabilities. Its mission is to promote the full support program has been created for peo- President Xi Jinping visits a nursing home for people with disabilities in Tangshan, participation of persons with disabilities in society on an equal basis with others, ensure that ple with disabilities who can’t work. Hebei Province, on July 28 persons with disabilities share in the material and cultural achievements of society, as well as Additionally, the private sector is encour- foster humanitarianism in society. aged to employ impoverished people with Headquartered in Beijing, the CDPF performs three key functions: represent the com- disabilities or run special projects to assist mon interests and safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities; provide comprehensive them. governments also took measures to imple- have been asked to take the lead in recruit- “I took two civil service exams before but services to persons with disabilities; and, as commissioned by the Government of China, ment it. ing people with disabilities. did not measure well against the able-bodied supervise the administration of disability-related affairs. The CDPF serves as the secretariat of Job promotions A State Council regulation in 2015 says Shen Weiwei, a Shanghai resident candidates,” Shen said. the State Council Working Committee on Disability. Since 1990, the government requires em- that except for small businesses less than 3 with disabilities, is a civil servant with the In 2015, the Beijing Municipal The CDPF enjoys special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. It years old and hiring fewer than 20 people, Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Government also reserved five jobs for per- also represents China in, among others, the Working Group on the Asian and Pacific Decade ployers to recruit a certain percentage of employers failing to meet the requirement Commission. In December 2013, Shanghai sons with disabilities to be recruited through of Persons With Disabilities, 2013-2022, convened by the Economic and Social Commission persons with disabilities. In September 2013, would be fined while those hiring more peo- opened some positions exclusively for the annual civil service exam. The practice for Asia and the Pacific. seven central government departments ple with disabilities than required would be people with disabilities and more than 400 has also started in other places such as Deng Pufang is honorary chairperson of the CDPF, and Zhang Haidi is its chairperson. including the State Administration of Civil Service released a document urging employ- rewarded. Government departments, public applied. The following year, 18, including Chongqing and Tianjin municipalities, Fujian, ers to meet the requirement. Various local institutions and state-owned enterprises Shen, were hired. Gansu, Guangdong, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, s s 8 9 MILESTONES MILESTONES COURTESY OF CDPF COURTESY OF CDPF

Premier Li Keqiang and German Chancellor Angela Merkel visit an exhibition of assistive devices ahead of the Asia-Europe Meeting Wang Yong, State Councilor and Director of the State Council Working Committee for Persons with Disabilities, visits the China Rehabilitation Research Center for Deaf Children in High-Level Meeting on Disability Beijing on May 14 & Global Conference on Assistive Devices and Technology in Beijing nationwide were admitted into regular uni- 2012 and 2015, the Central Government and their inclusive development. on October 29, 2015 versities, according to the CDPF. invested 3.2 billion yuan ($478 million) to In September 2015, representatives Since 2010, the government has begun support the construction of infrastructure for from China and the Association of Southeast to offer assistance to all primary and middle special education major in universities and Asian Nations attended a disability rehabilita- school students with disabilities so that they secondary and higher vocational schools. tion forum in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Jilin and Shaanxi provinces. due to lack of professional instructors and tunities and safeguard their future,” Zhang said. don’t drop out because of financial difficul- From 2013 to 2014, state funding for special Region in south China. China has also partici- assistants. In the next five years, the government ties. education increased over sevenfold. pated in the formulation of disability-related There are only 70-odd undergraduate Improved public services will invest nearly 5 billion yuan ($746 million) In 2014, the MOE and several other cen- Social support for special education is goals in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable rehabilitation programs in China, produc- In addition to increasing social security bene- to implement a rehabilitation program for tral government departments released a plan also growing. In the four years leading to Development, and promoted inclusive devel- ing no more than 8,000 trained graduates fits to meet the basic needs of impoverished children. to ensure that every child with disabilities 2015, the China Foundation for Disabled opment of people with disabilities. every year. Of them, nearly 70 percent have people with disabilities, efforts have been Educational facilities for students with has access to education. Various localities Persons raised 20.6 million yuan ($3.08 mil- China has implemented the UN completed only the two-year course instead made to expand basic public services such disabilities are improving. Some are attend- nationwide have also made their own plans lion) for special education, which helped Convention on the Rights of Persons with of the advanced four-year one. Zhang said as medical and rehabilitation services and ing regular school while many have sat in in this regard. 280,000 children and youths. Disabilities, taking legislative, administrative this number is too low to meet the need for special education and housing, especially for the national college entrance examination, Since 2014, the government has spon- and other measures and amended its Law advanced rehabilitation services. The 13th rural residents with disabilities. where special measures are taken to accom- sored the preschool education of more than on the Protection of Disabled Persons. Five-Year Plan (2016-20) envisions building a 550,000 children with disabilities. The MOE International cooperation In recent years, more than 10 million modate them. It has also implemented six national national-level rehabilitation university. is making policies to improve vocational The Chinese Government is taking an active people with disabilities have received rehabil- In April 2014, the Ministry of Education development outlines for persons with dis- education and popularize standard sign lan- part in international disability-related affairs. itation services. Some with severe disabilities (MOE) and the CDPF jointly issued a docu- abilities, and released three national human guage and Braille across the country. Under the joint efforts of China and Eyes on education rights action plans which include protection have received special care. More than 380 ment saying more measures should be taken Investment in special education infra- other members of the international commu- care homes, known as Warm Houses, have China has more than 1.67 million children with to accommodate examinees with disabili- structure has increased. At the end of 2014, nity, members of the Asia-Pacific Economic of the rights and interests of these persons. been set up in Beijing to provide day care for disabilities aged 6 years and below. It is esti- ties, such as providing hearing aids, special China had about 2,000 special education Cooperation (APEC) and the Asia-Europe UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon such people. mated that 200,000 babies with disabilities are desks and chairs and magnifying glasses. schools with 395,000 students and 48,100 Meeting are working together to develop spoke highly of China’s progress in protect- Nonetheless, the rehabilitation services born every year, which will add to the number. Examination times may also be extended for teachers. undertakings for people with disabilities. ing the rights and interests of persons with are far from sufficient. CDPF’s Zhang said in “Childhood is the most important stage of them. From the same year, visually impaired Since 2008, central and local govern- The 22nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Week disabilities while attending a meeting mark- 2015, there were 26 million registered per- physical rehabilitation. So we must seize this students were allowed to take the college ments have spent 5.4 billion yuan ($806 in Beijing in November 2014 saw 20 APEC ing the 10th anniversary of the adoption of sons with disabilities. However, fewer than period to create better conditions for children... entrance examination in Braille. million) on building, renovating or expanding economies launch a joint initiative to pro- the Convention on the Rights of Persons 30 percent received these services, mainly [so that] they can go to school, get more oppor- Last year, 8,500 students with disabilities 1,182 special education schools. Between mote equal access for people with disabilities with Disabilities in Beijing on July 8. n 10 11 MILESTONES MILESTONES COURTESY OF CDPF Report to the Fifth National Working Conference On Undertakings of People With Disabilities

Lu Yong, Deputy Director of the State Council Working Committee for Persons With Disabilities and Chairman of the CDPF Executive Council Achievements During the 12th related investments have reached 19.524 ral information billion yuan ($2.9 billion). Currently, there are system of laws, Five-Year Plan Period 2,053 special education schools. Besides, 3,463 regulations and w The State Council issued opinions on facilities have been set up for the recovery of, rules which accelerating the state of well-being of fostering and integrated service for people with directly relates to people with disabilities. The State Council disabilities. The government has also taken the legal rights Working Committee for People With Disabilities great efforts to purchase services to assist of people with conducted a real-name survey of the general them. The association for Chinese assistance disabilities, and service conditions and demands of people with for people with disabilities has been established, strengthen pub- disabilities. and volunteering work and charity activities for lic awareness w A basic national welfare system has been them have been carried out extensively. and supervision. established. The State Council issued opinions w New areas for cooperation and communi- We should also on the establishment of a livelihood welfare sys- cation have been explored. The issue on the carry out special tem for poor persons with disabilities and the development of persons with disabilities has projects that let them learn and practice laws, nursing welfare system for persons with severe been successfully brought into the UN 2030 as well as legally investigate and punish illegal disabilities. It has also established a basic welfare Agenda for Sustainable Development, making and criminal behavior which violates their legal system framework at the national level for the up for the fact that this issue was not included in rights. first time. Hence, 20 million poor people and the 2000 UN Millennium Development Goals. w Striving to enrich the spiritual and cultural people with severe disabilities will benefit from lives of people with disabilities. We should it. carry out public awareness services and inspire w Basic public services have been promoted. Tasks in the 13th Five-Year Plan self-improvement, self-respect, self-confidence Several recovery projects were carried out so w Improving the top-level design. We should and self-reliance among them to encourage that they provided basic recovery services for improve related policies, regulations, them to bravely meet their challenges and to more than 13.5 million people with disabilities. institutional arrangements and regional realize their life goals. Also, they cut fees for services such as opera- supporting policies and regulations. We w Striving to combine power and resources. The Fifth National Working Conference on disability tions, affiliated device distribution and recovery should actively promote the formulation of We should make basic public services for takes place on September 26 in Beijing training for more than 400,000 children with the regulation on disability prevention and people with disabilities a priority for the gov- disabilities. Besides, they provided foster care rehabilitation for persons with disabilities and ernment’s purchase of services, strengthen services for more than 4.2 million people with the revision of the regulation on education for guidance and supervision, and make efforts to disabilities. Moreover, they distributed 6.655 mil- persons with disabilities, and enhancing legisla- enlarge this movement. lion pieces of related healthcare devices within tion such as social security for persons with w Striving to enhance the security of people five years. disabilities. with disabilities. We should improve the w The decision of the Central Government w Promoting poverty alleviation. leadership system and mechanism in which Government Vows to Improve the Well-Being of People on tackling poverty has been implemented, Impoverished people with disabilities should the Party committee leadership, govern- which promotes the precise recognition of be the focus group for precise poverty allevia- ment responsibility, social participation and With Disabilities and assistance for impoverished people tion and registration measures. We should related organizations all play their functions. with disabilities in rural areas. Practical tech- implement targeted policies and give precise Governments and working committees for The Fifth National Working Conference on Undertakings of People with Disabilities was held in Beijing on September 26. Wang Yong, State nological training was provided to 4.1 million assistance for them: Some of them will be people with disabilities should also play a lead- Councilor and Director of the State Council Working Committee for Persons with Disabilities, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. He people with disabilities living in rural areas. It also guided by industrial development and employ- ing role and make proper arrangements. emphasized the need to conscientiously implement the decisions made by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the distributed 4.85 billion yuan ($721 million) as ment transition; some will be settled down by w Striving to explore new situations for co- State Council, strengthen policy support, and ensure persons with disabilities are able to access their fair share of prosperity within society. recovery and poverty alleviation loans. The deci- relocation and ecological protection; some will operation and communication. We should Wang pointed out that the CPC Central Committee and the State Council pay close attention to work with persons with disabilities. During sion has helped lift 5.88 million impoverished be retrained via rehabilitation, education and carry out the task concerning the develop- the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15) period, social security and public service for persons with disabilities was continually strengthened, the liveli- people with disabilities out of poverty. training; and some of their fiscal stress will be ment of people with disabilities in the UN 2030 hood and benefits of the disabled were improved, and the influence of the work on people with disabilities was greatly enhanced. This shows w Essential activities have been held suc- alleviated through a decrease in educational Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the achievements of the economic and social development of the nation. cessfully, and important anniversaries have expenses, medical treatment and rehabilitation. promote the perfection of the performance Wang pledged to comprehensively carry out the planning framework of the 13th Five-Year Plan and improve the well-being of persons been promoted. Furthermore, people who w Striving to improve public services. We system in the Convention on the Rights of with disabilities. He also stated that the Central Government will take measures to eliminate poverty within the community for persons with overcome their disabilities and role models should make efforts to establish and enhance Persons with Disabilities. We should foster disabilities and improve social security for them, combining general and specific benefaction in order to gradually enhance their social security dedicated to helping persons with disabilities the basic public service network for the dif- the mechanism function of the Asia-Pacific level. appear in all walks of life, which has fostered hu- ferently abled, connecting them through a Economic Cooperation and the Asia-Europe In addition, he said that the public service system including disability prevention, rehabilitation, education and barrier-free facilities will be manitarian action in others. Press coverage of nationwide network. We should make every Meeting, and promote communication and strengthened. People with disabilities will be able to get access to more job training opportunities and business startups by persons with dis- the undertakings of persons with disabilities has effort to improve any shortage of services for cooperation on the affairs of people with dis- abilities will be supported by the government. He called on the China Disabled Persons’ Federation to play a leading role in organizing work on also been enhanced, and relevant social media them. abilities. We should actively participate in the people with disabilities and urged society to take part in the cause in order to promote undertakings for persons with disabilities to a new level. platforms have grown in popularity. w Striving to secure the rights of persons work of international organizations such as w The Central Government’s disability- with disabilities. We should establish a refer- Rehabilitation International.

12 13 OPINION OPINION

Members of the Little Dolphin Choir, the world’s first choir of children wearing artificial cochlea, and volunteers perform at a ceremony in Beijing on July 14, after they won the silver medal at 2016 World End of Exclusion Choir Games in Russia Plan to bring down social barriers against people with disabilities By Zheng Gongcheng complete building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects by 2020, with no per- son with disabilities left out. We need to help them to lead richer and more dignified lives,” Li said. Poverty reduction Poverty, though not the only difficulty for people with disabilities, is often the most press- ing one which creates other problems. People with disabilities are liable to fall into long-term poverty with little means to escape. People with disabilities need special social security guarantees and assistance in the fight against poverty. The outline says that while addressing poverty in rural areas, people with disabilities must be the pri- XINHUA mary recipients of social security and other services. The focus should be on families, es- The outline contains a framework of so- employ such people. pecially single-parent families, with members cial welfare programs tailored for people with with severe disabilities, as well as seniors and disabilities. A new legislation on social welfare women and children with disabilities, as they Reform and innovation for those living with disabilities will be drafted are the most vulnerable group. Reform, a driving force for development, cre- to provide the legal basis for disability-related Citizens with disabilities often have dis- ates new opportunities to promote social social welfare guarantees. In addition, it fairness. To help people with disabilities lead a tinctive needs. The outline states that by puts forward detailed policies on social aid, moderately prosperous life, mere poverty re- 2020, besides ensuring that the impover- welfare and security with specific programs duction programs, income increases, expanded ished rural population has sufficient access targeting certain groups. to food, clothing, education, basic medical social participation and personal development care and housing, there should be rehabili- are not enough. There should be innovative tation facilities and barrier-free residences Participation in social life mechanisms to improve their lives. Entire soci- for poverty-stricken rural families who have Integration is both the objective and means of ety should be encouraged to help them. members with disabilities. social development. In a moderately prosper- A highlight in the outline is the involve- A worker with paralysis makes quilts The outline also says that people with ous society, people with disabilities have their ment of social forces and the market at a textile company in Anshun, disabilities, besides being recipients of spe- own dreams, apart from thoughts about basic mechanism in developing disability-related

Guizhou Province, in May CFP cial care in the fight against poverty, can also necessities like sufficient food and clothing. solutions. The document prioritizes improv- be active in the battle, depending on their They should be able to participate in economic, ing services for people with disabilities. For political, cultural and social activities as equal the first time, it specifies the major areas to abilities and building a society suitable for condition. By developing their special skills, arly last year, a nationwide survey was Xi reiterated this during his visit to members of society. So it’s crucial to remove be covered by these services—assistive de- the group during the 13th Five-Year Plan it’s possible for them to find work, earn mon- conducted covering over 26 million Tangshan in north China’s Hebei Province all kinds of barriers and form effective support vices and technology, rehabilitation nursing, people with disabilities. The extensive (2016-20) period. in July this year, saying that not a single one ey and shake off poverty themselves. In this E way, they are also contributing to building a systems. This requires a higher level of social, institutional care, daily life assistance, and door-to-door questioning gave an invaluable The government attaches great impor- should be left behind in the pursuit of a bet- professional and humane public services. supply of barrier-free products. Industrial, insight into the challenges the respondents tance to involving all the 85 million Chinese ter life. moderately prosperous society and winning widespread support and respect. The outline contains policies and meth- technological and management innovation faced in terms of employment, education, with disabilities in the building of a mod- A moderately prosperous society in all ods to facilitate the participation of people in these sectors is greatly encouraged, par- housing and rehabilitation. erately prosperous society. In his keynote aspects would provide more welfare benefits with disabilities in social life and to improve ticularly those involving public procurement. The survey gathered first-hand informa- speech at the Global Poverty Reduction and to citizens with disabilities. In December Social security community-based rehabilitation, educa- This reform is of great significance for in- tion about the community’s living conditions Development Forum in Beijing in October 2014, a State Council Executive Meeting pre- A well-developed social security system that tion and employment services for them. tegrating government and private resources as well as their concerns regarding social 2015, President Xi Jinping stressed that sided over by Premier Li Keqiang approved guarantees the basic living standards for people Personalized assistive devices for rehabilita- to promote programs for people with dis- security and services in preparation for a na- poverty reduction is part of China’s overall disability-support policies which have been with disabilities as well as economic sustainabil- tion will be promoted. In addition, measures abilities. n tional plan to mobilize resources and create development strategy. The drive to eradicate included in the recently published outline. ity has a positive impact in the short and long will be taken to enable regular schools to a better life for them. poverty would have special policies tailored At the meeting, Premier Li stressed term. To keep improving the existing system, admit students with disabilities. Rights of Subsequently, on August 3, the State for different groups, such as women and that the cause of people with disabilities is China’s comprehensive national strength and people with disabilities to apply for civil ser- The author is a member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Dean of the China Council, China’s cabinet, released an outline children, minority ethnic groups, and people related to social fairness and justice and is a the community of people with disabilities have vice positions will be fully protected while Disability Institute, Renmin University of China on improving the lives of citizens with dis- with disabilities. fundamental part of socialism. “Our goal is to to be taken into consideration. various organizations will be encouraged to 14 15 POVERTY ALLEVIATION POVERTY ALLEVIATION

A villager with disability in Bayan County, Heilongjiang Province, feeds rabbits on May 13. The man has around 200 rabbits thanks Right on Target to the financial and technical support from Tailored measures improve the efficiency of poverty alleviation projects the local government By Chen Ran

XINHUA within. The members conducted door-to- door surveys, registering eight people with disabilities from seven impoverished house- holds. Plans were then designed around the requirements of each person. Villagers with disabilities are encouraged to raise livestock or poultry, provide labor service or buy shares in local projects to increase incomes. In addition, Xie’s team and local officials are XINHUA pairing up with each targeted impoverished family to ensure full implementation of the plan. people with severe disabilities on September than 70 percent of 85 million people with Chicken breeding was one item on Xie’s 25, 2015, which became effective across the disabilities across the country live in rural agenda, as some of the villagers living with country on January 1. areas. Zhang said the obstacles for poverty- disabilities wanted to convert their backyards Xinjiang still has 2.61 million people liv- stricken people with disabilities include little into farms, but struggled to obtain fund- ing below the poverty line. Some 332,400 access to rehabilitation, education, employ- ing. To date, Xie’s team has provided chicks people with severe disabilities could benefit ment and funding. worth 17,000 yuan ($2,500) to the needy from the aid project by receiving monthly liv- Her view was echoed by Zhao Li, eco- households. “We have a shared belief that ing subsidies and home-nursing allowances. nomics professor at Hainan Academy of it’s better to teach a man to fish than to give “All the assigned government workers in Governance. Zhao said vocational training pro- him a fish. Besides, we are making close poverty-stricken villages will not leave until grams designed for people with disabilities, but friends with local villagers through various local poverty eradication missions are com- capable of working, is a feasible solution running communications,” said Xie. plete,” said Zhou Junlin, Chairman of Xinjiang parallel with rehabilitation for poverty alleviation. Like Ajati, Yakufu Maysuti, who also lives Disabled Persons’ Federation. Enterprises should play a key role in creating with a disability, saw his dream reach fruition “As President Xi Jinping had said, ‘We are jobs for people with disabilities as part of their with government sponsorship. A native of trying our best to make sure that nobody will social responsibility. Shanshan County, some 220 km away from be left behind on the road to build a mod- Hadventure, a Beijing-based IT company, Manas, Maysuti comes from a big family with erately prosperous society in all aspects by sets a good example in this regard. The scarce land resources, and the only income 2020.’ That is our promise and also commit- company trained 30 people with disabilities was from his son who did odd jobs around ment,” he added. in south China’s Hainan Province to upgrade town. Earlier this year, he was given seven their typing skills. These staffs were then sheep for breeding along with the necessary able to complete digital and hard copy data Proactive approach projects. “They did a great job, and their funding and breeding information. Moreover, No one has better understanding of the impor- his family was relocated into newly built monthly salary could be more than 2,000 tance of helping lift people with disabilities out yuan ($300),” said Cao Zhe, Manager of affordable housing twice as large as his previ- of poverty than Zhang Haidi, Chairperson of the Hadventure. ous shack. “I couldn’t be happier with my life Government workers of the Cangshan China Disabled Persons’ Federation. Making good use of technology is also District of Fuzhou, Fujian Province, visit the now,” said Maysuti. hen Mureli Ajati opened the doors to his Contact information of suppliers and A national role model of self-motiva- advocated by Zhang. Besides field surveys, own home-based convenience store it how-to guidelines were also supplied and the home of a resident with disabilities (right) of a community in June tion, Zhang, 61, who became paraplegic at compiling accurate demographics based on Wwas the fulfillment of a life-long dream. motivated entrepreneur’s operation is now Policy support 5, has bitter-sweet memories since taking big data is a primary task of Zhang’s orga- The 34-year-old resident of Manas County, running smoothly. Official data show that some 1.74 million office in 2008. nization to help enhance the efficiency of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous people in Xinjiang have been lifted above the At the UN Human Rights Council in poverty eradication targeting people with Region, who has polio, has used the location of Targeted measures poverty line in the past five years. According to Geneva on October 3, Zhang said that dur- disabilities. Currently, more than 4 million his street-facing family home to his advantage. Xie Yande, the newly appointed head of the government in the hope of improving people’s the Chinese Government, people in rural areas ing the past decade, people with disabilities people with disabilities have been registered This spring, Ajati, who lives with his federation, and his co-workers were instru- livelihood. with a net income per capita of less than 2,300 in China have experienced changes in many in the national poverty-stricken population mother and brother, was encouraged by the mental in helping realize Ajati’s dream. Since A four-member team headed by Xie took yuan ($343) annually going by 2010 prices are areas. For instance, more legal documents database. county’s federation of people with disabili- the beginning of 2014, some 200,000 staff up residence in Ajati’s village on February 25. deemed to be living below the poverty line. are issued to better protect rights, driving “Looking up to role models who lead a ties to set up the store. He was impressed members working at government institutions One of their top priorities since then has been In addition to existing national policies licenses are accessible, seeing-eye dogs are happy life through their own efforts helps by the speed and efficiency with which the across Xinjiang have been assigned in groups poverty alleviation using targeted measures. concerning poverty alleviation and people allowed on public transportation and talent- building morale, strengthens self-confidence operating license and other business docu- to work in villages, some of which are poverty- Unlike past experiences that heavily rely with disabilities, the State Council, China’s ed youth are admitted by normal colleges. and cultivates self-motivation. I do believe mentation was processed and delivered to stricken. The program forms part of a three- on outside donations and assistance, Xie’s cabinet, unveiled a new aid project target- However, China’s poverty rate in rural that small changes from within could make a his door. year-long campaign launched by the regional team focuses on finding solutions from ing more than 20 million poverty-stricken areas is double that of urban areas, as more big difference,” said Zhang. n 16 17 EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

Willing and Able XINHUA convenient, and all are equal,” she said. E-commerce unveils business opportunities for people with disabilities Gao became an online store owner in 2014, focusing mainly on snacks and enjoy- By Xia Yuanyuan & Wang Hairong ing the convenience of working from the

XINHUA comfort of her home. Her disability does not restrict her from interacting with clients. “I can respond to customers’ queries through Wangwang (an online chat software between sellers and buyers on Taobao to manage orders).” Her products are collected from her door daily for onward delivery countrywide. To date, Gao has made more than 2,000 transactions online and her store has the “3-diamond” rating—given to trustworthy stores by Taobao. With an annual income now reaching 50,000 yuan ($7,700), she is understandably proud of her independence. Like Gao, an increasing number of people with physical disabilities in China are setting up e-commerce businesses, typi- cally on Taobao. According to the Zhejiang Province Disabled Persons’ Federation, the number of people with disabilities in the province who started businesses online had exceeded 10,000 by July, of them more than Gao Zhilin, a man with disabilities in 6,000 are on Taobao. Langfang City in Hebei Province, edits his Photos of graceful ladies dressed in elegant products’ information in Taobao store qipao, a traditional Chinese dress, in various colors, styles and textures are neatly arrayed in Cui Wanzhi’s stores on e-commerce platforms ago and creating his own clothing labels. Despite the hardships, Lai has constantly T-mall and Taobao. Now his company employs over 500 people, sought a better life. She studied accounting Few shoppers know that the store owner and Cui offers training to people with disabili- in a technical secondary school. Then in the is a man who has achieved success in busi- ties. 1990s, she found her first job in a grain store. ness despite his physical disabilities. Lai Fan, a resident of Dazhou, Sichuan But she lost the job in 2003, as the company “I was born different. God loves me, so he Province, is in her late 30s. She opened her was not profitable. took a bite of me. Although I stagger when online shop, Tubandeng Sichuan Specialty She looked for work and was rejected walking and stammer when speaking, I own Products, featuring chili paste, edible fungi, numerous times before landing a job as a my company whose annual sales exceed spicy peanuts and other local snacks, a few typist in a graphic design workshop. The 10 million yuan ($1.5 million) and which is months ago. salary was low, so Lai taught herself graphic among the top 10 e-tailers [ranked by the “Delicious! The boss said she made it design to improve her earning potential. Alibaba Group],” Cui said during a 2015 herself. After finishing this, I will buy again,” Now, as a designer, her income exceeds that People with disabilities are trained on speech contest aired on Anhui Satellite TV. a customer commented on the chili paste how to open e-stores on Taobao of her husband, who is employed in a steel Cui made it through several rounds of public bought from Lai’s store. Such comments company. The couple has two daughters, speaking in front of large TV audiences to make Lai happy. so Lai wanted to take on a second job to be win the second place. Lai currently works as a graphic designer, “I couldn’t find a job when I graduated able to improve their living standards. here was a time when Gao Mengwen commerce platform Taobao to carve out a When Cui was born, suffocation caused and runs the shop in her spare time. While from college,” she said remembering the “I am a new e-tailer, and there are not felt her life was a cruel twist of fate. The thriving business for herself. during labor affected his system, making his considering taking on a second job, she 26-year-old native of Hangzhou, in east And like Gao, e-commerce is creating arduous routine of sending out hundreds many products in my shop. I would like to T speech slurred and his legs weak. made a friend online who runs a Taobao get trained, particularly in marketing skills, so China’s Zhejiang Province, has had cerebral more job opportunities for people with dis- of her resumes to companies without any Cui’s father always encouraged him, store full time and is doing well. that I can run the store better,” she said. palsy since birth and can move only via a wheel- abilities in China. reply. “I realized my physical condition is an saying, “Do not complain. Rely on yourself.” “I went to the friend’s place and spent a chair. One of her biggest fears for several years obstacle. People with disabilities are looked Supported by his father, Cui decided to start morning there learning how to operate an was how she could earn a living and not be a Dream to reality at differently in the job market.” his own business after graduation from uni- online store. Then I applied for a business Weathering storms financial burden on others. It was technology Though Gao always knew she was different Impressed by the popularity of e-com- versity. license and launched the store,” she said. Opening an online store is just the first step. that threw Gao a lifeline and today the newly growing up, she never lost hope and studied merce, the idea to open a store on Taobao He peddled goods on the street and Lai has had albinism since she was Such ventures do not automatically generate motivated young woman, armed with a laptop hard at school. It was not until 2014, when she was born, and she decided to be her own ran a bookstore and an Internet café before young. The disease not only affected her hair profit, as the online business world is not risk and WiFi, has taken advantage of the giant e- began job hunting, that the reality struck home. boss. “I like the Internet because it is open, opening an online shop more than 10 years and skin, but also left her visually impaired. free. s s 18 19 EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT BEIJING IC number of e-tailers speak to the employees and offer psycho- exploded from tens of logical counseling. Since then, the company thousands to tens of covers the living expenses of Zhang and millions,” Cui said. his brother. Zhang now resides in Weihai, That year, his store Shandong Province, and provides content suffered a loss of 4 mil- for Foxconn’s website from time to time. lion yuan ($595,300), Some people with disabilities who have and Cui decided to opened e-stores may still need assistance switch from selling from relevant organizations, said Yang Jian, fashion clothes to sell- Vice President of Ali Research Institute. He ing traditional qipao. said that as of June 2015, the registered He created a new sales of 80 percent of the shops on Taobao brand called Peacock’s stood below 30,000 yuan ($4,465). As profit Love and has since re- margins tend to be low, many e-tailers do gained his position as not make much money. a top e-tailer. To help quicken the pace at which peo- But not all e-stores ple with disabilities become part of China’s have managed to moderately prosperous society, the govern- bounce back. Zhang ment has started providing living allowances Yuncheng, 36, who to those experiencing financial difficulties comes from the and a nursing subsidy to those with severe Wudalianchi Scenic disabilities from January. Area in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Growing opportunities Province, also runs an The growing interest of people living with dis- e-store with two of his abilities in online employment is borne out by brothers. a report dating back to December 2015, by Both Zhang and the Ali Research Institute. The report analyzes one of his brothers aspects of store owners and customers on have had progressive Taobao. It shows that the Internet has created a muscular atrophy growing number of job opportunities for people since early childhood, living with disabilities in China. Cui Wanzhi speaks at an e-commerce conference which has left them As of June 2015, a total of 316,000 peo- in Fuyang, Anhui Province, on January 31, 2015 severely paralyzed. In 2002, Zhang published ple living with disabilities had opened online a book, titled If I Could Walk for Three Days. stores on Taobao. In 2004, they came to Beijing to undergo Jin Jianhang, President of Alibaba, said When Cui first opened his online store, medical treatment, and they chose to stay in the group is dedicated to cooperate with the it was not successful immediately. In 2007, the capital. CDPF and other organizations to establish an he invested all his savings—approximately In 2006, at the suggestion of their land- online barrier-free environment that allows Zhang Yuncheng (second left) talks with readers about his book If I Could Walk for Three Days, on April 15, 2012 200,000 yuan ($29,800)—to buy clothes lord, the three brothers opened an e-store, people living with disabilities to enjoy equal to sell. But sales were poor, so he could not selling Zhang’s book, paintings by his brother rights on the Internet. customer service training program to help group of friends, he built up his center to life, and e-commerce opportunities are helping recover his investment. and other miscellaneous items such as There are several forms of e-commerce people with disabilities become Taobao cus- help local people buy products from the e- boost their employment rates. Although he suffered a heavy loss, he did clothes and cosmetics. entrepreneurial models for people living with tomer service staff, who would offer online commerce platform and help people receive On December 10, 2015, the CDPF not give up. The following year, he changed At one time, the e-store generated disabilities. Like Gao Mengwen, a lot of peo- consultations from home. The program aims their goods. His highest monthly turnover for and Alibaba cooperatively launched the the business model and hired four tailors enough income to cover their living expens- ple living with disabilities have opened their to train 1,000 people with disabilities in the the service was over 30,000 yuan. Achieving Future program to promote em- es in Beijing, and in 2007, they attended an ployment for people living with disabilities in to make garments to order, so that there own stores on e-commerce platforms. They next two years. would be no inventory. Soon, the originally e-tailers’ conference hosted by the Alibaba China. It will devote 300 million yuan ($44.65 sell and deliver products from home with no The Rural Taobao service center in designed clothes became hot-selling items Group, where they met the group’s famous need to go out. Social support million) over the next five years for training Shandong Province is another business and brought in a hefty profit. founder, Jack Ma. Another model offered by Taobao is its Official statistics show that China currently has for people living with disabilities along with Riding on the e-commerce wave, his But around 2010, income from the e- job facilitation program for people living with model with promise. In 2014, Xie Dikang 85 million people living with disabilities. The the creation of 50,000 Internet-related job business soared. In 2010, he ranked among store dropped dramatically. disabilities launched in 2011, offering call- opened a service center in Daling Village in country is striving for a moderately prosperous opportunities. the Alibaba Group’s top 30 e-tailers. Fortunately, in 2008, the Taiwan-based center jobs that allow handling customers’ suburban Jinan City. The 38-year-old was society in all aspects by 2020. In this plan people “The Internet is a gateway for many people But as competition among e-stores Foxconn Technology Group had hired Zhang calls from home. For example, in July, Dazhou paralyzed in childhood. After doing odd jobs with disabilities are regarded as key “participants, living with disabilities to engage in society,” said became fiercer, his business plummeted in as an honorary employee. At that time, the City, located in southwest China’s Sichuan selling newspapers and other goods in Jinan, constructors and beneficiaries.” Job creation is Zhang Haidi, Chairperson of the CDPF, adding 2012. “A large number of traditional busi- company was troubled by a series of suicides Province, supported by the Dazhou Disabled Xie, who walks on crutches, decided to start among the key efforts of the government to that it encourages people living with disabilities nesses swarmed into e-commerce. The by young workers. Zhang was invited to Person’s Federation, carried out a cloud an e-commerce business. Together with a help people living with disabilities lead a better to earn their own living. n 20 21 EDUCATION EDUCATION COURTESY OF CDPF XINHUA

A visually impaired student takes the college entrance exam in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on June 7, 2015

Volunteers escort a visually impaired college Lai Jiajun (left), a visually impaired student, entrance exam participant on June 7, 2015, takes a photo with his father after finishing the in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province XINHUA national university entrance exam on June 8

persons applied for special allowances at the tions for certain academic programs, it will officially permitted to award master’s de- 2015 examination. demand that the university explain the rea- grees in clinical medicine to students with Li Dongmei, Deputy Director of the sons and relocate the student to a program visual impairments in 2014. Of the 18 col- Department of Education and Employment that he or she is capable of taking. When the lege graduates who applied for the course at the CDPF, said that the Ministry of university recruitment process finishes, it will that year, four students gained acceptance, Opening the Door Education, the CDPF and relevant depart- be made clear whether any candidate has which was seen as a milestone for people ments have paid close attention to the been rejected on the grounds of disability. with disabilities in higher education on the special needs of students with disabilities Wang Jingdan, a student with severe Chinese mainland. and have deliberated favorable policies to cerebral palsy from Sichuan Province, is un- By September 2015, a total of 5,359 stu- help them take regular college entrance able to take care of herself. She applied to dents with disabilities had been admitted by exams for years. In the spirit of equality and Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, but the regular higher education institutions across To Opportunity fairness, the document released in 2015 school intended to reject her, as she failed the nation for the 2015-16 academic year. aims to ensure equal access to higher edu- the physical examination. To help Wang University application is much more College entrance exams become more accessible to students with disabilities By Shen Yan cation for people with disabilities, so as to fulfill her aspiration to attend university, difficult and complicated for students with create an environment for such students to education authorities together with the special needs than for others, Li said. And, after entering college, they still have to face pon receiving an admission letter from June, the Ministry of Education and the China live with dignity and further their personal Sichuan Disabled Persons’ Federation man- foreign languages are to be omitted as ap- a series of challenging issues. Although the Wenzhou University on August 20, Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) jointly development. aged to persuade the university to admit propriate, while white canes, magnifying schools they enter have strong will to assist 2015, Zheng Rongquan, a 20-year- issued regulations that require more as- In order to help special-needs examinees Wang. The university also promised special U glasses, hearing aids and wheelchairs can be such students as much as possible, until very old visually impaired student, was filled with sistance to be provided to examinees with used. Exam takers with disabilities are to be register for the university entrance examina- assistance for her. recently, the institutions had never recruited excitement. As the first such student to visual or audio impairment or other physical allowed to enter examination halls ahead of tion and subsequent recruitment, education Three days before this year’s university students with any form of disability, so they be recruited by a regular university in east disabilities. By taking into consideration the others and can be given extra time to com- authorities and federations representing entrance examination, the Jilin Disabled lack experience in accommodating special- China’s Zhejiang Province, Zheng had high difficulties of such examinees, the document plete tests. the interests of people with disabilities now Persons’ Federation received requests from needs students and making their college expectations for his upcoming college life. set detailed guidelines for their participa- The Ministry of Education proposed in provide various kinds of assistance. two students, Sheng Siyao and Gun Yishu, lives comfortable, Li added. Wenzhou University told him it would try its tion in the examination and thereby fully 2014 that test papers be provided in Braille Through social media such as Weibo for disability certificates that would enable Hopefully, favorable policies supported best to help. And, although his world is char- expressed respect for equality among people and visually impaired examinees be allowed and WeChat, the Sichuan Educational them to take advantage of the special mea- by various institutions will make it much acterized by darkness, Zheng felt a bright regardless of disability. more time to complete tests. The policies, Examinations Authority disseminates sures while participating in the entrance more straightforward in the coming years for future lay ahead of him. According to he regulations, test papers however, were not specific enough at the information concerning relevant favor- examination. The federation worked against students with disabilities to gain entrance to The year 2015 was special for students for examinees with physical disabilities, for time, and only three visually impaired per- able policies. And, the Guangxi Educational the clock to provide the two the certificates universities, where they will have an opportu- with disabilities. On the eve of the annual example, are to be printed in larger char- sons participated in the university entrance Examinations Authority has said if any in time for the examination. nity to carve out a much brighter future for university entrance examination in early acters or in Braille, and listening tests for examination that year. In contrast, 46 such student encounters difficulty, such as restric- The Beijing Union University was themselves. n 22 23 REHABILITATION REHABILITATION WEI YAO

er with their children for several months if they Zhao is anxious about what her daughter choosing the color of the implants, parents are under the age of 3. may experience on returning back to Inner always choose black or gray, fearing that bright There are six levels of classes depend- Mongolia. “In Beijing, she is surrounded with colors might be too obvious,” said Wan Min, ing on the patients’ ages. “For children with youths that have the same problem and there- President of Beijing Hearing Society. hearing impairments, the earlier they get fore feels little difference, but in our hometown, Wan was quite impressed while helping a rehabilitation training, the better the results she might be regarded as an abnormal child,” hearing-impaired girl from Shenzhen decide can be,” Ma said. Zhao said. “We worry it will have a negative on the color of the cochlear implant she To help their disabled students’ future in- effect on her.” wanted. volvement in ordinary schools, the CRRCDC also Chen doesn’t plan to send her daughter “We didn’t let the father interrupt her enrolls youths with no hearing problems. back to her hometown in Hebei Province choice, and the girl was very happy to choose The rehabilitation center is renowned due to the same concern, since she believes bright orange,” Wan said. “In many cases, it is throughout China, attracting numerous pa- that larger cities such as Beijing are less the parents, not the kids, who worry about how tients from around the country. prejudiced. others will judge them.” “Eighty percent of the parents in my class But enrolling into an ordinary elemen- are not from Beijing,” said Liu Minghe, a teacher tary school in Beijing will be a problem. “My More aid needed at the center who has been working there for daughter doesn’t have a Beijing hukou, or When asked by her daughter why she has to two years. “Most of the mothers have quit their household registration, which makes it dif- wear an audiphone while the other children jobs in order to stay in Beijing and care for their ficult to enroll her into a school in Beijing. don’t, Chen replied, “It is the same as me wear- children.” Besides, her hearing problem can only add ing glasses while your father doesn’t—I can’t Zhao, who used to be a mathematics more difficulties to this,” Chen said. “But we see clearly so I wear something to help, teacher in an elementary school WEI YAO the same thing applies to your ears.” in Inner Mongolia, asked for a “It is still different though,” Zhao said. long leave of absence to keep “We can see people with glasses every- her child company. She rented where on the streets, while audiphones an apartment near the treat- or cochlear implants are a rare sight.” ment center and is visited by her Before joining the center, Liu studied husband during the holidays. pre-primary education. “Before I came “My husband earns about here, I had no idea what teaching at the 3,000 yuan [$460] a month, center would be like,” Liu said. “Now, my which is far from enough to friends always ask me whether I use sign cover our expenses in Beijing,” language in class.” Zhang said. “We have to turn to “The attention that society pays to our parents for financial help.” this group is still not enough,” Wan said. A teacher at the China Rehabilitation Research Center for Deaf Children plays games with students on March 2 For the first three months, Long Mo, Deputy Director of the Zhao took classes with her CRRCDC, said that on average, there are daughter every day, starting about 20,000 children born with hearing from 8:30 to 9:30 in the morn- A girl wearing a cochlear implant attends a class at the impairments every year in China. With ing. After that, her daughter China Rehabilitation Research Center for Deaf Children the relaxing of the family planning policy, joined the center’s ordinary in Beijing on March 2 the situation is likely to grow, according classes, which start at 7:30. to Long. The Sound of Hope Zhao, therefore, gets up before “The government in the past decade has 7 a.m. every day and picks up her daughter will try our best. Before that, my daughter increased investment in the rehabilitation of in the afternoon at 4:40. New opportunities arise for children with hearing impairments will stay at the center until she’s 6 years old hearing-impaired children,” Long said. “During Chen Haoliang, whose daughter Hao Feifei in order to get the best result that she can the 11th Five-Year Plan [2006-10] period, the is in the same class with Wang, is luckier, as By Yuan Yuan receive from the rehabilitation process.” government provided 1,970 cochlear implants her husband works in Beijing and can stay with Ordinary schools often foster concerns re- and 9,000 audiphones for free. Furthermore, them. garding the acceptance of children with hearing during the 12th Five-Year Plan [2011-15] pe- hao Xie took her daughter back to Even so, the family acted quickly upon Children (CRRCDC) for further training. Hao was diagnosed with a hearing im- disabilities, according to Zhao, mostly because riod, the government offered 16,865 cochlear Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region pairment 17 months after birth and was sent hearing the news—20 days after the diag- The CRRCDC, which is affiliated to the China cochlear implants are expensive. This may have implants and 18,000 audiphones.” from Beijing during the summer vaca- to the center in March 2014 after receiving Z nosis, they gave their daughter a cochlear Disabled Persons’ Federation, was founded in led to fears that some school activities such as The CRRCDC is also planning to expand tion this year. The child, having stayed in an audiphone. implant. 1983. It is so far the only national center en- P.E. lessons might cause unexpected damage its operations and has selected a new loca- Beijing for almost two years, is now 4 years “We took our child to all the comprehensive “I knew at that time that there were some gaged in hearing and speech rehabilitation in to the instrument. tion to do so. “It will host more kids in the old—but despite having a hearing impair- hospitals in Beijing and finally accepted that she charitable projects that provided free artificial China, providing services for hearing-impaired Parents such as Zhao also factor in other future,” Long said. ment, she is almost ready to return to a wouldn’t be able to recover a normal lifestyle,” cochlear systems,” Zhao said. “But the applica- children throughout the nation. worries when considering what may happen Kang Mengwen—who was the first normal life. Chen said. Therefore, they ordered an audi- tion process takes some time and we were too Ma Yanfang, who teaches auditory verbal to their children should they attend normal Chinese person to receive a cochlear implant— phone for their daughter less than one month Zhao’s daughter, Wang Yunuo, was diag- desperate to wait.” therapy (AVT) at the center, has been working schools. “What would my daughter say to other offers hope to parents like Zhao and Chen. after the diagnosis. nosed with a hearing impairment in November It cost the family 280,000 yuan ($43,110) there for 12 years. students when they ask her why she has to Kang entered a normal primary school and high Hao is now 4 years and 2 months old and 2014. for the operation, which they had to borrow “When I started my work here in 2004, wear something in her ear?” Zhao wondered. “I’ll school and later on went to the United States can communicate fluently with people. “I felt like my world collapsed when we from friends. But that was just the start of the there were less than 100 children and the re- have to figure out an answer before it happens for further study. heard the diagnosis, and my husband felt the whole rehabilitation process. habilitation standards were not high. Cochlear to her.” “She is very confident and I hope my same way,” Zhao said. “No one we knew had After excessive research, they finally de- implants were not as popular either,” Ma said. The world of sound Similar self-conscious concerns are re- daughter can be like her,” Chen said. “No mat- experienced something similar, and we couldn’t cided to send their child to the Beijing-based “Now there are more than 200 kids here.” For parents, financial pressures often follow flected throughout a number of parents whose ter what she does in the future, I just want her imagine what it would mean for our daughter.” China Rehabilitation Research Center for Deaf Parents are required to take classes togeth- closely behind emotional stress. children suffer from hearing disorders. “When to be happy.” n 24 25 SOCIAL INITIATIVE SOCIAL INITIATIVE

People with disabilities at the Guoyuancun A Helping Hand Community in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, receive baking training provided by How local social workers help many to start anew By Ma Li the community management department in July

A woman with disabilities receives rehabilitation treatment at the Huixinyuan Community Center for People With Disabilities doubt my choice,” Wei said. She added that in Beijing being unable to find a satisfying job seriously affected her. “My husband wanted a divorce after the child was born because he had begun a rela- tionship with another woman.” Quitting her job in her hometown and being abandoned by her husband completely destroyed her. “After the divorce I stayed at home alone and became absentminded. Sometimes I couldn’t tell whether it was day or night. I didn’t want to go out and was afraid of see- ing other people,” Wei said, adding that she lived as a recluse in extreme anger and fear during those years. Wei’s psychological condition was dis- covered when a household survey on people with disabilities in the community was taken two years ago. The staff persuaded Wei to go XINHUA outside her apartment and brought her to the center. “At first, Wei just sat there and was un- Each month, trainers from Lead also In two years, he met new friends and willing to communicate with the trainers or take some of the attendees out to foster a gradually his mood improved. He also un- other members. So we talked to her and en- greater connection with society and nature, derwent regular treatment, which helped to couraged her to sing, dance and play games such as trips to climb mountains and walking strengthen weak limbs. “In the past when I in order to regain her confidence and shake competitions in Beijing Olympic Park. was home, I felt my life was wasting away. off her introverted nature. She will only be Specialized doctors conduct psycho- But now, I read, write and draw with others, logical recovery every month and give able to start afresh if she becomes more ex- and life is full of fun.” traverted,” Song said. psychological counseling to those who need it. An expert is invited every season to give Like Han, many others with physical

MA LI Over the last two years, Wei gradually lectures on psychological recovery. disabilities in the neighborhood are getting became more outgoing and active through better through treatment provided at Warm psychological counseling and therapeutic in- Homeland. The most critical thing is for them very morning at 9 o’clock, Song Enlan, Homeland—479 with physical disabilities, been here for almost two years and I feel like tervention provided by the recovery trainers. Sound recovery to attain recovery in their minds through ser- who works at the Huixinyuan Community 122 with psychological problems, 72 who I’ve become another person. I hope to return “Now I only need to take some basic medi- “Happy lives are alike, while miserable lives are vice. Psychological recovery is often far more in Xiaoguan Sub-District in Beijing’s are mentally challenged, 55 who are hearing to society as soon as possible and start anew.” E cine. I’m hoping to rid myself of this some different,” said Han Jun, a 52-year-old born with important than physical recovery. Chaoyang District, arrives at the sub-district’s impaired, 94 who are visually impaired and No one could imagine the pleasant woman has day, return to society and start a new life,” infantile paralysis. “A few years ago I was able to Song said that the Xiaoguan Sub-District Warm Homeland Center for people with dis- 64 suffering from multiple disabilities. Some had severe psychological issues. Wei said. walk a little, but later on I couldn’t walk anymore Office has signed a contract with the Third abilities. Her daily routine starts by greeting of the patients require a long time to recover In 2000, Wei, who was then 25, moved Warm Homeland holds various recov- and my vision deteriorated.” Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of her friends who come for recovery training. after being treated in hospital. And the cen- with her then husband to the capital. “At that ery activities for the psychologically and Every time he goes to Warm Homeland, Chinese Medicine. Doctors are assigned by “I’ve been here for almost two years, and I feel ter provides the optimum environment for time, I had recently graduated from college mentally challenged. The center hires Han is taken by friends in his wheelchair. the recovery center of the hospital to provide fulfilled by helping them and seeing them mak- them to do this. The work of Song and her and had a decent job before I went to Beijing. professional trainers and volunteers from “In the past, I was able to walk around the professional services to people with disabili- ing improvements every day.” The 49-year-old colleagues becomes essential. But I quit my job and came here with great Lead, a social organization, which holds all neighborhood. But after it became difficult Song has made her work in assisting persons hope to support my husband in his career.” kinds of activities during the week: show- to do so, I stayed at home. I feel sorry for my ties in the local community regularly. For the with disabilities one of the most integral parts of Unfortunately, the reality was not as ing a film on Monday, a drawing class on mother who is now 75 years old and has to 30 people with specific recovery demands, her life. Giving hope good as she had imagined. “The first prob- Tuesday, organizing a choir on Wednesday, take care of a son with disability. My mother Xiaoguan has also established a home-based There are currently 886 people with You would never associate Wei Xing with disabil- lem was employment. I thought I could find paper-cutting on Thursday and performing and I used to stare dully at each other day in recovery training camp, providing them with disabilities on record in Xiaoguan’s Warm ities if you hadn’t seen her. “I’m really happy. I’ve a decent job in Beijing, but failed. I started to comedy on Friday. day out. It was a desperate time back then.” one-on-one services. n 26 27 SOCIAL INITIATIVE SOCIAL INITIATIVE LIU LINA

diversity are central to social work. profession dedicated to helping others, but also “help them to help themselves.” “A social worker’s main tasks may include provides abundant space for personal develop- a number of services such as case manage- ment. “In my eyes, the spirit of social work is Future development to make a difference to life”, said Liu, “and the ment—linking clients with agencies and Initially, social workers in Shenzhen were re- programs that will meet their psychosocial difference takes place in both the people I serve and myself.” quired to work for institutions such as local needs, investigating and counseling,” Li said, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers or explaining his work. “Every job aims to achieve Liu feels people with mental problems require social service assistance physically and disabled persons’ federations. Later on, a more optimum psychosocial functioning.” flexible position—the program social work- Shenzhen is among the first group of cit- psychologically because they need help with ers—came into being. ies in China to set up organizations to provide their daily needs as well as emotional support. Nowadays, social service providers involve public social services. On October 25, 2007, Liu recalled one time when one of patients she both social work organizations and program the Shenzhen Government released guidelines served, a 20-year-old woman with mental disor- social workers delivering services in line with for organizing social workers, which laid policy der, locked herself in her room and refused to the various physical, mental and social needs of foundations for Shenzhen’s social work sector, open the door. people with disabilities. Li said. “I was called by her mother, and we stayed The work of social work organizations is [there] the whole afternoon. With patience and “The trend is changing from offering supported by the local federation for people endeavor, [we got] the girl [to] open the door comprehensive services to services in specific with disabilities and the civil affairs bureau. eventually. What touched me most was that projects or programs. In effect, it has already According to the civil affairs bureau, Shenzhen when this happened, the girl and her mother happened. We already have a team of [insti- signed contracts with its first batch of social chose to trust a social worker.” tutional] social workers and program social workers in August, 2007, and started contract- Liu’s colleague, Hu Shuyan, said that social workers.” said Li Si. ing social worker services in bulk in March 2008. work calls for a certain attitude as well as par- “We also hope Zhang Haidi can contribute In 2009, social work organizations began inves- ticular skills. As the role primarily involves trying more to promoting exchanges with institutions tigating demand for and analyzing the feasibility to influence others, social workers need to abroad, so we can adopt advanced ideas and of social services specifically for people with dis- convey positive energy to people with mental techniques,” Li said. abilities. In 2013, a service program targeted at illnesses in order to help them to recover. “Social During an interview with Shenzhennews. such people got underway. workers’ professionalism lies mainly in their em- com, Yi Songguo, a social work professor with Li said Shenzhen’s social work sector de- phasis on providing all-round services,” she said. Shenzhen University, said with the progress of veloped quickly because the city realized the Hou Xiansheng, a social worker with the society, social service organizations will take on necessity of providing social services to enable Nanshan Disabled Persons’ Federation, agreed part of the government’s functions. The future people with disabilities. “We need to be aware with Hu, adding that instead of solving problems of such organizations lies in developing special- that people with disabilities have multiple needs, for people with disabilities, social workers should izations and improving their professionalism. n not just limited to food and clothing.” Statistics from the Shenzhen Social Work LIU LINA Association show that the city, having started from scratch less than a decade ago, currently has 22 social service organizations and 230 so- Liu Lina (left) organizes a game for people with disabilities at the Futian community center in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on May 13, cial workers focused on persons with disabilities. observed as Day of Helping the Disabled in China Voices from the front-line Liu Lina is a social worker who assists pa- tients with mental problems. After moving to Shenzhen in 2012, she joined Shenzhen Pengxing Social Service Institution, the main- land’s first social service organization, which One Step Ahead provided Shenzhen’s initial batch of profes- sional social workers in 2007. In 2013, Pengxing Shenzhen social workers pave the way for development of social care for established a resource center for patients with mental problems and their families, also the first people with disabilities By Ma Xiaowen of its kind on the mainland, in Futian District. Liu has now been working at the center for almost hen Li Si was a child, Zhang Haidi, president of the China Disabled Persons’ with disabilities by becoming social workers. four years. whose picture was printed in one of his Federation (CDPF). The eight years since have Liu’s motivation for taking the job comes Wprimary school textbooks, was a role been a golden period for the cause of people Shenzhen as a pioneer from her belief that social work is not only a model symbolizing the qualities of cherishing with disabilities in China, witnessing the suc- life and striving for self-improvement. After he cessful staging of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic According to the Australian Association of Social grew up, Li Si became a social worker, and for Games, the Guangzhou Asian Paralympic Workers (AASW), the social work profession fa- eight years now, he has been working to sup- Games and a pavilion for people with disabilities cilitates social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation Volunteers walk hand in hand with port people with disabilities in Shenzhen. at the Shanghai Expo 2010. mentally retarded people at a Li started his career in social services in Inspired by Zhang, numerous people have of people. Principles of social justice, human walking activity in Yinchuan, Ningxia 2008, the same year when Zhang became chosen to join in the cause of helping people rights, collective responsibility and respect for Hui Autonomous Region, on May 14 28 29 SOCIAL INITIATIVE SOCIAL INITIATIVE

A guide dog accompanies its owner at a subway station in Hangzhou, east Canine Companions China’s Zhejiang Province China is looking to kick-start its burgeoning guide dog training centers By Yuan Yuan

Ping Yali, a torch bearer at the 2008 adaption period. If the two of them Beijing Paralympics, walks into the can get through this first month suc- National Stadium in Beijing with her guide dog Lucky at the opening cessfully, the dog will go home with its ceremony on September 6, 2008 new owner and serve him or her for six to eight years. At the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, a small number of Chinese athletes were accompanied by guide dogs that had been trained by Wang and in 2001, before he returned to China and his colleagues. Ping Yali, a torch taught at Dalian Medical University. bearer that year and the first Chinese

Known as “the father of Chinese guide Paralympic gold medalist, was ac- CFP dog training,” Wang’s idea to train guide companied by a dog called Lucky at dogs started in 2004 while he was watching the opening ceremony. the Paralympics in Athens. He saw that some “People praised the guide dogs’ In 2011, the Dalian Municipal Government al- public support available to them. According of the visually impaired athletes from other outstanding performance, which was en- located 960,000 yuan ($142,560) for the training to Wang Jingyu, Chinese universities and col- countries had guide dogs. Wang decided to couraging for me,” Wang said. center and pledged to reimburse it 60,000 yuan leges have no courses on guide dog training. make an effort to rectify this for his country. So far, the Dalian center has successfully ($8,910) for each dog trained and adopted. Although some graduates have majored In October 2004, after a lot of research, trained and found suitable owners for 60 of “But this is far from enough, and the cen- in zoology, they have to learn how to train Wang bought three Labrador retriever pup- their dogs and it is still the only guide dog ter still has a deficit of more than 400,000 guide dogs by themselves as what they stud- pies. “Labradors and golden retrievers are training center in China that has been autho- yuan ($59,400),” Wang said. “ Many trainers ied isn’t relevant. considered to be the best breeds for guide rized by the CDPF. quit over the past few years, because their “China doesn’t have a lot of affection for dogs due to their mild temperament,” Wang In May 2009, a guide dog training cen- wages just weren’t enough to make ends large dogs and many people are scared of said. “Guide dogs cannot be too slow or too ter was set up in Dongying, east China’s meet. The remaining trainers persevere be- them. China also lacks appropriate facilities

CFP smart. They must be patient, stable, brave Shandong Province, and in September that cause of their pure passion.” for large dogs,” Wang Jingyu said. and determined so that they can remain same year, another such center was estab- Wang Xin has been working at the A national law that took effect in 2008 u Lei, a visually impaired piano tuner where in the country. Statistics from the China calm during emergencies.” lished in Zhengzhou, capital city of central center as a trainer for three years. She, like recognizes the right of visually impaired from southwest China’s Guizhou Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) show that Wang taught and trained the puppies China’s Henan Province. However, neither of Wang Jingyu, studied in Japan for nine years, people to use guide dogs and stipulates that Province, had been on the waiting list of there are 16 million people in China with visual slowly and tenaciously. When they were only these centers have the CDPF’s authorization. though while there she obtained a master’s such dogs are permitted on public transport W a year old, he sent them to the animal re- degree in phycology, the study of algae. and in public venues as long as they observe the China Guide Dog Training Center for a year. disabilities, but there are less than 70 guide In April 2011, the Zhengzhou Guide Dog search center at Dalian Medical University for After applying for a guide dog in dogs for the whole country. Training Center sent Ami, their first dog, to Before joining the center, she worked at a the rules. further training. Japanese company and earned more than Additionally, the Barrier-Free December 2012, Wu finally got a call from “According to international standards, its owner. In May 2006, the CDPF granted au- 10,000 yuan ($1,485) a month. But after she Environment Construction Regulations came the training center a year later, asking him there should be guide dogs for at least 1 per- Henan Province announced on thorization to the Dalian Disabled Persons’ saw how helpful having a guide dog was for into force on August 1, 2012. Article 16 to participate in an adaption period with a cent of visually impaired people. That means December 16, 2013 that it would invest Federation and Dalian Medical University for her mother, she decided to become a guide states that “visually impaired people bring- dog. If he can get through the month with we need 160,000 guide dogs, but we are around 30 million yuan ($4.46 million) to es- long way from meeting this target,” said You establishing China’s first guide dog training tablish the largest guide dog training center dog trainer. ing their guide dogs into public places shall Mixiu, his potential guide dog, Wu will be the base. Qiufang, who works with the China Guide in China. “Nobody understood my decision, in- follow the relevant regulations of the state. first person in Guizhou to have ever received Training a guide dog normally takes be- Dog Training Center based in northeastern cluding my mother,” Wang Xin said. “But I Staff working in public places shall supply one. tween 18 and 24 months at the China Guide city of Dalian, Liaoning Province. love my job.” unimpeded access to them.” “I have been dreaming of having a guide Dog Training Center and only 20 to 30 per- Not easy insistence Wang Xin’s first year at the center was a However, the situation has not changed dog for a long time,” Wu said. “I can enjoy cent of puppies trained will ultimately qualify “The cost for training a guide dog is about lot harder than she thought it was going to much in spite of the legal clauses. Guide more freedom. I’m tired of having to bother Lonely efforts as guide dogs. Those that are selected will be 150,000 yuan ($22,275) right now,” Wang said. be. “It was frustrating when the dogs didn’t dogs are still often barred from getting my family to come with me every time I go The China Guide Dog Training Center, which sent to a volunteer family for socialization, “But visually impaired people can take them follow my instructions, and the wages were on buses and subways, or entering stores, out.” was established in May 2006, is the first such bonding and basic obedience training. home for almost nothing at all.” just enough for basic living costs,” she said. markets and other public venues in most Compared to the other 324,000 people facility in China. After another year, the dogs will return Funding is something of a concern for “Some college graduates quit after a week or Chinese cities. with visual disabilities in Guizhou that have Wang Jingyu, 49, the center’s founder, to the center for more intensive skills train- Wang and his colleagues. Wang uses his own a month. But if you make it through the first “Guide dogs are still new in China,” Wang never had access to guide dogs, Wu is lucky spent nine years in Japan studying ethology, ing. Eventually, they are introduced to their money to keep the China Guide Dog Training year, you will feel better.” Jingyu said. “We believe that people will be enough to be a potential owner . the scientific study of animal behavior, and human companion and work together Center operational, and has even gone as far Another concern facing guide dog train- more understanding toward guide dogs in This situation is not uncommon else- obtained a Ph.D from Hiroshima University with them at the center for a month-long as selling his apartment. ing facilities in China is the professional and the future, but it will take time.” n 30 31 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Peng Liyuan and Yoo Soon-taek, wife of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, unveil the custom-designed stamp honoring people with disabilities in New York City on September 27, 2015

design of the stamp. “It is a great honor to APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which was cooperate with the CDPF and UNDESA to held in Beijing. jointly issue a disability-themed souvenir “It is the first time that the APEC meet- stamp sheet,” said chief of UNPA David ing has discussed disability issues,” said Failor. Zhang Haidi, CDPF Chairperson, adding that Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President it showed the world China’s commitment to Xi Jinping, and Yoo Soon-taek, Ban’s wife, un- bettering the lives of this group of people. veiled the custom-designed stamp honoring “Inclusion is critical to helping ensure people with disabilities, showcasing the great that people with disabilities can participate emphasis both China and the UN place on equally and contribute fully to their societ- the welfare of people with disabilities. ies,” said Ban. Failor said he felt deeply encouraged Since 2014, issues on people with dis- by the attendance of the two ladies. “This abilities have been an integral part of a series sends a very important message that it is the of cooperation frameworks including APEC, responsibility of the international society to Asia-Europe Meeting and China-ASEAN boost the development of support for the Summit. The CDPF and its counterparts in well-being of people with disabilities and to countries such as the United States, Russia, make every person with disability cared for Germany, the UK and Australia have an and respected, helping them to live full lives.” ongoing dialogue mechanism on disability issues. Global efforts In recent years, China has played an active Government assistance role on the international stage in the protec- While making positive contributions to put- tion of the rights and interests of people with ting the UN Convention on the Rights of disabilities. The Chinese Government actively Persons with Disabilities into practice, China participated in the UN Decade for Disabled has achieved significant progress in helping Persons from 1983 to 1992, and it sup- people with disabilities. ported and implemented the World Program The nation has formulated and imple- of Action Concerning Disabled Persons and mented six five-year development plans engaged in the formulation of the Standard for people with disabilities and is now ac- Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities celerating the well-off processes of people for Persons with Disabilities. with disabilities during its 13th Five-Year Wei added that China also played a key Plan (2016-20) period. The third national role in the drafting and negotiation of the UN action plan on human rights protection was Convention on the Rights of Persons with published this year, highlighting measures Disabilities (CRPD). As one of the first signa- to protect the lawful rights and interests of tories, China has taken a series of measures people with disabilities. to effectively implement the CRPD. China President Xi said that “people with dis- Inclusive Society has also advocated and participated in three abilities are a group facing special difficulties, Asia-Pacific Decades for Disabled Persons. and they need extra care and attention.” China’s effort to promote and protect Since 2016, the state has implemented a China increases global collaboration and improves the lives of its people the rights of people with disabilities has won living allowance system for financially chal- widespread praise. The CDPF is the recipient lenged people with disabilities and nursing living with disabilities By Yu Nan XINHUA of many honors including the special awards subsidies for people with severe disabilities. for the UN Decade of Disabled Persons and A total of more than 20 million people are the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled benefiting from the system. ei Mengxin could not hide his excite- Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the UN Postal Development, which was endorsed at the “Issuing the stamp highlights the im- Persons, and was named UN Messenger Zhang said China’s State Council had ad- ment when he recalled the events Administration (UNPA) created the stamp. UN Sustainable Development Summit for portance of ensuring the full inclusion of of Peace. In 2003, Deng Pufang, then opted a comprehensive mandate that provides Wof September 27, 2015. The day cel- “This event shows that the international the adoption of the Post-2015 Development the disabled into all aspects of society,” said Chairperson of the CDPF, was awarded the guidance on improving the livelihoods of the 85 ebrated the 70th anniversary of the founding community gives full affirmation to China’s Agenda, vowed to leave no one behind, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. He said 2003 UN Prize for Human Rights. He is the million people with disabilities in China. of the UN, and to mark the occasion the UN achievements in promoting the welfare of including the world’s 1 billion people with he hoped for stronger collaboration among first Chinese to receive such an award. “Guaranteeing equal rights and promot- issued a unique disability-themed stamp in people with disabilities as well as its efforts disabilities. governments, the UN, the private sector, China has been and continues to be at ing the inclusion of the disabled has become New York City. on the international stage,” he said. Five provisions among the 17 goals on people with disabilities and their organiza- the forefront of global efforts to promote a worldwide consensus. Both developing “It was a historical moment!” said Wei, the 2030 Agenda concern people with dis- tions in order to “further advance inclusive inclusive development for people with dis- and developed countries have accumulated Director of the Department of International abilities, stressing the importance of inclusive and sustainable societies and development abilities. To ensure people with disabilities experience that can contribute to improving Liaison of the China Disabled Persons’ Inclusive agenda education and greater employment levels so for all.” can enjoy equal opportunity and inclusive the development of the cause in China. So, Federation (CDPF), which together with Just two days before the unveiling of the UN as to ensure economic and social equality In order to feature Chinese elements, development in society, APEC economies we will further advance our international co- the UN Department of Economic and stamp, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable and an inclusive, barrier-free environment. UNPA invited Chinese artists to work on the launched a joint initiative during the 2014 operation,” she added. n 32 33 PEOPLE PEOPLE Taking Center Stage Moving to the Beat Renowned dancer gives a leg-up to young performers with disabilities By Li Nan A young, hearing-impaired man finds success in ballroom dancing By Ma Li rowing up with a hearing impairment, ai Lihua has many titles—from China’s age of 20. They design programs, produce watched TV program during the nation’s 20-year-old Liang Yuangang said that he Liang Yuangang and Zhu Yue perform the dance Lunar New Year celebrations. had little hope for a happy and bright fu- Dancing & Listening during a charity event at Peking dancing queen of the soundless world to promotional and other audiovisual prod- G University on September 15, 2015 member of the Chinese People’s Political ucts, and are also in charge of publicity and The CDPPAT has won worldwide rec- ture. Today, he is a successful ballroom dancer. T ognition after decades of tours. UNESCO The social work major at China Youth Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National marketing. The troupe has performed in 93 Committee. countries and regions. hailed its members as “artists for peace” in University of Political Studies in Beijing re- The 40-year-old president and art In 2004, Tai led the Thousand-Hand 2007. Tai is the only Chinese dancer to have members being bullied in elementary school director of the China Disabled People’s Bodhisattva dance performance at the performed at both La Scala in Milan and the in his hometown Anshan in northeast China’s Performing Art Troupe (CDPPAT) was born closing ceremony of the 2004 Summer Carnegie Hall in New York City. Liaoning Province. in Yichang, a city in central China’s Hubei Paralympics in Athens, Greece. She became Tai told Chongqing-based CTV in a recent “Some of classmates once threw a small Province. After an overdose of the drug a household name in China after the per- interview that she seldom performs on stage stool at my back for no other reason than streptomycin to treat high fever she had at formance was aired during China Central herself these days because of physical prob- the fact that I have hearing problems,” he the age of 2, Tai lost her hearing. But she Television’s Spring Festival Gala, the most- lems. Instead, her focus is on a dance program said. didn’t realize it until much for children with disabilities jointly established by Liang’s mom sent him to a ballroom later in kindergarten. the CDPPAT and the Yichang Special dancing training school—a safe space away It plunged her into Education School in October 2013. from the bullies and unwanted attention at deep depression. Later she Tai Lihua leads the Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva dance performance The program provides free training school —where he thrived. The teacher put went to a special education to students and after four years, the him in the first line of students so he could primary school, where she promising ones are offered a place in better mimic the teacher’s movements. became obsessed with danc- the CDPPAT. “Their kindness made me interested in ing, which led her to perform Besides managing the troupe, ballroom dancing and re-activated my life,” on stages all over the world. Tai also teaches at the school. “My Liang recalled. “Music is a beacon for dream is to train these kids and help In 2007 at just 12 years old, Liang joined dancers. Having no access to them be skilled and educated with the Chinese Disabled People’s Performing music is the biggest hurdle for independent minds,” she said. Arts Troupe (CDPPAT), which contributed to dancers with impaired hear- Advocating for people with dis- his success as a Latin dancer. abilities is another job for Tai. Since ing,” Tai said. “When I started The Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva dance becoming a member of the CPPCC dancing, I was extremely tense performance during the 2005 Spring Festival National Committee, the country’s top as I couldn’t hear the music Gala—China’s most-watched television political advisory body, in 2008, she

or feel the rhythm.”However, program for celebration of the lunar New COURTESY OF CDPPAT has made many proposals to improve she did not give up. She prac- Year—launched the troupe to larger fame. the community’s lot. Her proposal to ticed over and over again. Parents have been more willing to send their subsidize people with severe disabili- To perform The Spirit of the kids to the troupe since the show aired, be- ties was adopted by the government lieving that art and expression can help with Peacock, choreographed in September 2015. More than 20 mil- the children’s development and future. by eminent dancer Yang lion have benefited or will benefit from troupe. Their performance Dancing & even more demanding. “Without the hearing CDPPAT has 37 staff members and Liping, Tai learned all the 700 Tai’s proposal. Listening was exclusively choreographed for aid, I cannot feel the beat, and it’s easier to movements and 3,000 beats 110 performers who have an average age At the annual session of the them, a first in the troupe. The dance blends mess up the dance.” by heart within a couple of of 20. The majority of the staff at manage- CPPCC National Committee held elements of various ballroom styles, includ- But by the premiere, he was ready to months. Her consistent effort ment level also have disabilities. They design in Beijing in March, Tai called for ing Rumba, Samba, Chacha and Cowboy and try it without using his hearing aid. The first brought her success. With and create programs, train the performers, show’s success gave him the confidence he improving infrastructure in small cit- is the troupe’s signature performance. the performance, Tai won a produce promotional and audiovisual prod- needed to continue. ies and towns to meet the cultural It may look easy to the audience mem- national dancing contest for needs of people with disabilities at ucts and are also in charge of publicity and Liang plans to continue his studies in people with disabilities when marketing. The troupe is comprised of two bers, but it took Liang and Zhu six months to Beijing and wants to improve his dance the community level. get the routine down. she was 15. “People with disabilities need teams of performers who can perform at the skills to realize his dream to dance at the Subsequently, she was same time in different regions. It also has a “Before our first performance, the super- Blackpool Dance Festival in Britain, the

COURTESY OF CDPPAT not only barrier-free facilities, but selected by the CDPPAT as also access to social activities,” she trainee team to nurture young talent. visors watched the dance many times. They world’s first and most well-known annual a solo dancer. The CDPPAT, said. “Public education and cultural Liang and his dancing partner, 21-year- finally asked me to take out my hearing aid, ballroom dance competition. Ultimately, he founded in 1987, has 110 services should be provided to help old Zhu Yue, who is also hearing-impaired, which could affect the beauty of the dance,” said that he wants to be a professional ball- performers with an average them live with dignity.” n are the only ballroom dancing pair in the Liang said. This request makes the dance room dancer. n 34 35 PEOPLE PEOPLE

Living an Adventure Three-time gold-winning Paralympic high jumper inspires millions A Cut Above the Rest The flag bearer of China’s Paralympic team inspires with her charisma By Lu Yan at home and abroad By Lu Yan potential. Hou doesn’t just say these words, he 90,000 attendees at the 2008 Heilongjiang Province in 1975. He lost his left paying closer attention to the games, giv- but he lives them. One can hardly imagine Summer Paralympic Games opening calf in a devastating train accident when he ing people a better understanding of us and ceremony were left speechless when the was 9 years old. After graduating from middle that the man who successfully lit the 39-me- what we do.” T school, he began working in a welfare factory in ter-high Olympic flame had suffered from Rong was born in a rural family in flame was lit by the last torchbearer, who used his torso strength to pull himself up a 39-meter the hope of reducing the burden on his family. severe acrophobia. Shuyang County in east China’s Jiangsu rope while in his wheelchair. The arduous climb At 16, he watched a 3-minute newscast about Hou is used to doing the undoable. Besides Province in 1988. Her right leg doesn’t func- was accomplished in just three minutes, and the National Paralympics on TV, which inspired being a triple-Paralympic champion, he is also tion normally due to polio since birth. While the man who achieved the feat was Hou Bin. him to become an athlete and set the path of an impressive adventurer. From 2011 to 2013, people around her felt sorry for her, Rong Hou, a Paralympic champion high jumper, his future. Hou engaged in four extreme endurance never felt sorry for herself—she was an en- was born in Jiamusi City in China’s northeast “I told myself that I wanted to be one of foot races across Mongolia’s Gobi Desert and ergetic girl who loved to sing, dance and take them,” Hou recalled the finished the whole route of 138 km despite get- part in sports in her school years. At the age experience. ting lost countless times after falling down and of 16, she was selected for the wheelchair However, becoming his prosthetic leg getting tuck in the sand. Hou fencing team of Jiangsu Province. an athlete turned out to explored the Arctic in August 2012 and swam She had to take a bus and a coach from be a bumpy ride. In the in the freezing Arctic Ocean three months home to get to the training center more beginning, almost no later. “For me, taking the first step is the biggest than 300 km away. After a six-hour trip, a coach he contacted in achievement, even if I can’t finish the whole robust training routine awaited her. At first, his hometown wanted trip,” he said. she couldn’t even lift up the sword. “Wielding him, since it was hard “Maybe I got used to facing challenges,” it for just a few minutes made my shoulders for them to imagine Hou said when asked where he gets his per- sore,” recalled Rong. “I badly wanted to do how a man without a leg severance. “I have to face them and move well, but all I did was quietly weep in my bed could undertake rigor- forward, no matter what.” and continue with the training.” ous physical training. All his adventurous experiences make him “It was the first time Rong had left home. However, Hou convinced a perfect motivational speaker. He has touched The training was very tough. Her grandpar- a coach with his sincerity people’s hearts with his stories and become ents were concerned and didn’t want to let and determination. a role model for millions of Chinese with dis- her stay there. But Rong didn’t want to quit, When he started to abilities. In 2009, Hou became the first Chinese and she has stuck to it since then,” recalled train with his first coach, Sun Weihong, Rong’s mother. youth speaker at the United Nations Youth he could jump only 1.55 It was her positive attitude that made Assembly. He was dubbed “China Bin” by the meters. His goal was to her the first female to bear the Chinese U.S. media and “Brother Bin” by fans motivated clear 2 meters, which flag at the opening ceremony of the Rio his peers believed to be by him. Paralympics. “Rong Jing is a beautiful, overambitious, though “I wanted to tell them my story, so I could sunny and positive girl,” said Zhang Haidi, he never quit. Having have every opportunity to make an impact on Chairperson of the China Disabled Persons’ trained intensively for five their lives,” he said. “The audience’s applause Federation. “She perfectly embodies the years, he eventually set an and recognition make me very happy. Suddenly spirit of Paralympics. That’s why she was cho-

astonishing record at his there’s a stage that gives me the opportunity to XINHUA sen to be the flag bearer.” debut Paralympic Games speak from the bottom of heart. When I laugh, “Her growth is obvious, owing to her in Atlanta, 1996—jump- my audiences laugh with me. When I cry, they Rong Jing wins gold in the A category of women’s individual foil at the dedication and perseverance,” said Rong’s ing 1.92 meters. Four cry too.” 2016 Rio Paralympics on September 14 coach Zhuang, expressing her appreciation years later he extended After his experience of lighting the Olympic t the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Rong Jing asked how this was achievable, Rong said for one of her favorite students. “Facing his record by clearing 1.94 flame, he said he would never give up on any- was able to secure gold in the A category with deep appreciation. “I have to thank all strong competitors in major events, she is meters at the Sydney thing and share his stories with others, inspiring of women’s individual foil and two more the coaches. My coach Zhuang Xingdi is 76, able to boldly attack and remain calm at the Paralympics and won everyone to dream big. A same time, which makes her an exceptional golds with her team. “It is definitely a dream but she is always the first to get up and the another gold medal in Hou was appointed ambassador for come true,” she happily exclaimed with tear- last to go to bed. I learned a lot from her. athlete.” Athens in 2004. Beijing’s 2022 Winter Olympic bid. “Beijing filled eyes. Moreover, I have to thank the government “I’m just one of the millions of people Hou Bin climbs a 39-meter rope, lifting his body and his wheelchair, Never underesti- hosting the Winter Paralympics will promote a with disabilities, and like them, I am optimis- together weighing over 100 kg, to light the flame at the Beijing Summer Team China secured first place in the for being so supportive of developing sports Paralympics, on September 6, 2008 XINHUA mate yourself because barrier-free environment for people with dis- medal tally of the Rio Paralympics with 107 for people with disabilities. And people from tic and live my life to the fullest,” Rong said, everyone has unlimited abilities,” Hou said. n gold, 81 silver and 51 bronze medals. When all walks of life, especially the media, are also with her big smile. n 36 37 PEOPLE PEOPLE A Machine’s Soul Brave Heart A startup introduces robot-assisted rehabilitation for children with autism By Chen Ran ust one year ago, Edith Liu knew little ing or social interactions and cognitive delays, about robots and was planning on follow- In a Wheelchair in some cases. Specific disorders include Jing her classmates to work at a Fortune Asperger’s syndrome and autism. According to Papercutting artist shows while there’s a pair of scissors, there’s a way 500 company after graduating. Today, she is the a 2013 World Health Organization report, one co-founder of a startup that is bringing a French child in about 160 has an ASD and related dis- By Sudeshna Sarkar & He Shan robot to China to help rehabilitate children with ability in the world. In China, there are about 1.64 autism spectrum disorders (ASD). What a differ- million children diagnosed with ASD. ence a year makes! hose who think Superman comes only disorder, Zhang began to study making paper- in search of a bigger market. There he was be- In December 2014, Liu and Louis Lu, 30, in the shape of a strapping six-footer who cuts when he was about 8 years old. “I went to friended by a man who helped him run a school Liu’s company—Open Source Maker a former engineer at ZTE’s European branch, can whiz through air haven’t seen Zhang school for only two years, and then I dropped to teach papercutting. Space—launched a robot project called A established Open Source Maker Space in T Yonghong. The residents of Chaodong Hutong out,” Zhang said. His mother and grandmother It was a mixed blessing. A student fell in Machine’s Soul on the crowdfunding platform Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province. in Beijing’s historical alley of Nanluoguxiang, made papercuts, and his father made him learn love with him and they got married, despite his Themakers.cn in September 2015. By the Liu and her team spent six months consulting November 8 closing date, the company raised who have seen the 43-year-old singlehandedly it from them. “We won’t always be with you to misgivings. Then they had a baby who was also experts, conducting field surveys and research, battle enemies worse than Superman ever 135,210 yuan ($20,078), surpassing their target and designing solutions. They created a tailored take care of you,” his father told him. “So you diagnosed with her father’s disease. So he came amount of 120,000 yuan ($17,820). faced—poverty, rejection and betrayal—know must learn to fend for yourself.” The first thing to Beijing to get her treated. “I spent 300,000- application platform for teaching and learning superheroes may be less than 1 meter tall and The humanoid robot, NAO, stands at 58 cm based on NAO’s hardware, making a one-on- he learned to make was a cow. He still remem- 400,000 yuan ($44,616-59,489) on the tall and has mood recognition and interactivity wheelchair-bound, but they remain superhe- bers that incident: “My father made me cut treatment,” he said. “I spent a whole month liv- one or group interaction between children with roes by dint of their steely courage and refusal capabilities, such as walking and talking. The ASD and the robot a reality. it 40 times,” he said, absentmindedly petting ing outside the hospital as there was no money robot is programmed to communicate with to throw in the towel. Zhang uses a much more Xiaohua, his pet kitten who had jumped on the for anything else. All my savings were gone.” His Their key innovation, according to Liu, is a modest self-description. The signboard on the children with ASD in voices that the children are platform that comes with a remote control that bed to investigate what was going on. “‘You are daughter’s condition improved but his wife left WANG JING door of the tiny room that serves as his studio, familiar with, such as their parents or pediatri- allows pediatricians and parents to control NAO disabled, so you have to work hard to succeed,’ him, angered by his decision to spend the mon- cians. The kids can also acquire and practice shop and apartment describes him as a paper- my father told me. We didn’t have money to ey on the treatment instead of buying a house. without any programming knowledge. cutting craftsman. Born in Yan’an in Shaanxi, life skills with the robot through an interactive “The ongoing assessment demonstrates buy paper, so my family would collect the red But Zhang refused to abandon his daughter. he inherited from birth an aptitude for making imitation game called Follow Me. that most of the children with ASD have a posi- A child with autism touches NAO for the first time paper on which neighbors wrote auspicious “Both of us lived on the streets of Xidan, making papercut figures and motifs, a traditional art The original developer—Paris- tive response to robot-assisted rehabilitation,” with the help of Edith Liu (right) at the Golden Age things during the Lunar New Year and other fes- and selling papercuts,” he said. “Then my par- Interventions Center for Special Children in Shenzhen, the northwestern province is famed for. But he headquartered Aldebaran Robotics—has an Xie said. tivals.” There was no money to buy knives and south China’s Guangdong Province, on May 25, 2015 inherited something darker as well, a genetic ents learned what had happened and took their open source policy that allows other entrepre- The company began collaborating with the awls, so his father dismembered an old bicycle disorder called the brittle bone disease. As the granddaughter home to Yan’an. But I need to neurs to create their own applications for the Golden Age Interventions Center for Special and made the tools from the wheel spokes. name suggests, it results in fragile bones that stay on and work and make money so that her robot. The robot is being used in computer and Children in May 2015. Launched in 2004, the Zhang sold his papercuts when he was 12, break easily and in severe cases, result in dwarf- treatment is continued.” science classes in over 70 countries, according center is among the first non-governmental re- they’re developing a bigger and heavier robot ism and misshapen ribs. In Zhang’s case, it has getting 0.2 yuan ($0.03) for 10 pieces. Today, In the last two years, business has dropped to Aldebaran Robotics. habilitation institutions for autism in Shenzhen. to counteract the problem. also made him unable to move on his own. there are bigger and more ornate ones with with people not buying large papercuts. Also, Liu, 25, graduated from Audencia Nantes in “The children here are curious about the “We need to spend more time on assessing The third child in a farmer family where all a price tag of 500 yuan ($74) and more. From municipal laws prevent Zhang from selling France with an MBA and toured the Aldebaran robot, which encourages their desire to com- if treatment has improved,” Xie said. his other four siblings have no signs of the Yan’an, Zhang moved to provincial capital Xi’an his work on the streets. Undeterred, he has headquarters in November 2014. Her future municate,” said Wang Jing, a social worker at the The Machine’s Soul project goes beyond

SUDESHNA SARKAR switched to technology, selling them on business partner, 33-year-old Nicolas Xie, a tele- center. helping individual patients, though. Lu said it WeChat, the mobile phone app. “But the winter communication graduate interested in robotics, has helped raise awareness of ASD. It appears to be working. Some children makes me apprehensive,” he said. Besides the arranged the tour. Liu knew next to nothing “Currently, there are fewer than 3,000 pro- recognized Liu after she repeatedly visited the high rent and the 3,000 yuan ($446) he has about robots, but the machine’s human-like center for assessment sessions. fessionals in rehabilitation training for autism to pay the woman who works as his caregiver, capabilities piqued her interest. “I was impressed the other day when nationwide. The involvement of robots will defi- there is the heating charge. Still, he is not ready “I was totally fascinated by how intelligent 4-year-old Fei Fei [pseudonym] hugged me nitely lend them a helping hand,” he said. to abandon the battle. “He is my hero,” said Li NAO was. It was the first time I have found that and sat on my lap right away. Another 7-year- The company has promised to use all the a robot isn’t just a cold machine and it’s not that old boy said ‘robot’ when holding out my arms. money raised during the crowdfunding drive Qing Liang, a 34-year-old freelance writer and far removed from my life. It was friendly and ap- His pronunciation was unintelligible, but I was to improve the existing application platform. neighbor who is also a close friend of Zhang proachable and can be a good companion,” Liu deeply moved,” Liu noted. Beginning in January 2016, they collaborated now. Li described an incident to describe said. After almost a year of operations, Liu and with an autism treatment center and chose five Zhang’s generosity: “He came across a woman “We made up our minds to introduce NAO Xie said the next step is determining how they families to design customized teaching content rummaging in the garbage can for food. Others to Chinese children with ASD because we would should evaluate treatment outcomes. Does the for their children with ASD. passed by without a second thought, but Zhang like to offer a new approach—a hi-tech one—to combination of artificial intelligence, medical “Now, more people know about our stopped his wheelchair and spoke to her. He autism treatment back home,” Xie said. theory and real life application meet expecta- project. Several ASD-affected families have then brought her home and treated her to ASD is a group of neurodevelopment tions? One issue the team has encountered is contacted us. We have recognition and support Zhang Yonghong at his shop-cum-apartment Beijing duck even though he needed the mon- disorders with repetitive patterns of behavior, that the human-robot interaction is interrupted from the government,” said Liu. “What we have in Nanluoguxiang, Beijing ey himself. That’s what he is, a man with a huge sensory issues, difficulties with communicat- if the child pushes NAO or fiddles with it. So, is far beyond my expectations.” n heart.” n 38 39 COLLAGE COLLAGE

Long jumper Chen Junfei competes in an event on September 11

Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets China’s delegation to the Rio Paralympics in Beijing on September 21 and congratulates the athletes on their outstanding performances in the games Rio Moments China’s sitting volleyball team plays against the U.S. team on September 12 Under the theme “The heart knows no limits; everybody has a heart,” over 4,000 athletes competed in the 15th Paralympic Games, which took place in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro from September 7 to 18. Team China won 107 gold, 81 silver and 51 bronze medals, broke 51 world records, and topped both the gold medal tally and the overall medal tally. China’s 499-member delegation, led by Zhang Haidi, Chairperson of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, was the largest the nation had ever sent to overseas Paralympic Games. These images showcase memorable moments during the competition. (Photos by Xinhua News Agency)

Athletes Liu Wenjun (center) and Li Yingjie (left) during the 800-meter wheelchair race on September 17 s s

40 41 COLLAGE COLLAGE

Visually impaired runner Liu Cuiqing (right) sprints with her guide in the 400-meter track race on September 16

Lifter Tan Yujiao during a competition on September 11

Swimmer Xu Qing (right, back row) on the podium with his teammates after Fencer Sun Gang (left) takes part Table tennis player Ge Yang during a men’s finishing first in the 4x50-meter freestyle relay on September 9. Xu’s gold in the wheelchair fencing event singles match on September 12 medal was his ninth in four Paralympic Games on September 13

42 43 COLLAGE COLLAGE CFP Colorful Inclusiveness The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities underlines these people’s rights to full and effective participation as well as inclusion in society. With remarkable progress in their access to social security benefits, employment, education and public services, Chinese people with disabilities not only have better Therapy for children with disabilities in Liaocheng, living conditions but also play an increasingly active role Shandong Province, on May 14, 2013 Differently abled Wu Yaowen paints at the national exhibition on employment and

in advancing social progress. CFP training achievements in Nanjing in June 2011 CFP

A walking parade in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, on August 6

Children with disabilities take part in a sack race with the help of volunteers in Hanshan, Anhui Province, on May 11, 2014 CFP s s

44 45 COLLAGE COLLAGE CFP The first barrier-free supermarket in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, opens on June 23, 2014, employing barrier-free facilities and Braille price tags, sign language instructions and wheelchairs

A young man in a wheelchair takes part in a recruitment fair for people with disabilities in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, on May 18, 2014 CFP CFP CFP People with visual impairments exercise at a training center for people with visual impairment in Maoming, Guangdong Province, on December 10, 2014

Hui Yumei is helped on to a barrier-free bus by the bus driver in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, on Visitors with visual impairment at a museum with tactile displays January 26, 2011 in Beijing on September 5, 2011 CFP

46 47 MILESTONES: NO ONE LEFT BEHIND P.8 | OPINION: END OF EXCLUSION P.14 INFORMATION

The Call of Humanitarianism SUPPLEMENT, OCTOBER 22, 2016 WWW.BJREVIEW.COM Out in an Abridged Version Rights of the

COURTESY OF CDPF Disabled Protected The Chinese Government has in- creased support for people with dis- abilities in policy priorities to ensure their rights to social security, health, education and other services are effectively protected, says a white paper on poverty reduction and human rights released by China on October 17. The white paper hails China’s ef- forts and progress made in poverty alleviation and human rights, includ- ing achievement in securing better rights for people with disabilities. Since 2012, the Central Government has arranged 3.74 billion of discount loans for reha- bilitation and poverty alleviation of 219,000 poor persons with dis- abilities. It has provided vocational training for 1.45 million persons with disabilities, and as a result 1.24 mil- Deng Pufang lion urban residents with disabilities have found employment, the white paper says. elected Articles From The Call of According to the paper, with Humanitarianism, a book examined and government subsides, 1.18 million approved by Deng Pufang, Honorary households of poor rural persons S with disabilities have seen their Chairman of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), was recently published by homes renovated, 3.17 million poor Huaxia Publishing House. The book is an edited rural persons with disabilities have collection based on the first, second, third and received practical technical training, fourth volumes of The Call of Humanitarianism. and 4.96 million poor rural persons It also contains three speeches and articles by with disabilities have been lifted Deng. The production of this book was super- out of poverty. As a result of these vised by CDPF Chairperson Zhang Haidi and initiatives, poverty resulting from dis- the Party Group and Executive Council of the ability has been effectively reduced. federation, and was completed in two years. As of the end of 2015, a total The selection covers the development of 10.89 million urban and rural process and achievements of the undertakings residents with disabilities had been for persons with disabilities carried out in China covered by subsistence allowances, nearly 22.3 million persons with dis- THE FACE over the past 30 years. It reflects the spread of humanitarian thought in China. The book abilities were covered by social old- condenses the author’s insights into China’s age insurance for urban and rural undertakings for persons with disabilities over residents, and 3.02 million persons years. Containing a unique spirit, cultural value with disabilities were covered by and thoughts, the book sends an inspirational basic medical insurance for urban residents, the paper says. n OF PROGRESS message to people who work for the differently The Call of Humanitarianism in its new abled. n abridged version Zhang Haidi spearheads global efforts to empower people with disabilities 48

Caring for people with disabilities needs no reason. All is done out of love.