Beijing rehab center helps disabled to integrate

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December 3 marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year, the theme is "Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all.” The observance of the day aims to promote the rights and the well-being of people with disabilities, and to increase awareness of the situations of people with disabilities in every aspect of life.

At Beijing’s Yuqiao Vocational Rehab Center, people with disabilities are rehearsing for an upcoming performance.

Fang Chao started to work as a volunteer in February, 2014 at Yuqiao Vocational Rehab Center. This is his first job after graduating from college in 2011. /CGTN Photo

Fang Chao has worked at the center for three years as a voluntary teacher. He is a disabled as well, a result of polio at an early age. He says he is relaying the love he received from the society.

People at the center are disabled in various ways and range in age from 22 to 54. But each has the opportunity to grow individually.

Dang Hongyan (R1) reads Braille at the center. Before she came to the rehab center five years ago, she had stayed at home for 20 years. /CGTN Photo

By the end of 2016, China had established 7,858 rehabilitation centers to help the disabled adapt to society. The country also invested over 14 billion yuan to improve basic facilities. Despite these efforts, it remains difficult to raise public awareness for a truly inclusive environment and make life easier for the disabled.

Zhang Haidi, chairwoman of China Disabled Persons' Federation, calls for a joint effort from the public to take care of people with disabilities.

She says, “If we fail to help the disabled solve their problems, such issues would become their burdens and suffering, or the suffering of the entire family. So we will try our best to help them. But first of all, we will help them get recovery treatment. Only by doing this, can they become better integrated into society and receive education and get work.”

Zhang Haidi, known as China’s Helen Keller, told CGTN that by 2020 when China hopes to fulfill the target of building a moderately well-off society in all aspects, none of the disabled would be left behind. /CGTN Photo

Yuqiao has a whole system of training programs, covering hands-on lessons and outdoor activities. Members also receive government subsidies to support their lives but Fang Chao says they also need professionals to train them how to use recovery equipment.

Disabled people at Yuqiao Vocational Rehab Center rehearse for a public performance. /CGTN Photo

Each year, the rehab center gives four public performances in Beijing. It's a simple skill, as they become proficient in movement and rhythm.

But their road ahead is not a simple one. Since the center was established in 2009, none of them has managed to integrate into the society. There have been opportunities for some to get a job outside the center but nothing has panned out.

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