Wheelchairs users want change - 26th May 2021

Around 85 million people use wheelchairs in China, from a population of 1.4 billion. The country has developed quickly. But people's views towards disabled people are changing more slowly. Many places are unsuitable for wheelchair users. Getting around can be hard. They often have to travel on dangerous roads.

Huang Yan is an e-commerce worker. She feels things are getting better.

Huang Yan: "Of course the whole situation [for wheelchair users] is improving, including people's attitudes. Ten years ago, many people would look at me as an alien. But now they see me as their equal and don't pay too much attention to me. Moreover, the barrier-free facilities are improving too."

Wheelchair users still experience difficulties. Video maker Zhao Hongcheng fights for the rights of disabled people. Zhao caught polio aged 11. Since then, she's needed a wheelchair. She has a Master's degree, but disabled people often have fewer opportunities.

Zhao Hongcheng: "Wheelchair users still face difficulties getting into education and employment. That's why they're not being seen very often, but that doesn't mean there are not many of them. The number of wheelchair users is actually very high."

Huang and Zhao both report problems to Shanghai's city government. This sometimes gets results. But they understand that the situation is worse for disabled people in smaller towns. They hope that positive changes will mean everyone can live together happily.