New doors open for the visually impaired

Hard work

Wo and her colleagues are working for the rights of the visually impaired.

"Equal access to knowledge is a prerequisite for those with disabilities to pursue their dreams in the same way as others, and that's what we do. We build a bridge to give them hope," she said.

Lin Yan, a junior school teacher from Anhui province, stressed the importance of passing on knowledge. "Education is important for people with or without good vision. However, for people with visual disabilities, the path toward knowledge is full of ugly weeds, and we have to work much harder than others to acquire the same knowledge," she said.

"I was a teacher and I was glad to pass on knowledge to my pupils. Now that I am in darkness, I have a stronger sense of the desire for knowledge, which is why I cherish every effort in passing it on to the visually impaired."

In his speech at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics review and awards ceremony, President Xi Jinping said, "We will promote all-around development of programs for people with disabilities, and encourage and support them in seeking self-reliance."

Xi also quoted a visually impaired athlete as saying at the Paralympics, "I cannot see the world, but I want the world to see me."

Li Qingzhong, chairperson of the China Association of the Blind, endorsed Xi's remarks and spoke highly of moves made by CBP to link the president's speech with human rights protection and the promotion of China.

"To acquire knowledge and become educated is an essential part of human rights. For the visually impaired, such rights deserve special protection," Li told China Daily.

"Barrier-free books in Braille and other measures, make it possible for the visually impaired to pursue their dreams in the same way as others."

Eileen Jie contributed to this story.