In an inspiring initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of people with severe disabilities, Yulin City in Guangxi has embarked on a series of home renovation projects to make homes more accessible. These modifications are lighting up the lives of individuals with disabilities, offering them tangible conveniences and a sense of happiness.
Recently, during an event organized by the China Disabled Persons’ Federation and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Disabled Persons’ Federation, a team of journalists visited Yulin City to explore the impactful “Home Accessibility Renovation Projects for Families with Severe Disabilities.”
One of the remarkable stories comes from Liang Gang, a 44-year-old resident of Lizhi Village in Renhou Town, who has a level two physical disability. He’s spent most of his life unable to stand, using a small bench for mobility. Cooking was once just a distant dream for him. “In the past, making a meal seemed impossible because the stove was too high for me to reach,” he reflected, a hint of frustration evident in his voice as he reminisced about those days.
However, Liang’s situation has drastically changed. Thanks to the support from the local disabled persons’ federation, he received assistance through the home accessibility renovation project. Before the renovations, professionals tailored the design of the stove to fit his specific needs, resulting in the installation of a lower gas stove, a washing sink, and a gas alarm, with a total renovation cost of 3,343.5 yuan.
“Now that I have a lower stove, I can cook and prepare meals on my own. Life has become so much more convenient!” Liang exclaimed, beaming with happiness as he skillfully maneuvered through the kitchen while explaining the upgrades to our reporting team.
Another story is that of Zhong Pi-jin, a 52-year-old man with a level one disability living alone in the impoverished Panling Village of Yulin. Prior to the renovations, stairs at his doorstep severely restricted his movement, forcing him to remain indoors in a wheelchair. “I used to feel trapped at home; life was incredibly suffocating,” he shared. Now, the entrance to his home has been transformed with a smooth pathway over the drainage ditch and a newly installed smart electric rolling shutter door. Zhong can now easily step outside with just the push of a remote control button. “I feel like I can freely enter and exit my home now, and the world outside seems so much more beautiful,” he remarked.
The implementation plan for home accessibility renovations aims to provide transformative changes for 5,546 households in Yulin during the 14th Five-Year Plan. Remarkably, the city has already completed renovations for 6,239 households, surpassing their goal ahead of schedule. As of 2023, Yulin has ranked fourth in Guangxi for the completion rate of renovations and the effective use of funds.
Kuang Zhaomei, chairperson of the Yulin Disabled Persons’ Federation, emphasized that these home renovations are crucial for meeting the daily needs of individuals with disabilities, improving their quality of life, and facilitating their integration into society. “These small changes not only enhance the quality of life for disabled individuals but also relieve caregivers, allowing these individuals to experience society’s care and respect,” she stated.
In various corners of Yulin City, there are many more individuals like Liang Gang and Zhong Pi-jin who have benefited from the accessibility renovation projects. These small yet significant changes knit together a powerful movement of hope and vitality into the lives of people with disabilities.
“I believe that as more supportive policies are implemented, the lives of individuals with disabilities will continue to improve, and they will become more confident and independent in integrating into our society,” Kuang concluded.
