Despite his visual impairment, Wang Yongcheng navigates the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to pursue his ambitions as a newly elected deputy to China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress. He is working to represent China’s 85 million people with disabilities during the country’s most important legislative and democratic event. Wang’s mission is to amplify the voices of people with disabilities and suggest ways to resolve their issues.
The “two sessions” are the annual meetings of the national legislature and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, where thousands of national legislators and political advisers review government reports and other legal documents and discuss issues of public interest.
At this year’s NPC gathering, Wang brought two suggestions, including one on the licensing of blind masseurs and their clinics. China has issued licenses to tens of thousands of people with partial or full sight impairment to recognize their “medical masseur” profession, but these licenses are often unrecognized by the country’s medical system, leading to difficulties in the registration of many such massage parlors.
Wang proposed the reform of the digital registration system for blind masseurs and clinics to the National Health Commission and other relevant agencies, saying that resolving their job registration issues can help more people with visual impairments secure stable jobs, thus consolidating their gains in the battle against poverty.
Wang’s second suggestion concerns the provision of large-font textbooks for students with visual impairment who are enrolled in regular schools. Discussions with other deputies and officials at the event helped him improve his proposals. “The NHC officials have brought back my suggestion on blind masseurs, and I have exchanged contact information with the NPC organizers so that they can brief me on the handling of my proposal regularly,” he says.
Wang, who is also vice-chairman of the China Association of the Blind, is determined to make a difference for people with disabilities in China. He believes that improving their access to education, employment, and healthcare will help them live a better life and contribute more to society.
As a lawmaker, Wang understands the importance of listening to people’s voices and making their concerns heard. He hopes that his work at the NPC will help improve the lives of millions of people with disabilities in China, and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
According to Wang, good suggestions from the public can lead to effective solutions to resolve people’s problems, which is a hallmark of a whole-process people’s democracy. After the major political season concludes, he plans to return home with the latest information on positive policies for people with disabilities and raise awareness of them.
During the NPC session, Wang praised the steadily improving living conditions of people with disabilities due to the continuous attention and increasing investments from the Party, state, and society. He was offered a Braille computer in his hotel room and a barrier-free car took him to and from the Great Hall of the People, and the conference secretariat established his needs so that he could perform his duties with ease.
At the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China held in October, the report pledged to improve the social security and service systems for people with disabilities and promote the comprehensive development of related programs. Wang plans to convey to his friends with disabilities that the entire country is lighting the path for them, and they are all contributors to China’s construction of a great modern socialist country.
Wang’s positive attitude towards the government’s efforts to support people with disabilities highlights the Party’s commitment to promoting social equality and inclusivity. Through their investments and attention, they are improving the living conditions and access to services for this population group.
The provision of a Braille computer in Wang’s hotel room and a barrier-free car transportation service illustrates the government’s willingness to provide for the needs of people with disabilities, ensuring their participation in the political process. This is crucial to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Wang’s plans to engage in campaigns to raise awareness of positive policies for people with disabilities demonstrates the importance of public education and engagement in promoting inclusivity. It is through these efforts that social attitudes towards people with disabilities can be improved and misconceptions can be dispelled.
The government’s pledge to improve social security and service systems for people with disabilities demonstrates their recognition of the challenges faced by this population group and their commitment to addressing them. By improving access to services, they are ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind in the country’s development.
Wang’s message that people with disabilities are all contributors to China’s construction of a great modern socialist country emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and social cohesion in national development. By valuing the contributions of all members of society, the country can achieve its goals more effectively and equitably.
The NPC deputy’s positive experiences during the session and his plans to share his knowledge with his community are a testament to the government’s efforts to promote inclusivity and democracy. Through the participation of people with disabilities in the political process, the country can ensure that their needs are met and their voices are heard.
In conclusion, Wang’s experiences during the NPC session and his plans to engage in campaigns to raise awareness of positive policies for people with disabilities demonstrate the government’s commitment to promoting social equality and inclusivity. By providing for the needs of people with disabilities and improving access to services, they are ensuring that all members of society can participate in the country’s development.
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