“I never thought I could pursue a career in audiobook narration until I discovered screen reader software,” said Yang Shu, a visually impaired woman who turned her love for sound into a fulfilling profession.
Yang Shu learned about screen readers during a training session organized by the Disabled Persons’ Federation. “It felt like I had stumbled upon a treasure,” she recalled. Now, as a full-time audiobook narrator, she has recorded approximately 50 novels, lending her voice to both main narration and character roles.
“Many visually impaired people share a similar experience with me,” Yang explained. “From a young age, we tend to be more sensitive to sounds and naturally develop a strong interest in them.”
Using her screen reader, Yang listens with one ear and reinterprets the content in her own words, infusing it with emotion. “I can support myself through my passion. I’ve turned my dream aspiration into my daily bread,” she said proudly.
Government Initiatives Making a Difference
To help more people with disabilities achieve quality employment, the Chinese government has introduced various measures to enhance job skills and protect their rights to work. In 2022, the General Office of the State Council released a three-year plan aiming to create one million new jobs for persons with disabilities between 2022 and 2024.
The plan emphasizes improving employment and entrepreneurship capabilities, safeguarding employment rights, and fostering a supportive social environment that encourages understanding and backing for their endeavors.
Milestones Achieved
In 2023, a total of 544,000 people with disabilities found employment in China, including 152,000 in urban areas and 392,000 in rural areas, according to the China Disabled Persons’ Federation. Over nine million people with certified disabilities are now engaged in various forms of employment, from government-supported jobs to self-employment and public welfare positions.
Practical skills training has been provided to hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities living in rural areas, enhancing their abilities and opportunities. Additionally, thousands have been trained as medical and non-medical masseurs, opening new career paths.
Creating Accessible Environments
China has also supported over 1.18 million families with disabled members by renovating their homes to include barrier-free facilities. These renovations provide assistive devices and smart safety systems, enhancing mobility and safety in daily life.
From 2021 to 2023, nearly 1.24 million disabled children received rehabilitation services, ensuring that they have the support they need from an early age. With the establishment of over 12,000 rehabilitation centers employing 360,000 staff members, service quality has significantly improved through standardized training.
Looking Ahead
As the International Day of Persons with Disabilities approaches, China’s ongoing efforts highlight the commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Stories like Yang Shu’s demonstrate the impact of these initiatives, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Reference(s):
Empowering lives: China's support for people with disabilities
cgtn.com
