Disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security. It is also central to the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind. The commitment to realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of justice; it is an investment in a common future.
The Disability-Inclusive Photo Collection Campaign #Make Persons with Disabilities Visible (看见残障人)# was launched by UNESCO on this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December. Responding to UNESCO’s call for photos showcasing the leadership and participation of persons with disabilities in our society, in the past week, a variety of photos were posted on Sina Weibo, showing persons with disabilities participating in work, study, and social services, and enjoying sports, culture, traveling, handicraft, and other types of social activities. Together they tell us empowering stories of persons with disabilities living and enjoying full participation on an equal basis with others, when societies are truly inclusive.
Photographer: Yuan Zhixiong
Photo Description: Jiangu (with visual impairment) lost his eyesight due to an accident. Jiangu loves sports since childhood so he joined a barrier-free running group with the help of volunteers. His community is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. He cannot run outside, but he continues physical training on the roof every day.
Photo and text source: Sina Weibo @东莞袁志雄
A group of courageous and dedicated persons with disabilities of the New Era Civilization Practice Volunteer Service Group participated in the "World Environment Day" activity. The photo was taken on 8 June 2019 in Paodikeng Village, Xiaojiang Town, Pingyang County, Zhejiang Province.
Photographer: Huang Yuehan
Photo and text source: Sina Weibo @Trouailleee
No other flower has been regarded as such a crucial symbol of national prosperity as peony. Under the meticulous carving of several youth with speech and hearing disorders, a piece of rotten wood and a piece of root became a vivid and exquisite wood carving of a peony blossoming quietly in front of people. In the cold winter, a lifelike "peony flower" is still blooming in the intangible heritage Heze wood carving workshop in China Peony Town - Shandong Heze Huangmu Artisan Wood Carving Cultural Park. The flowers bloom silently. In their silent world, the boys are creating their own "beautiful industry" and happy life with hard work and wisdom, helping to revitalize the countryside with intangible heritage, and passing down the ancient Caozhou wood carving skills with craftsmanship.
Photo and text source: Sina Weibo @hanjiansheying
Over the years, I have turned into a reliable and friendly peer from a young volunteer who just wanted to give love and care. I hope that one day we will no longer talk about "inclusion of persons with disabilities and people who are healthy", because then we will not need to deliberately propose inclusion, as there will only be "we". I hope that my hope will no longer be just a hope, and that “we” will be able to walk together slowly on the road ahead.
Photo and text source: Sina Weibo @JennyCui0503
Mr. Sun Yu is sharing some of his experience in research project application with teachers, hoping to help more teachers to successfully apply for research projects.
Photo and text source: Sina Weibo @n_Kiana
You can, so can I
Image and text source: Sina Weibo @浦江小吃
Photographer: Yang Miao
Photo Description: On top of Huangshan Mountain at 1,600 meters, this group photo on a wheelchair looks extra warm. The great mountains of our country deserve to be enjoyed by everyone.
Photo and text source: Sina Weibo @中国黄山
I love African drums. I love the drum set. I love the rhythms. I love the music that makes me crazy. I am moving forward on this road. I hope my voice can cheer you up, and help you find happiness in this special year of pandemic.
Photo and text source: Sina Weibo @Seanlsb
I am a teacher of Chinese medicine; I am a massage therapist; I am anEnglish teacher; I am a psychological rehabilitator. They are all graduatesfrom the Shanghai School for the Blind. They have either amblyopia or totalblindness. Some of them have undergraduate degrees; some of them havepostgraduate degrees; others have college degrees. They are different in manyways and have substantial similarities. They are all giving back to their almamater and society, serving the community with their skills.
Photo and text source: Sina Weibo @Seanlsb
We thank everyone who contributed the beautiful and inspirational shots. You have helped breakdown stereotypes and create a more authentic visual understanding of persons with disabilities among the public.
Special thanks to the UN Country Team and the UN Theme Group on Disability in China for support.
