Li Wei (1st R), program director of Enable Disability Studies Institute, presents awards to winners who of a composition competition "Stories in My Trip," co-organized by Enable Disability Studies Institute and canjiren.org. A workshop that invited over 30 people with disabilities, researchers, and NGO founders was held in Beijing, on December 4. It discussed barrier-free infrastructure conditions in China and decided to create China's first barrier-free touring map. [CnDG by Jiao Meng]

Over 30 people with disabilities, researchers, and NGO founders gathered in Beijing on Saturday and discussed the current state of barrier-free infrastructure in China and decided to create China's first barrier-free touring map.

The workshop was organized by Enable Disability Studies Institute, an NGO that promotes accessibility for people with disabilities to integrate into society.

Dr. David Tool, a professor from Beijing International Studies University, said accessibility means full access for unaccompanied wheelchair users. He believes that if a barrier-free infrastructure were fully functional and convenient, people with disabilities could live independently and go outdoors bravely with dignity.

Dr. Hu Zhongming, a researcher from China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), revealed the latest legislative progress in disability rights protection. "Regulations on barrier free for the disabled will be released next year. It will be a catalyst to improve barrier-free constructions in China," he said.

Grassroots NGO operator Zou Fang has organized several barrier-free tours and encouraged the disabled to go out with the help of their counterparts instead of family members. "It's a challenging task to create a barrier-free tour map in China, but I believe we can make a huge difference if we work together," he said.