HOME >> CHINA, METRO BEIJING
Access all areas
By Zhang Zihan Source:Global Times Published: 2012-7-15 19:40:02
Jiang Wenshan shakes the hand of a passerby in Wanfujing with his disabled arm. Photo: CFP
For a few days at the beginning of July, Jiang Wenshan, a 30-year-old who was born without a left hand, partook in the Beijing stage of his "handshaking" trip around China.
During his stay in the capital city Jiang invited members of the public to shake his disabled left arm, which caused quite a stir.
This occurred just weeks after a guide dog and its blind Japanese owner Akihiro Arakawa were stopped by staff at Tiantongyuan Subway Station.
As news of these two incidents spread, a wide discussion took off online, with people questioning whether Beijing is a friendly city for disabled people. Metro Beijing decided to investigate.
Getting around
Public facilities that cater to the disabled are a key indication about how disability-friendly a city is and in this respect Beijing city planners have been busy making strides of late.
"My job allows me to travel to many other Chinese cities and Beijing is definitely the best one. Many new buildings have wheelchair access, which I really appreciate," said Chang Xiao, a singer in a large disabled art troupe in China, who is in a wheelchair. "However, in many areas Beijing still has room for improvement," he noted.
According to Chang, the most "troublesome" aspect of Beijing is its public transport facilities. "Some old subway stations don't have elevators or lifts, so when I'm alone I have to pull the handrails of the stairs with great force. I know it's dangerous, but what other options do I have?" said Chang. "This makes taking the subway difficult."
While the underground can be hard for Chang, taking the bus is not much easier. "It is a challenge for wheelchair users to board most buses in Beijing, as there is usually a distance between the doors and the road. I can hardly get on the bus without getting other people's help," he said.
For a few days at the beginning of July, Jiang Wenshan, a 30-year-old who was born without a left hand, partook in the Beijing stage of his "handshaking" trip around China.
During his stay in the capital city Jiang invited members of the public to shake his disabled left arm, which caused quite a stir.
This occurred just weeks after a guide dog and its blind Japanese owner Akihiro Arakawa were stopped by staff at Tiantongyuan Subway Station.
As news of these two incidents spread, a wide discussion took off online, with people questioning whether Beijing is a friendly city for disabled people. Metro Beijing decided to investigate.
Getting around
Public facilities that cater to the disabled are a key indication about how disability-friendly a city is and in this respect Beijing city planners have been busy making strides of late.
"My job allows me to travel to many other Chinese cities and Beijing is definitely the best one. Many new buildings have wheelchair access, which I really appreciate," said Chang Xiao, a singer in a large disabled art troupe in China, who is in a wheelchair. "However, in many areas Beijing still has room for improvement," he noted.
According to Chang, the most "troublesome" aspect of Beijing is its public transport facilities. "Some old subway stations don't have elevators or lifts, so when I'm alone I have to pull the handrails of the stairs with great force. I know it's dangerous, but what other options do I have?" said Chang. "This makes taking the subway difficult."
While the underground can be hard for Chang, taking the bus is not much easier. "It is a challenge for wheelchair users to board most buses in Beijing, as there is usually a distance between the doors and the road. I can hardly get on the bus without getting other people's help," he said.
Not all subway stations have facilities for the disabled yet. Photo:CFP
Then there is the issue of taxis. Back in 2008 Beijing introduced classic London-style cabs, which have space inside for a wheelchair user.
However, Chang said he has never hired these cabs. "You can hardly find them," said Chang. "I have only come across one on the street once."
There are actually just 30 of these taxis now in Beijing. These, alongside another 40 taxis made by Santana 3000 and minivans, form the spectrum of cabs for the disabled in the city.
Estimates suggest there are 67,000 taxis in total and more than 620,000 disabled people in the city. Seventy taxis for the disabled is therefore far from enough to meet current demand.
Street level
While wheelchair users find public transport insufficient, those suffering from visual disability struggle to walk up a street.
Most roads contain ridges to help the visually impaired. However, according to Song Changhai, Chang's colleague who is a blind singer, he's often troubled by the "strange things" on the pavements. "There are poles and hydrants that can be problematic for blind people as we might walk into them," said Song.
How to solve these problems is difficult. An officer from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of City Administration and Law Enforcement, surnamed Zhang, said they were trying hard to ensure the roads were disability-friendly, but it is not easy.
"If there are vendors occupying the blind area, we will tell them to leave. The poles and hydrants are the responsibility of the environment department though," Zhang said.
Liu Wei, an officer from the Beijing Municipal Commission of City Administration, argued that these issues seldom occur on newly built roads. "These situations happen mostly on old roads, which generally have less space," said Liu.
However, Liu did concede that it is difficult to solve problems when they arise, as different departments are in charge of different issues.
"For example, the telecoms department is in charge of poles, while the fire department is in charge of hydrants," he said.
Given these difficulties, a guide dog is a good idea. Yet according to city regulations on dogs, they are barred from many areas. For example, dogs are not allowed to enter markets, shops, restaurants, cinemas and schools. They also cannot be taken on public transport other than in taxis.
Change is coming
Fortunately it is not all doom and gloom. According to a poll carried out on Sina, the operator of the country's largest Internet portal, of the 12,777 participants who were asked about whether they would support guide dogs being allowed on public transport, 97 percent voted in favor.
Fang Huiyi, a 21-year-old college student, said she does not mind if guide dogs board a bus or a train. "I don't see any problem with guide dogs," said Fang. "I know blind people need them."
The government is on board too. On June 28 Premier Wen Jiabao issued a decree to the State Council entitled "The Accessible Environment Construction Regulation."
Taking effect on August 1, the decree aims to create a disability-friendly society.
Many of the ideas seem like a cure for Chang and Song's woes. For example, current public vehicles will be gradually replaced with ones that accommodate wheelchairs, and those roads and public buildings which have failed to meet new standards in terms of wheelchair access and pavement markings will be renovated.
It also requires public places like transportation centers, civil service departments and public health institutions to have standardized facilities.
According to Lu Shiming, vice chairperson of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, the decree is a breakthrough. "It provides legislation for building up a disability-friendly China systematically," said Lu.
The decree specifically mentions guide dogs. "Staff at public venues should provide a service for people with guide dogs," it said.
These changes will of course take time to be realized.
Upon visiting the Walmart on Jianguo Lu, Metro Beijing was informed that it is now alright to bring a guide dog in the early morning and after 10 pm, but it is best to call ahead. "To avoid consumer peaks," said a member of staff.
"Guide dogs are usually big dogs. We have to consider other customers' feelings. Moreover, our staff might have to provide more detailed services since dogs cannot read," he noted.
Meanwhile, over at Dawanglu Subway Station, guide dogs are still forbidden to enter. "We haven't received any orders to allow guide dogs in," a security guard remarked, who refused to reveal his name. "The only living animals that can be brought into the station are fish."
A personal touch
People are the final determining factor when it comes to how disability-friendly Beijing is. Song told Metro Beijing that apart from poles and hydrants, he is often troubled by cyclists and vendors on the street.
"I do hope these people realize what problems they can cause us," said Song. "The designated area on the pavement is extremely important for people like me to be able to walk around the city."
Then there is the issue of taxis. Back in 2008 Beijing introduced classic London-style cabs, which have space inside for a wheelchair user.
However, Chang said he has never hired these cabs. "You can hardly find them," said Chang. "I have only come across one on the street once."
There are actually just 30 of these taxis now in Beijing. These, alongside another 40 taxis made by Santana 3000 and minivans, form the spectrum of cabs for the disabled in the city.
Estimates suggest there are 67,000 taxis in total and more than 620,000 disabled people in the city. Seventy taxis for the disabled is therefore far from enough to meet current demand.
Street level
While wheelchair users find public transport insufficient, those suffering from visual disability struggle to walk up a street.
Most roads contain ridges to help the visually impaired. However, according to Song Changhai, Chang's colleague who is a blind singer, he's often troubled by the "strange things" on the pavements. "There are poles and hydrants that can be problematic for blind people as we might walk into them," said Song.
How to solve these problems is difficult. An officer from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of City Administration and Law Enforcement, surnamed Zhang, said they were trying hard to ensure the roads were disability-friendly, but it is not easy.
"If there are vendors occupying the blind area, we will tell them to leave. The poles and hydrants are the responsibility of the environment department though," Zhang said.
Liu Wei, an officer from the Beijing Municipal Commission of City Administration, argued that these issues seldom occur on newly built roads. "These situations happen mostly on old roads, which generally have less space," said Liu.
However, Liu did concede that it is difficult to solve problems when they arise, as different departments are in charge of different issues.
"For example, the telecoms department is in charge of poles, while the fire department is in charge of hydrants," he said.
Given these difficulties, a guide dog is a good idea. Yet according to city regulations on dogs, they are barred from many areas. For example, dogs are not allowed to enter markets, shops, restaurants, cinemas and schools. They also cannot be taken on public transport other than in taxis.
Change is coming
Fortunately it is not all doom and gloom. According to a poll carried out on Sina, the operator of the country's largest Internet portal, of the 12,777 participants who were asked about whether they would support guide dogs being allowed on public transport, 97 percent voted in favor.
Fang Huiyi, a 21-year-old college student, said she does not mind if guide dogs board a bus or a train. "I don't see any problem with guide dogs," said Fang. "I know blind people need them."
The government is on board too. On June 28 Premier Wen Jiabao issued a decree to the State Council entitled "The Accessible Environment Construction Regulation."
Taking effect on August 1, the decree aims to create a disability-friendly society.
Many of the ideas seem like a cure for Chang and Song's woes. For example, current public vehicles will be gradually replaced with ones that accommodate wheelchairs, and those roads and public buildings which have failed to meet new standards in terms of wheelchair access and pavement markings will be renovated.
It also requires public places like transportation centers, civil service departments and public health institutions to have standardized facilities.
According to Lu Shiming, vice chairperson of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, the decree is a breakthrough. "It provides legislation for building up a disability-friendly China systematically," said Lu.
The decree specifically mentions guide dogs. "Staff at public venues should provide a service for people with guide dogs," it said.
These changes will of course take time to be realized.
Upon visiting the Walmart on Jianguo Lu, Metro Beijing was informed that it is now alright to bring a guide dog in the early morning and after 10 pm, but it is best to call ahead. "To avoid consumer peaks," said a member of staff.
"Guide dogs are usually big dogs. We have to consider other customers' feelings. Moreover, our staff might have to provide more detailed services since dogs cannot read," he noted.
Meanwhile, over at Dawanglu Subway Station, guide dogs are still forbidden to enter. "We haven't received any orders to allow guide dogs in," a security guard remarked, who refused to reveal his name. "The only living animals that can be brought into the station are fish."
A personal touch
People are the final determining factor when it comes to how disability-friendly Beijing is. Song told Metro Beijing that apart from poles and hydrants, he is often troubled by cyclists and vendors on the street.
"I do hope these people realize what problems they can cause us," said Song. "The designated area on the pavement is extremely important for people like me to be able to walk around the city."
A man follows markings on the road in Beijing that are designed to help the visually impaired. Photo: CFP
Despite this, Song said he is generally satisfied with the situation in Beijing. "Most citizens treat me very well and never hesitate to offer help to me," Song noted.
Chang agreed with Song, adding that he would give a 99 mark out of 100 to Beijingers in terms of kindness. "Beijing is the most civilized city in China. Whenever I have been in trouble, people always offer me help, especially when I am taking a bus," said Chang.
The only issue Chang raised was that he hoped Beijingers do not become too warm. "I really appreciate their kindness. But sometimes good intentions can go wrong if things are not handled properly," said Chang.
Chang gave the example of falling over. It can be difficult for him to find balance when someone is pulling him up, so it is not ideal for many to gather around and lift him. An ideal situation is for one person to stand nearby for assurance and allow him to find balance on his own.
Song echoed Chang's thoughts. "Being too warm can sometimes make the situation worse," said Song. "What we are expecting is to be treated equally. Sometimes not making a big deal about our disability can be the greatest sign of respect."
Despite this, Song said he is generally satisfied with the situation in Beijing. "Most citizens treat me very well and never hesitate to offer help to me," Song noted.
Chang agreed with Song, adding that he would give a 99 mark out of 100 to Beijingers in terms of kindness. "Beijing is the most civilized city in China. Whenever I have been in trouble, people always offer me help, especially when I am taking a bus," said Chang.
The only issue Chang raised was that he hoped Beijingers do not become too warm. "I really appreciate their kindness. But sometimes good intentions can go wrong if things are not handled properly," said Chang.
Chang gave the example of falling over. It can be difficult for him to find balance when someone is pulling him up, so it is not ideal for many to gather around and lift him. An ideal situation is for one person to stand nearby for assurance and allow him to find balance on his own.
Song echoed Chang's thoughts. "Being too warm can sometimes make the situation worse," said Song. "What we are expecting is to be treated equally. Sometimes not making a big deal about our disability can be the greatest sign of respect."
Beijing's disability facilities at a glance
At present 4,462 buses in Beijing have facilities for disabled people, which is one-fifth of the total amount of buses in Beijing.All buses and the subway offer free public transport for the disabled. Trains do not at present.
Those who accompany disabled people can use buses and the subway for free.
According to a report in Xinhua, from March 2012, foreign residents of Beijing who are disabled can use the buses and subway for free.
In Beijing, 173 parks are open to the disabled for free.
Seven museums offer free access to the disabled, including the National Museum of China, the China Agricultural Museum and the Beijing Museum of Natural History.
Disabled people can receive a 200 yuan ($32) fuel subsidy per year.
All disabled people may park for free.
Those who carry a disabled driving license can drive along the roads that are restricted during peak hours.
Disabled people between the age of 16 and 60 can apply for subsidies on disability equipment.
Posted in: Society, Metro Beijing