Books by disabled authors are displayed in a dedicated zone at Shanyuan Book Chamber in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

At Shanyuan Book Chamber, a barrier-free bookstore, every design and layout takes into account the needs of disabled readers. Covering an area of over 300 square meters in Dongcheng District, Beijing, the bookstore features bookshelves with alternative heights, rounded-edge furniture, spaces wide enough for wheelchairs, and other facilities to enhance accessibility. In addition to these, the bookstore sets much store by the works of authors with disabilities. A considerable amount of Braille books, as well as some 300 "audio-films" donated by the Communication University of China are also available for visually impaired readers. Shanyuan Book Chamber has gained popularity among many disabled readers. "This is a place of love and hope that serves as a mental harbor for whoever visits it," says Liu Daming, a 27-year-old osteogenesis imperfecta patient. "Our vision has been communal care by eliminating barriers," says Liu Aicheng, the bookstore's editor-in-chief. "We hope that disabled readers could find courage here, and that other visitors could also enjoy themselves." 

Readers enjoy themselves at Shanyuan Book Chamber in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

 

A visually-impared reader reads a Bralle book at Shanyuan Book Chamber in Beijing, capital of China, April 22, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

 

Books by disabled authors are displayed in a dedicated zone at Shanyuan Book Chamber in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

 

Liu Daming, an osteogenesis imperfecta patient and book author, visits Shanyuan Book Chamber in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

 

Books by disabled authors are displayed in a dedicated zone at Shanyuan Book Chamber in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

 

Disabled author Luo Yan browses a book at Shanyuan Book Chamber in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

 

Disabled reader Liu Shijie (front) is wheelchaired into Shanyuan Book Chamber in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

 

Three readers with disabilities pose for a group photo at Shanyuan Book Chamber in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2021. Photo:Xinhua