Project helps disabled people in Capital Museum

Beijing Municipality is organizing activities as part of its "Seven One" project, enabling more disabled people to enjoy the spirit of the Paralympic Games. And, on Monday morning, 1000 people with disabilities embarked on a cultural trip to the Capital Museum.

A visit to a museum could normally be something of an ordeal for people with disabilities. Stairs, inconvenient toilets, scant audio guides often leave disabled visitors at a loss. And one bad museum experience could discourage any further trips, depriving this segment of the population of valuable cultural experiences.

The 1000 disabled people who visited the Capital Museum on Monday probably share similar unhappy memories. But now things have changed.

Xing Yuqiang took part in Monday's special group visit to the Capital Museum. And he says he has been able to experience a cultural trip which would normally be impossible for him.

Xing said, "There are newly-erected ramps, wheelchairs to rent and a warmer attitude. I feel much more at ease than before."

And another visitor also had positive feedback on the trip.

Zhang Yang, disabled visitor, said, "We have sign language teachers here at the Museum to interpret for us."

Beijing has one-million disabled people. And the Municipal Government has spent two million yuan installing facilities such as ramps, special seats and toilets for them.

Over 30 thousand people with disabilities are participating in the "Seven One" project every day during the Paralympics. The project features seven activities including, a visit to a tourist attraction, attending a Paralympic event, and a visit to the Olympic Park.

Beijing's initiatives have given many disabled people the opportunity to enjoy the spirit of the Paralympic Games.

Source: CCTV.com