Overcoming hurdles

Talking of changes

Dominick recalls that he didn't often see physically challenged people in public spaces in China, although now that's changing.

"The first reason is accessibility, making it inconvenient for wheelchair users to go out. Nowadays, the non-barrier environment in Beijing is much better than that time, thanks to the efforts of the government and some institutions," he says.

Pan, a supervisor of non-barrier infrastructure in Beijing, says he has noticed some changes over the past years.

For example, ramps in front of stores on the streets have been rebuilt and if the ramps are not up to international standards, it's the responsibility of the shop owner to offer help.

The second reason is the lack of activities. When Dominick first got to know wheelchair users in China, he found that their main activities outside included dining in a restaurant, meeting in a park or karaoke.

The third is the psychological barrier. Some are afraid of coming out of their homes－they don't want to inconvenience others or they're embarrassed about being in a wheelchair.

For those who offer wheelchair users necessary assistance in activities, Dominick calls them "fellow travelers" rather than "volunteers".

"If you want to be one of our 'fellow travelers', first you have to like the sport, for example, swimming. That's a common interest with our members," he says.

"Our members will need your help eventually, but you don't have to do everything for them. It's important to make it low-key and treat them equally. We want them to exercise and to get that feeling of independence."