The arts of inclusivity

By posting these videos about her life, she is taking action and setting an example for other people. During her university years, she went through a stage of uncertainty about how she would be able to fit into society, and it was the stories of other people with disabilities that inspired and motivated her.

"If I go back in time, to a decade ago, I would be very inspired by someone posting these videos. I'd feel very reassured, because wheelchair users can also work in an office, be in a relationship, or go traveling. I think being a video blogger has its social value," she adds.

Zhao was one of four guest speakers at the recent forum's panel discussion, joined by Peng Yujiao, founder of BEST Beijing Enable Sister Center, Bu Wei, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Mao Ling, a representative from Shanghai's Theater Young.

Centered on "disability confidence in arts and cultural organizations", the panel discussion aimed to deepen the dialogue among different communities, discuss the deficiencies in knowledge and capacity building, as well as to encourage arts and cultural organizations to take the lead in the development of an inclusive culture.

Earlier this year, Zhao was invited to review the accessible facilities of Theater Young, a revamped venue that was once the Yangpu Grand Theater, which opened to the public in September.

Mao says when she joined the theater, she positioned it as "an inspiring and inclusive art hub", with stirring stage productions and a welcoming atmosphere for staff, artists and audiences.

When planning theater events, she set the keywords of equality, diversity and integration, and a mission to treat others equally, acknowledge people's differences and encourage exchanges with one another.

As a theater practitioner, she believes very much in having barrier-free facilities in theater venues, and when the new theater was opened, she felt slightly unsure about its accessibility level.