China's National People's Congress has made history by instructing departments to respond to the first visually impaired deputy, Wang Yongcheng, in braille, a system of raised dots to help people read with their fingers. One such reply last week addresses legislative suggestions proposed by Wang, to help other blind people. Feng Yilei has the story. 

　　Delivering responses to a Chinese lawmaker's heartfelt suggestions, this set of documents makes history not in the usual print, but in braille.

　　The recipient, Wang Yongcheng, is the first visually impaired delegate of China's top legislature. And he's dedicated his life to advocating for the well-being of China's 85-million people with disabilities.

　　WANG YONGCHENG, Deputy, 14th National People's Congress "I should say this is, indeed, a tangible response to my suggestions. It's closely related to critical, imperative, and much-anticipated issues for the majority of the disabled community."

　　After losing his sight at 19, Wang worked hard to become a physician. He's also trained and helped others in the blind massage sector, gaining international prestige. His suggestions for legislation span better employment and education for students with low vision.

　　XIAO ZHAOSHEN, Director, Department for Handling Suggestions of Deputies, Committee for the Work of Deputies, NPC Standing Committee "We listened to Deputy Wang's specific demands, and coordinated promptly with the departments responsible for the four suggestions he made. We visited Mr. Wang together to deliver the responses, making sure the visually impaired deputy finds out about the results of his suggestions and how future actions will be carried out, at the same time as others. Of course, the entire process is also new to us. In future, our work mechanisms need to be further improved to smoothly advance our work for all deputies, and their unique needs."

　　The fruits of Wang Yongcheng's advocacy are now visible. One suggestion calls for publishing textbooks in large print for students with low vision. The country's Law on the Creation of a Barrier-free Environment, implemented in September, adopted Wang's suggestions.

　　XI DAOYU, Deputy Director, Textbook Review and Management Department, Ministry of Education "We've launched thirteen types of large-print textbooks for this fall semester, covering nine subjects. Moving forward, we'll continue to work with relevant departments to promote the development of inclusive education and provide more convenience for students with low vision, to attend regular classes at schools."

　　Wang himself is among the beneficiaries of China's efforts to create a barrier-free living environment. During the two sessions this year, he was able to cast his vote and participate in group discussions. The National People's Congress also equipped him with a laptop-like device for the blind, and now he's committed to the development and promotion of similar technology for others.

　　WANG YONGCHENG, Deputy, 14th National People's Congress "I'm satisfied with the reply. I hope the authorities can implement what they've said, and do practical things for the disabled. I myself will have to work hard to study, perform my duties earnestly, and conduct investigations, working hard to put forward more high-quality, focused suggestions."

　　ZHOU JIAN, Director, Rights Protection Department, China Disabled Persons' Federation "Wang's story illustrates that people with disabilities are not only beneficiaries of shared prosperity, but also contributors to it."

　　Wang, the lawmaker, also promises to continue to address the challenges faced by the visually impaired, to dismantle barriers one step at a time.

　　FENG YILEI, Fuzhou, Fujian Province "The braille document is more than just about accessibility. It's a commitment to an inclusive and participatory form of democracy with no barriers, where every voice is heard and valued. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Fuzhou, in Fujian Province."

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