A man without arms was required to present a disability certificate to use the subway in Wuhan, China, despite the physical evidence of his disability. The man, Li Fengqiang, a former Paralympic swimmer, posted a video of the incident on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, which has garnered over 55,000 views and 3,600 shares.
In the video, Fengqiang can be seen discussing his situation with a subway employee, who insists that the rules require visual proof of a disability, such as a certificate. Fengqiang notes that the rules seem to be more of an obstacle than a help for disabled people, particularly those with mobility issues. Despite the employee’s offer to buy a ticket for him, Fengqiang declines, stating that he can afford to buy his own ticket and that it would be difficult for him to wield a disability certificate due to his lack of arms.
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Eventually, Fengqiang purchases his own ticket and uses his foot to insert a coin into the gantry to gain access. Fengqiang had both his arms amputated at the age of eight after suffering an electric shock. Despite this disability, he learned to swim and became a national Paralympic athlete, earning championships in swimming competitions at home and abroad.
The video received mixed reactions from netizens, with some questioning the need for a certificate when a disability is visually apparent. Others criticized Fengqiang for not having his certificate, stating that rules should be followed. However, some defended the subway staff, stating that they were just following instructions and did not have a choice in the matter.
In response to the controversy, Wuhan Metro issued a statement on Weibo, apologizing for the incident and acknowledging that its employees’ handling of the situation was inadequate. The subway operator stated that it would continue to prioritize service for commuters with special needs and welcomed public supervision.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by disabled individuals in accessing public transportation, particularly in instances where physical disabilities are apparent. While rules and regulations are essential to ensure that disabled individuals receive appropriate accommodations, these rules must be balanced with compassion and a recognition of the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals. As society continues to strive towards greater inclusivity and accessibility, it is essential to prioritize the needs of all individuals and remove barriers to participation and engagement.