Exhibition gets stamp of approval

Philatelic show shines spotlight on collectors' determination and passion

Li Shaohua, a member of the All-China Philatelic Federation and honorary director of the China Disabled Philatelic Museum, hoped that the recent 7th National Disabled Persons Philatelic Exhibition would draw attention from various sectors of society to people with disabilities.

The exhibition was held on Oct 22 at the Zhejiang Disabled People's Home in Hangzhou and is open to the public until Oct 29.

It showcases 256 frames of stamps from around the world that reflect sports and disability support. More than 150 philatelists with disabilities from over 20 provinces, regions, and cities across the country participated in the exhibition.

"Behind these stamps are the dreams and aspirations of philatelists with disabilities, as well as touching stories of determination and struggle," Li said.

"I never expected that there would be so many stamps featuring the lives and struggles of people with disabilities. We are a highly visible group," said one spectator, Zhang Xiaolin, of Shaoxing city, Zhejiang province.

This event is also one of the activities organized by the Zhejiang Disabled People's Home to showcase the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.

"Individuals with disabilities here can participate in various learning and leisure activities, as well as access legal aid, job-seeking assistance and opportunities to make friends," explained Chen Haihua, the head of the Zhejiang Disabled People's Home.

Cai Lu, born in 1992 in Dongyang city, Zhejiang province, lost both her legs in a car accident several years ago.

Cai majored in hotel management in college and also had exposure to knowledge in the field of tea art. She received specialized training in tea art through the provincial disability system and became an accomplished tea art practitioner.

This June, she won first place in the national disability skills competition for tea art. Today, Cai conducts various lectures and training sessions here, helping more people with disabilities learn skills and achieve employment.

She said, "I often come here to spend some time; this place is my harbor in life and a refueling station for my career."

To serve people with disabilities more extensively, the Zhejiang Disabled People's Home also offers various online activities to enhance their employment skills and improve their prospects for employment and entrepreneurship.

Since the beginning of this year, the organization has held nearly 40 livestreaming events, assisting hundreds of people with disabilities in the province in finding employment opportunities and increasing their income.