'Wheelchair doctor' offers a sporting chance

Helping more

After graduation, Zhu, a mechanical engineering major, found himself at a crossroads in his career. While many of his classmates pursued traditional paths in the mechanical industry, he chose a different route: dedicating his expertise to serving individuals with disabilities.

"When I selected this profession, I saw it as an opportunity to enhance the lives of people with disabilities," he says. "Witnessing their resilience, especially among para athletes, inspires me. It's an honor to assist them both in their daily lives and in competitions."

With a decade of experience in wheelchair repair, Zhu has observed the continual evolution of the equipment used by disabled individuals. "Initially, most wheelchairs were made of aluminum. Now, many are crafted from carbon fiber, which offers a lighter alternative but is more prone to wear and tear," he explains.

"The latest designs emphasize user-friendliness and comfort, aligning closely with human biomechanics," Zhu adds. "As technology advances, the design of wheelchairs will only get better."

As the wheelchairs change, Zhu recognizes the importance of improving his repair skills alongside them. "The key to effective repair lies in experience. It's crucial to grasp how these devices operate, identify issues, and devise solutions. Adaptability is vital, as is listening to the needs of the users," he says.

Wang Tiegang, Zhu's colleague at the repair center during the Paris Paralympics, has dedicated 22 years to wheelchair welding and has also witnessed firsthand the advancements in equipment for people with disabilities.

"We're gradually moving toward high-tech solutions," Wang says. "This year, we've integrated 3D printing technology on-site, and new wheelchairs are becoming lighter. The demands on welding techniques are also growing, so we're committed to ongoing learning."

This year, Zhu has taken on a new initiative aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities by training them to repair their own wheelchairs and fostering a sense of community support.

"When a wheelchair breaks down, it's often much more challenging for someone with a disability to go out and find a repair shop compared to able-bodied individuals. They also tend to have their own circles," Zhu explains. "We aim to teach them simple repair techniques, enabling them to assist one another with basic fixes."

He shares that this project, which began as a pilot program in Beijing this year, has already completed two training sessions. The participants have begun providing volunteer repair services in their communities, fostering both independence and collaboration among those they serve.

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn