Across China: Chef, teacher and barista, disabled people realizing dreams in various sectors
Xinhua
5th July 2023
Across China: Chef, teacher and barista, disabled people realizing dreams in various sectors
Dressed in a white uniform, chef Li Yuanyuan, 35, skillfully maneuvered a pan with one hand while deftly stirring the ingredients with a cooking shovel in the other. Despite occasional moments of clumsiness, he confidently live streamed his culinary skills on social media.
Li, hailing from Bijie City in southwest China's Guizhou Province, was born with cerebral palsy. However, he refused to let his health condition hinder his aspirations. Through perseverance and dedication, he honed his cooking skills and eventually opened a successful restaurant, specializing in delectable fried chicken.
During his childhood, Li faced challenges when it came to feeding himself and relied on his parents for assistance, but he remained undeterred. He was always encouraged to engage in physical activities and explore various interests.
"I remember breaking five tricycles while learning to ride and smashing many plates and bowls when I was trying to learn how to do the dishes," Li fondly reminisces.
While growing up, he developed a genuine passion for cooking. "Whenever friends and relatives praised me for the dishes I cooked, I was thrilled," Li said.
Although he had never received professional training, practice made him perfect his culinary skills. And in 2016, Li opened his first restaurant specializing in takeaway fried chicken.
As Li's culinary creations gained popularity, he decided to expand his reach by live streaming on social media and began earning nearly 7,000 to 8,000 yuan (about 968 to 1,106 U.S. dollars) a month.
Just like Li, an increasing number of disabled people are managing to realize their dreams in various sectors.