Empathy drives blind man to help other disabled people

Shine

21st June 2021

Empathy drives blind man to help other disabled people

By Lu Feiran

At his office, Qi Weiguang is often buried in mobile phone alerts and messages, which keep him updated on his work.

In several months, 59-year-old Qi Weiguang will retire from his job. Though visually impaired, he has been a professional aide to the disabled in Xuhui District's Changqiao Subdistrict for 17 years.

Retirement is often synonymous with relaxation, but Qi doesn't feel particularly relieved or eager to start a new and more relaxed life. He knows there are still many people who need his help.

Having been blind for around four decades with only little light sensation left, Qi knows more than most how challenging it is for visually impaired people to step out of their homes and have a social life. He has adapted well to a life "in the dark." In fact, he doesn't even need a walking stick when going to familiar places.

At his neighborhood committee office, he's often buried in mobile phone alerts and messages, which keep him updated on his work. His phone number is posted on the door so people can contact him whenever necessary.

The problems Qi helps to solve may sound a little trivial – a person needs some legal help; another needs extra medical care; a blind person needs to learn how to use a walking stick more safely and efficiently – but they are vital to the daily lives of more than 100 disabled people in the neighborhood.

https://www.shine.cn/news/in-focus/2106210892/