Chongqing - On International Volunteer Day, representatives from government bodies, international organizations, and civil society gathered in Chongqing's Yuzhong District for the "Accessible Chongqing" Case Sharing and UNFPA-Chongqing Project Experience Exchange Workshop. The event highlighted collaborative efforts to advance accessibility, empower persons with disabilities, and engage youth in building a more inclusive society.

The participants took a group photo as a souvenir. (Photo/Deng Nan).

Integrating Policy with Local Action

In his opening address, Mr. Li Liang, First-Level Inspector of the Chongqing Disabled Persons' Federation, emphasized that accessibility is a key measure of social progress. "Since the enactment of China's Accessibility Construction Law, Chongqing has made significant strides by incorporating universal design into urban renewal projects," he stated. The event aims to align national legal frameworks with regional implementation needs in Southwest China.

Ms. Ira Ovesen, Deputy Representative of UNFPA China, underscored the global imperative for inclusion. "With over 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide - including an estimated 85 million in China - creating societies that uphold dignity, equity, and participation is essential," she said. She commended local initiatives that translate policy into meaningful community impact.

Ms. Ira Ovesen, Deputy Representative of UNFPA China, is giving a speech. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Empowering Women and Youth with Disabilities in Southwest China

Ms. Peng Linqian, a hearing-impaired person and the Chairwoman of KnowDeaf Social Work Service Center, presented outcomes of the UNFPA-supported project, "Empowering Women and Youth with Disabilities in Southwest China on Sexual and Reproductive Health." The project has directly engaged over 900 individuals through adapted training materials, capacity-building for local facilitators, and the launch of the "No More Silence" mini-program - a digital platform offering health information and anti-violence resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing women.

Ms. Peng Linqian, Chairwoman of the KnowDeaf Social Work Service Center, presented outcomes of the UNFPA-supported project. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Mr. Wang Shengquan (Qinghai) and Ms. Zheng Yutong (Gansu), grassroots project leaders, shared experiences conducting accessible sexual health workshops. By employing tailored teaching methods and locally relevant cases, they have enhanced participants' awareness of their rights and well-being, while also advocating for inclusive policies supporting youth with intellectual disabilities.

Innovating Through Technology and Accessible Services

Mr. Deng Shan, Deputy Director of Yuzhong Disabled Persons' Federation, outlined the district's integrated approach to accessibility. Initiatives include an "Accessible Travel" one-stop digital platform, comprehensive upgrades to public facilities, and a supervised feedback mechanism to ensure continuous improvement.

Mr. Deng Shan, Deputy Director of Yuzhong Disabled Persons' Federation, outlined the district's integrated approach to accessibility. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Ms. Liu Yuxia, Chairwoman of the Chongqing Association of the Blind, recounted the expansion of audio-described film services. Through partnerships with universities and media, more than 30 screenings have been held across over 20 districts, serving 1,500 visually impaired residents and fostering greater social participation.

Ms. Liu Yuxia, Chairwoman of the Chongqing Association of the Blind, recounted the expansion of audio-described film services. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Technology-driven solutions also featured prominently. Mr. Tian Ye, a deaf entrepreneur, demonstrated the "Hand-Visual Accessible" Interpretation System used in museums across the Chengdu-Chongqing region, which has recorded over 7 million uses. 

Mr. Tian Ye, a deaf entrepreneur, demonstrated the "Hand-Visual Accessible" Interpretation System used in museums across the Chengdu-Chongqing region, which has recorded over 7 million uses. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Ms. Xie Jin of Southwest University of Political Science and Law highlighted the Sign Language Legal Popularization Cases, which have reached more than 150,000 people through online and offline sessions over the past 5 years.

Ms. Xie Jin of Southwest University of Political Science and Law highlighted the Sign Language Legal Popularization Cases. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Professionalizing Youth Volunteerism for Sustainable Impact

A roundtable discussion explored ways to deepen youth engagement in disability inclusion. Mr. Sun Dequan, Secretary-General of the Chongqing Youth Volunteer Service Foundation, stressed the importance of structured programs, professional training, and sustained resource allocation.

A roundtable dialogue with Ira Ovesen, Sun Dequan, Liu Weiwei, and Zhang Liyan. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Ms. Liu Weiwei of Chongqing College of Mobile Communication presented a university-led model that institutionalizes volunteerism within student development programs. Meanwhile, Mr. Zhang Liyan of Chongqing Normal University's Yixin Sign Language Translation Team advocated "deaf-hearing co-creation," in which persons with disabilities lead and design the services they use.

Building an Inclusive Ecosystem: From Infrastructure to Attitudes

In the interviews with the reporter, Ira noted that true inclusion requires both "hardware and software" - accessible infrastructure coupled with empathetic, skilled human support. Meanwhile, Liang Yuyin, Secretary-General of the Chongqing Association of Persons with Hearing Disabilities, added that deaf individuals often face communication barriers, especially in legal and employment settings, underscoring the urgent need for accessible information and rights-based education.

Sign language interpretation is provided throughout the entire event. (Photo/Deng Nan)

The event concluded with a shared recognition that building an inclusive society is a systemic endeavor - one that depends on coordinated action across laws, services, technology, and public awareness. Youth volunteers were highlighted as essential agents of this change.

The event concluded with a shared recognition. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Looking ahead, participating organizations are committed to further collaboration, integrating disability perspectives into public services, and advancing the health, education, and employment rights of all persons with disabilities - especially women and youth - to ensure no one is left behind.