WheelsplusWings Brings Hope, Mobility to the Disabled in China

WheelsPlusWings, a Beijing-based social enterprise dedicated to providing independent mobility to disabled young people, launched on Sunday in the Caochangdi Arti District, raising funds for its first beneficiary, self-taught artist Wang Mengxing.

The group provides lightweight, sturdy wheelchairs to disabled young people in China who show not only promise or talent in academic or other pursuits, but also that their lack of independent mobility is the major impediment to further success.

"We don't want to help them to be normal. We want to help them excel," said Stuart James, WheelsPlusWings' executive director, a former sports agent and sports marketing executive.

"There is no such thing as an off-the-shelf chair," he said when asked why WheelsPlusWings has chosen to provide wheelchairs that cost USD 4500. He stated this is a misconception because most people only see standard wheelchairs used by hospitals.

"For true independent mobility, the person must be measured," he said. "The chair needs to fit them."

Each chair is manufacturered in the United States or Europe, as similar quality wheelchairs are not currently made in China, James said. Funding comes in part from partners like UK car manufacturer Morgan Motors China office, and shipping is provided by DHL.

At Sunday's event, ZHC Art Space displayed a selection of works by Wang, who received WheelsPlusWings' first chair. Wang is a 21-year-old, self-taught artist, who was not able to attend high school due to her disability. That lack of a high school diploma has interfered with her ability to attend the China Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), despite talent that CAFA has acknowledged.

In attendance was legendary Hong Kong film director Tsui Hark, whose Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon, China's first 3-D film, bows September 28 at local cinemas. Tsui has been a key supporter of WheelsPlusWings, James said. The director purchased three of Wang's works.

For more information on WheelsPlusWings, visit their website.

Images: Amy Jiang/the Beijinger