Putting yourself out there

Not being able to get around can be a real barrier to participating fully in society. This barrier is coming down for people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Li Xinran reports.

"Can I help you?" or "Do you need anything?" Xu Yong, 30, found himself frequently asked these questions as he made his way to Qingdao, Shandong province in September.

At times, the attention made him feel a bit self-conscious because he knew it didn't just come from Shandong people's renowned hospitality but also from the fact that Xu and his companions were traveling in wheelchairs. They have spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA.

This year, on Sept 1, the China Accessibility Construction Law came into effect. It was established to strengthen the creation of accessible environments, making access easier for disabled and elderly people, and promoting their comprehensive inclusion in society.