25-3-2024 (BEIJING) Wuhan Metro, a subway operator in China, has come under fire after an armless man was denied entry into the subway station for failing to produce a disability certificate. The incident, captured on video and shared on social media, sparked outrage and prompted an apology from the subway operator.
The man, identified as Mr. Li Fengqiang, lost both his arms at the age of eight due to an electric shock accident. On his recent visit to the subway station, he was told by the station staff that he needed to provide a certificate to prove his disability in order to be granted free access and barrier-free passage, which are usually offered to disabled individuals in China.
Despite the visible evidence of his disability, Mr. Li was required to present official documentation to validate his condition. In a video posted on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, Mr. Li engaged in a conversation with a subway staff member, highlighting the absurdity of needing a certificate when his lack of arms was evident.
The staff member, adhering to the rules set by the subway operator, stated that the disability certificate was necessary to verify a person’s disability status. When Mr. Li questioned the rationale behind such requirements, emphasizing the obviousness of his disability and the difficulty he faced in obtaining a certificate without arms, the staff member offered to purchase a ticket on his behalf. However, Mr. Li declined the offer, stating that he could afford to buy his own ticket.
The incident sparked a debate among netizens, with mixed reactions to the video. Some argued that while being humane should be a given, not all disabled individuals possess a certificate. Others supported Mr. Li’s perspective, emphasizing the need for compassion and true barrier-free access for disabled people.
Following the controversy, Wuhan Metro issued a statement on Weibo, expressing regret for the incident and acknowledging the inadequate handling of the situation by its staff. The subway operator apologized for the inconvenience caused to the disabled passenger and vowed to prioritize the rights and needs of commuters with disabilities. They also welcomed public supervision and promised to improve their service.
