ZHANG Zhijie, a graduate of the School for the Disabled at the Open University of China (OUC), has been awarded the title of "National Self-Improvement Model" at the 7th National Commendation Conference for Self-Improvement Models and Advanced Units for Disability Assistance. The conference honoured 200 "National Self-Improvement Models", alongside 200 "Advanced Collectives in Work for Persons with Disabilities" and 60 "Advanced Individuals in Work for Persons with Disabilities".
A Journey of Perseverance and Innovation
ZHANG Zhijie began his academic journey in 2014 at the School for the Disabled, specialising in Social Work junior college programme. He later advanced to an undergraduate programme and graduated in 2021. Through his own diligence and perseverance, ZHANG Zhijie had successfully established a hotel business and led a stable life. However, a sudden car accident in 2012 abruptly halted his career and family life, confining him to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.
During his rehabilitation, ZHANG Zhijie initially lost hope, but his father's encouragement reignited his indomitable spirit. As he progressively regained his strength, he embarked on an online business selling electronic products. This entrepreneurial venture heightened his aspiration to overcome the barriers posed by stairs and to reintegrate into society. This led to his idea of developing an accessible lift for staircases. After countless failures, the first generation of the accessible staircase lift was launched in 2012, allowing ZHANG to reengage with the outside world.
Pursuing Knowledge and Industrial Empowerment
Recognising his limitations in scientific knowledge during the product development, ZHANG Zhijie enrolled at the Ulanqab Learning Centre of the School for the Disabled in March 2014. Over seven years, he progressed from a junior college programme to an undergraduate programme, deepening his understanding of professional knowledge and honing his skills. His experience at OUC enriched his theoretical knowledge and cultivated a more diverse way of thinking.
ZHANG Zhijie stated, "With the enthusiastic support of my teachers and classmates at OUC, I step out of the shadows, established a noble and positive outlook on life, and became more determined to pursue a life of value in this new era."
Building a Business with a Purpose
In 2017, ZHANG Zhijie founded Inner Mongolia Chuangqi Intelligent Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., focusing on the production, research and development, and sales of accessible lifts for persons with disabilities. Utilising new technologies and materials, he and his team successively launched several new products. The fourth-generation accessible staircase lift, in particular, received widespread acclaim from the disability community and won awards for outstanding innovation and excellence in the China "Wings of Innovation" Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition.
A Heart of Gratitude and Social Responsibility
Throughout his journey in education and entrepreneurship, ZHANG Zhijie has received substantial support from many individuals, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to giving back to society. After founding his company, he hired 23 employees with disabilities, providing them with skill training to enhance their employability. As the company grew, it employed an increasing number of people with disabilities, from dozens to over a hundred. In 2022, he also established the Integrated Service Centre for the Employment, Medical Care, and Support of Persons with Disabilities, offering free medical, rehabilitation, and therapeutic services to over 800 individuals with disabilities.
ZHANG Zhijie's story is one of resilience, innovation, and social responsibility, demonstrating that with personal determination and outside support, individuals can overcome challenges in his life and make a positive impact on society.
By OUC