3 self-sufficient young disabled Chinese men sell garlic for a living, inspiring many
Trio act as each other’s support system, currently focusing on work rather than considering marriage
Three young disabled men from southeastern China earn a living by selling garlic and ginger, inspiring many online with their self-reliance and mutual support.
According to mainland media Jiupai News, a young woman known as Xiaoyu, who lost a hand and was disfigured in a fire, is a close friend of the three men. She documents their daily routines and work, sharing the content online with 23,000 followers in hopes of garnering social support for them.
The trio, all in their 20s from Jiangxi province, live with varying degrees of cerebral palsy.
One of them, known as Long, is the most severely affected, lacking feeling in his legs, having hand deformities, and depending on a wheelchair. Han struggles with speech, while Qi has weak legs and cannot stand for more than three minutes.
They met through local events organised by the Disabled Persons’ Federation and now share a small rented room, assisting each other with dressing and dividing cooking and other household responsibilities.
Qi’s living expenses are supported by his grandfather’s pension, while the other two rely on a monthly government disability allowance of 400 yuan (US$55). Local officials also frequently visit to provide food and supplies.