Scene 7: Documentary Interview with Xiao Du, A Person with Visual Impairment
More links:
The YouTube playlist for the documentary interviews
Interview Report
Yanchun Du, also known as Xiao Du, is a visually impaired professional living and working in Shanghai. Originally from Hebei, she moved to the city in 2020. Since then, she has not only built an independent life but also carved out a path of empowerment, learning, and joy. As a tech worker, writer, traveler, and creative, she defies narrow expectations of disability and redefines what it means to see.
She said, “I was born visually impaired, but I’m bold, independent, and curious”
“I still have some residual vision. I’ve always been independent, and I love trying new things – especially things I’ve never done before.”
Du describes herself as adventurous and open-minded. Her life is a constant exploration. Whether it’s working in the AI industry or writing modern poetry, she pursues her passions with clarity and confidence.
She was talking about Shanghai like this.
“Shanghai is open and diverse. I feel free here.”
Since moving to Shanghai, Du has experienced both convenience and compassion in the city. Yet the journey hasn't been without barriers. She recalls a difficult housing experience upon arrival – after signing a lease, the landlord withdrew due to concerns about her visual impairment. Du stood her ground:
“I told him, ‘We’ve signed the contract. You can’t just refund the money and back out.’ Eventually, he let me move in.”
A year later, when the lease was up for renewal, those concerns were gone. “I think he just didn’t understand our community at first.”
Du commutes over 50 minutes each day via subway, including one transfer. While she sometimes requests help from metro staff at unfamiliar stations, she now completes most routes independently.
“Once I memorize a route, I travel on my own. Accessible services here are actually quite good.”
She uses a white cane, phone magnifiers, text recognition apps, and voice navigation to move around safely. When needed, she simply asks a passerby for help:
“There’s always someone willing to help. And even if I have to ask 10 people and only one responds – that’s okay. As long as I reach my destination, I enjoy the process.”
While some forms of care are heartwarming – like small acts of kindness from neighbors or pandemic support – Du also highlights the fine line between help and condescension.
“Sometimes people say, ‘Oh, this area is too dangerous, better not go in.’ Or, ‘This ride isn’t safe for you.’ But it’s not about what’s actually unsafe – it’s about fear and misunderstanding.”
Even with well-meaning subway staff, policies can become rigid:
“On familiar routes, I don’t need assistance. But they insist: ‘You must be guided.’ I wish there were more trust – more room for independence.”
Outside of work, Du has many passions. She enjoys:
Traveling – both long-distance and local exploration
Writing – modern poetry, fiction, and journaling
AI storytelling – creating characters and narrative experiences
Performing arts – especially musicals and stage plays
Games – including Werewolf and murder mystery roleplays
“Travel, for me, is about new stories, new cultures. And I write just for myself – it brings me joy.”
Du’s professional path began in AI and data. Although her university major was in acupuncture and massage , which is the default track for many visually impaired students, and she chose a different direction.
“Back then, fair exam options weren’t widely available. But I didn’t want to do massage. So I started learning broadcasting, audio editing, and now AI.”
When she joined her current company, she faced both external and internal challenges:
“At first, I felt I didn’t fit in. Others seemed to be contributing beyond their roles, like organizing events and helping coworkers. I wasn’t sure I could participate.”
But eventually, she did.
“When I stepped up and started organizing activities, I felt myself to be part of the team. I realized I had overthought it: it wasn’t that I didn’t belong to the team. People were simply too busy.”
Du emphasizes that belief is the foundation for visually impaired individuals to pursue career possibilities:
“Only when you dare to imagine something can you take that first step. The biggest barrier is often that little voice in your head saying that you can’t.”
She encourages developing practical skills like:
Computer literacy
Office software
Basic English
Resume writing and communication
And above all, resilience.
“Inclusive opportunities might take multiple tries. But even failure helps you grow.”
When asked what she would wish for, Du’s answer was simple and profound:
“I wish for everyone to live freely. That’s a form of accessibility too. If each person could live the life they truly desire, that would be beautiful – not just for the individual, but for the world.”