Chapter II - Growing Together: WFLA BonVista Accessibility Club Chronicle
We grow not in isolation, but through bonds that connect us to a greater whole, building something larger than ourselves. In every shared moment of understanding and caring, we learn not only to uplift but also to be uplifted. As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” By growing together with one another and with our community, we help shape a future that is more inclusive, compassionate, and whole.
July 30, 2024, Tuesday
Pan, Siqi
Siqi Pan visited the Chicago Lighthouse and received a detailed introduction from senior director Aaron Baar. Serving over 50,000 people annually, the Lighthouse is one of Illinois’ most impactful nonprofit organizations for individuals with visual impairments.
The tour included activity rooms for people of all ages, personalized education for children with multiple disabilities, and inclusive classrooms supported by assistive technologies and Braille instruction. At the research lab, the author met Patricia Grant, whose team is developing brain-machine interfaces to help restore partial vision. The visit also included a conversation with Sandy Murillo, a blind journalist leading a radio program created and run by individuals with disabilities. Aaron then showed the author a ten-story accessible housing project under construction, designed entirely with the needs of visually impaired residents in mind. After the tour, Siqi introduced the work BonVista Accessibility had done and Aaron expressed his appreciation for young people’s willingness to support the visually impaired, saying that this cause needs more fresh energy.
Additional Reading: Visiting The Lighthouse in Chicago
August 18, 2024, Sunday
Pan, Siqi; Zhao, Kunyou; Yu, Wenxing; Lu, Yichen
WFLA BonVista Accessibility Club participated in a weekend inclusive activity organized by beYoureyeS. For several club members, this was their first experience joining such an event. Guided by accessibility facilitators Xiaobin Chen and Qu Wang, as well as sighted facilitator Siqi Pan, who was also a member of Club, the participants received hands-on training in accessibility awareness and etiquette. Activities included blindfolded teamwork games, proper guiding techniques, and simulated experiences such as walking, running, and climbing stairs as visually impaired persons. These exercises helped participants understand how to assist respectfully and safely, emphasizing the importance of empathy, clear communication, and attentiveness to obstacles. Participants reflected on their experiences, expressing how the event deepened their understanding of accessibility and strengthened their sense of responsibility. The training also introduced new perspectives on inclusive interaction, showing how small, respectful actions can help build a more accessible and compassionate society.
Additional Reading: Etiquette for Interacting with the Visually Impaired
August 18, 2024, Sunday
Pan, Siqi; Zhao, Kunyou; Yu, Wenxing; Lu, Yichen
On the planning meeting, the BonVista Accessibility Club outlined a comprehensive series of upcoming activities and initiatives to promote inclusion and support individuals with visual impairments. The team began by preparing for an interview activity, tentatively scheduled for every Friday, aimed at gaining deeper insights into the lives and stories of people with visual impairments. The question list includes topics such as causes of visual impairment, life before and after vision loss, daily experiences, hobbies and interests, use of electronic devices, and interpersonal relationships. Through guided conversation, the goal is to better understand their needs.
Following this, the club discussed a teaching session focused on helping visually impaired individuals use smartphones more effectively, mainly for senior in neighborhood community. Topics include using WeChat, listening to audiobooks, navigating with GPS, and ordering food online. Alternative ideas such as movie viewings, tea gatherings, book clubs, dancing, playing Mahjong, Chinese chess, and cards with custom Braille decks were also proposed. Giving them tours of WFLA and visits to other student clubs were considered as part of these engagement activities.
The club plans to open a Bilibili account and a video channel to share their journey and raise awareness. Flyers will be designed for wider reach.
A major event is being planned for March or April at the outdoor plaza near WFLA, featuring games, short skits, and a guest from the Lanjingling team, also in collaboration with the school drama club.
An Accessibility Week will also be hosted in school, including mini-games and short performances. Moreover, they will try to invite Lanjingling members.
In preparation for leadership transition, the club introduced a points-based system to evaluate member participation. New leaders will be selected based on activity involvement, member voting, and candidate speeches.
Departmental responsibilities were also clarified. Two heads will manage communication with the community and the Shanghai Blind Child School.
Recruitment plans include creative approaches at the school club fair, such as acting as a visually impaired person and asking passersby for help locating the Club booth. The club will also prepare customized blindfolds for the occasion.
For social bonding, a tea gathering was proposed with the slogan “Tea is the first driving force of productivity.” The club also hopes to strengthen collaboration with the Shanghai Blind Child School through debate classes and book clubs. A schedule will be developed, with potential partnership from the Chinese Debate Society.
August 20, 2024, Tuesday
Pan, Siqi; Ms. Zhou from Kangjian Community
Siqi Pan and Ms. Zhou from Kangjian Community discussed new activity ideas. It was agreed that home visits to families of persons with visual impairments are not recommended, in order to protect privacy and maintain boundaries.
Several activities were identified as appropriate and meaningful. These include tea gatherings designed to foster conversation and connection, where casual chatting and talent performances can help build a warm atmosphere. Leisurely park visits were also suggested as a way to engage in relaxed conversation and companionship. Another idea was to invite visually impaired individuals to the school to explore and participate in activities hosted by other student clubs, depending on their interests.
Siqi also expressed willingness to assist with daily tasks, such as picking up groceries or medicine or organizing group shopping trips, for example, visiting a store like Metro to make purchases together, which can also serve as a social outing. But this required further discussion and coordination.
Looking ahead, a major event is being planned for the period leading up to the Spring Festival. This event may include student performances and contributions from the local Disabled Persons’ Federation, allowing for a collaborative celebration that highlights inclusion and shared joy.
September 10, 2024, Tuesday
Pan, Siqi; Zhao, Kunyou; Yu, Wenxing; Lu, Yichen
The club attended recruitment event on the school field to invite new Grade 10 students. During the event, members introduced the club’s mission of promoting accessibility and inclusion, and shared details about a variety of meaningful activities planned for the year. These include community outreach, collaborative events with Shanghai Blind Child School, and opportunities to learn how to support persons with visual impairments. The event provided an opportunity for new students to learn more about the club’s values and ask questions.
September 11, 2024, Wednesday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Students and Teachers from Shanghai Blind Child School
BonVista Accessibility Club participated in an online partnership activity with Shanghai Blind Child School under the guidance of Teacher Chen from the school. After brief greetings, the exchange officially began. Club members started by introducing their personal interests. This encouraged the students from the blind school to begin sharing as well. As more students spoke, the club members gained a clearer understanding of their vibrant extracurricular lives, which included listening to music, playing the piano, harmonica, and pipa, exploring topics like cars, sports, and films online, as well as outdoor activities such as cycling, swimming, and photography.
During the session, Teacher Chen also shared some stories of the students, such as Zhao helping new students get familiar with the campus, and Tang assisting teachers by reading homework to support grading. Toward the end of the activity, the club initiated a discussion with Teacher Chen and the students about possible Chinese debate collaborations between the two schools.
September 28, 2024, Saturday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Seniors from Kangjian Community; Ms. Zhou from Kangjian Community
BonVista Accessibility Club spent a wonderful morning with fifteen community members with disabilities from Kangjian Community. The members first went to a residential area to pick up several elderly individuals with disabilities before heading together to Kangjian Park. Pushing wheelchairs and chatting as they walked.
One grandmother shared with the members that this outing was one of the few opportunities she had since developing an eye condition. She expressed her life insights and encouraged everyone to continue their journey in community service.
Upon arriving at Kangjian Park and joining more people with disabilities, everyone gathered in a circle. In the joyful spirit of the approaching National Day, they celebrated the holiday with singing songs. Their voices were strong and sincere.
Afterward, the group exchanged thoughts and reflections. The club members gained a deeper understanding of the daily lives of people with disabilities.
Finally, the members accompanied the elderly people as they strolled through the park. They took photos together, capturing joyful moments with every click of the shutter. On this crisp autumn day, the members sincerely felt the transmission of love and engraved this warmth and kindness in their hearts.
October 11, 2024, Friday
BonVista Accessibility Club
During the Club meeting, members discussed plans for a community activity scheduled for the following Saturday from 2 to 4 pm. The focus is to engage with elderly community members to understand whether they want to use smartphones. Future plans include taking them to watch musicals and learning about their hobbies. The club also plans a visit to Walmart as well as organizing Halloween activities and science lectures. Promotional materials using comics are being developed, with content ideas to be shared in the next club session.
Regarding collaboration with Shanghai Blind Child School, the meeting set a date and agenda for the next event, which will include a book club and a Q&A group for the school. Additionally, plans for a Guide Dog Week and lectures about visual impairments are under consideration but remain tentative.
October 18, 2024, Friday
BonVista Accessibility Club
BonVista Accessibility Club held the regular meeting. In the beginning of the meeting, members were invited to join beYoureyeS inclusive weekend events. And the club decided to purchase jackets with club emblem at 70 RMB each.
Additional plans were discussed, including a Friday afternoon outing to identify damaged sidewalks and poorly designed tactile paths. Members are also encouraged to document examples of well-implemented accessibility features, including those seen abroad. And there was another part of a broader long-term research project on accessibility that involved studying laws, demographics, medical support, and other current conditions, which would be analyzed and compiled into a report. The club aimed to complete a round of accessibility-themed outreach by the end of November and would post flyers during upcoming events.
Several campaign ideas were being developed, such as educational mini-stories, simulations from the perspective of a white cane user, and scenarios where a visually impaired person encountered common obstacles like an uncovered manhole, blocked by a bicycle or triggering a warning signal after bumping into an electric scooter. These stories could be shared in student forums. Additional efforts included planning tutoring sessions through connections with parent committees of WFLA .
The club was also preparing for a co-hosted activity with the Shanghai Blind Child School scheduled for next Wednesday from 7 to 8 pm, which would be a book sharing session. Each participant would speak for three to five minutes, and book titles were to be submitted in the shared document by Sunday. The goal was to inspire students, broaden their perspectives, and encourage them to study with purpose. Future collaboration might include more themed sessions, smartphone lessons, and group outings such as shopping at Metro with seniors in the Community.
It was also mentioned that most club activities took place on weekends, but attendance was flexible, and members were not required to attend every session.
October 19, 2024, Saturday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Music Club; Drama Club; Seniors from Kangjian Community; Ms. Zhou from Kangjian Community
BonVista Accessibility Club, together with members from the school’s Music Club and Drama Club, hosted an inclusive concert at Kangjian Street in collaboration with elderly community members. The event aimed to bring companionship and joy to seniors with visual impairments through shared music and performance.
After gathering in the activity room of the Chang Xing Fang Community Service Station, the event began under the guidance of Mr. Zhou from the local Disabled Persons’ Federation. Siqi Pan introduced the mission and goals of the BonVista Accessibility Club, receiving warm support and recognition from the audience. The concert then officially started. Gentle guitar melodies, a childlike dance performance accompanied by the song “Counting Stars,” and solos prepared by the seniors themselves on instruments like the bawu and hulusi created a heartfelt atmosphere. Their performance of “Spring Breeze for Ten Thousand Miles” brought smiles to their faces.
The event continued with impressive performances by the Music Club’s band and the Drama Club’s students. Many of the elderly attendees remarked that the students radiated youth and energy, making them feel younger as well. In the group singalongs of “Let Us Row the Boat” and “Chengdu,” the voices of students and seniors blended into cheerful harmonies that echoed throughout the room and lingered in everyone’s hearts. The event came to a close with a recitation of “It’s So Good to Know You.”
October 22, 2024, Tuesday
Siqi Pan; Students from WFLA
In guide dog week in WFLA, Siqi Pan gave a presentation focused on the current status of visually impaired individuals in China. He began by sharing key statistics, including the estimated number of people with visual impairments across the country. He then discussed the broader social context, such as the employment status for this population, highlighting both the challenges they faced and the gradual improvements being made through inclusive policies and social support systems. He also described aspects of their daily lives, aiming to help the audience better understand the realities of visually impaired individuals.
After concluding the first part of the presentation, he passed the microphone to the next speaker, who gave a detailed introduction to guide dogs and their roles in supporting visually impaired individuals. This segment covered topics such as training processes, how guide dogs were matched with their users, and how mobility and confidence were built with guide dog in daily life.
Following that, Siqi returned to the stage to wrap up the session. He introduced other means by which visually impaired individuals could travel independently, aside from relying on guide dogs. This included GPS navigation apps designed with accessibility features, audio prompts in public transportation, and advancements in wearable technology that provided obstacle detection and real-time feedback. He emphasized how these tools are helping to create a more inclusive environment and enabling greater independence for the visually impaired community.
October 23, 2024, Wednesday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Students from WLFA
BonVista Accessibility Club organized a guide running experience in collaboration with the WFLA Running Club. The goal of the event was to help students develop a deeper understanding of the challenges visually impaired individuals faced when navigating public spaces or participating in physical activities. The experience was divided into two main parts: a metro navigation scenario and a guided running activity.
In the metro scenario, students worked in pairs. One student wore a blindfold to simulate the experience of visual impairment, while the other acted as the guide. The guide assisted their partner through a mock metro environment, which included leading them through a narrow entrance gate, guiding them safely to the “platform,” and helping them find and sit in a designated seat. This simulation highlighted the importance of clear verbal cues, careful observation, and patience when supporting a visually impaired person in a public setting.
In the second part of the event, students participated in a guided running activity. Again paired up, one student acted as the visually impaired runner and the other served as the guide. Using guiding techniques such as maintaining a steady pace and communicating direction changes, the pairs ran together on the school track. This hands-on experience not only challenged participants to build trust and cooperation but also revealed the significant physical and emotional awareness required to be a reliable guide.
October 23, 2024, Wednesday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Teacher Sun, Liang; Students and Teacher from Shanghai Blind Child School
BonVista Accessibility Club and students from Shanghai Blind Child School gathered online for a book sharing session. During the event, participants introduced their favorite books while also reflecting on their reading experiences and personal insights.
The session began with Wei Yeqi from the Blind Child School, who gave a vivid introduction to the characters and plot of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils by Jin Yong. His reflections on the values and spirit embodied in the martial arts novel offered everyone a brief but powerful journey into the world of wuxia literature.
Following him, Wenxing Yu from the Club presented Moses on the Plain, a short story known for its multiple first-person perspectives. She discussed this narrative technique and left the ending unexplained, inviting others to read the book and discover it for themselves.
Next, Kunyou Zhao, also from the Club, shared thoughts on The Red Shirt Without Buttons by Tie Ning. He highlighted themes of youth and personal growth, and read aloud a passage that revealed the author's deep psychological portrayal of the characters.
Yijia Gan from the Blind Child School then shared his experience of encountering Those Ming Dynasty Stories through a radio program. He conveyed how the book’s humorous and vivid storytelling made historical events both accessible and engaging, successfully piquing the interest of the audience.
Yunjia Liu from the Club followed with a retelling of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, focusing on the transformation of the bell ringer’s character. She emphasized Victor Hugo’s humanistic perspective and how it shines through in the story.
Siqi Pan from the Club shared two books: Greek Mythology and Norse Gods. He spoke about the lasting cultural influence of Norse mythology, particularly how it shaped the names of the days of the week in English, a detail that left a strong impression on many listeners.
Next, Yingwen Ding from the Blind Child School presented Foundation by Isaac Asimov. She introduced the vast universe of the sci-fi series and conveyed her deep enthusiasm for speculative fiction, which resonated with fellow fans in the group.
Leiyi Ji from the Club then shared The Miracles of the Namiya General Store by Keigo Higashino. As a heartwarming fantasy novel, the book explores the connections between people through a mysterious store that offers advice, highlighting themes of kindness and human bonds.
Siqi Pan returned with a reflection on Tuesdays with Morrie, focusing on the book’s central theme of death and its exploration of life’s most important lessons. He also related the story to his own thoughts and experiences.
At the end of the session, students engaged in an open discussion about all the books that had been shared. Several students from the Blind Child School contributed their own interpretations, including reflections on Greek mythology, adding depth and new perspectives to the conversation.
November 4, 2024, Monday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Lanjingling; Pei, Lian; Yang, Kang
With the help from the nonprofit organization Lanjingling, BonVista Accessibility Club remotely interviewed two guide dog owner, Pei Lian and Yang Kang, both of whom generously shared their personal stories.
Pei Lian spoke warmly about her guide dog, Dante, and how her life has significantly improved. She described how Dante not only assists her with navigation and mobility but also provides her with a sense of security and companionship, helping her regain confidence in unfamiliar environments.
Yang Kang, a professional piano tuner, shared his journey with a guide dog as well. He reflected on how having a guide dog has allowed him to travel independently for work and how the emotional bond between them brings comfort during moments of uncertainty. His story illustrated that guide dogs are not simply tools for mobility but are trusted partners who deeply impact their handlers’ daily lives.
Additional Reading: Guide Dogs, Apps and Devices
November 9, 2024, Saturday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Teacher Sun, Liang; Seniors from Kangjian Community; Ms. Zhou from Kangjian Community
BonVista Accessibility Club, in cooperation with Kangjian Community, accompanied elderly and disabled residents on a visit to the Four Lines Warehouse War Memorial Museum in Jing’an District.
The group assembled at Chang Xing Fang, Kangjian Subdistrict, where students, residents, and community staff boarded a bus to the museum. During the ride, Siqi Pan provided an overview of the Battle of Four Lines Warehouse in World War II, including historical context and less commonly known facts related to the event.
Upon arrival, the group viewed the bullet-scarred exterior of the restored warehouse before entering the main exhibition area. The entrance featured a stone sculpture engraved with a soldier’s farewell letter, marking the beginning of the exhibition route.
Inside, the museum presented a range of materials, including historical photographs, sculptures, wax figures, and oil paintings. Due to dim lighting in some exhibition zones, student volunteers offered verbal explanations to assist elderly visitors in navigating and understanding the displays.
November 9, 2024, Saturday
BonVista Accessibility Club
BonVista Accessibility Club had a meeting focused on reviewing collaborative activities carried out with Kangjian Community, particularly its local Disabled Persons Association, as well as with the Shanghai Blind Child School and several other student clubs within the school.
The discussion began with a detailed overview of recent events, including visits, joint activities, and educational outreach. Members reflected on the impact of these programs, such as inclusive social gatherings with residents in Kangjian Community, co-hosted activities with other school clubs like the music and drama clubs, and interactive reading sessions and discussion groups held online with students from the Shanghai Blind Child School. Individual-led projects and internal events organized independently by the Accessibility Club were also reviewed to evaluate participation, feedback, and areas for improvement.
Following the review, the meeting moved into the planning phase. Members proposed ideas for upcoming activities and discussed how best to continue engagement with existing partners.
November 19, 2024, Tuesday
BonVista Accessibility Club
During this club meeting, Siqi Pan delivered a presentation focused on accessible infrastructure and relevant legal standards. The session began with an introduction to various types of accessible facilities commonly found in public environments. These included wheelchair ramps, stairway handrails, elevators, escalators, braille signage, accessible facility icons, and tactile ground surface indicators designed to assist individuals with visual impairments. Each facility type was accompanied by visual examples and explanations of its function and importance in ensuring mobility and independence for persons with disabilities.
In the second part of the presentation, Siqi discussed accessibility-related laws and regulations that set specific technical requirements for the design and construction of such facilities. These legal standards include precise measurements for the slope and width of wheelchair ramps, the height and horizontal extension of handrails, and the permitted size of drainage holes in walking surfaces. I also explained how regulations cover the layout and placement of tactile ground indicators, ensuring consistency and safety for users who rely on them.
This session served as technical preparation for an upcoming field activity in which club members would conduct a survey of accessible infrastructure in the local community. By understanding both the functional purpose and regulatory framework of these facilities, members were equipped to assess whether existing infrastructure would meet established accessibility standards. The meeting concluded with a discussion about how the results of this future investigation could be compiled into a report or used to initiate further outreach or advocacy work. Additional Reading: Accessibility Codes in China and US
November 22, 2024, Friday
BonVista Accessibility Club
BonVista Accessibility Club conducted an on-site investigation focused on the accessibility of public infrastructure in the area surrounding our school. The goal of the activity was to identify real-world problems faced by individuals with visual impairments or mobility difficulties and to assess whether the local facilities could met basic accessibility standards.
During the survey, the Club members paid close attention to tactile paving, also known as blind pathways, which are meant to guide visually impaired pedestrians. They found that many of these paths were frequently blocked during rush hours, often by bicycles and parked scooters, making them inaccessible. In several places, the tactile paving was damaged, incomplete, or missing entirely, especially at road intersections. Some sections of the tactile paving were not well positioned, with some placed too close to trees or utility poles. In one case, the tactile path was even installed beneath a bus stop bench.
In addition to tactile paving, the Club members assessed other infrastructure elements such as curb ramps and drainage systems. Some curb ramps were either broken or missing, making it difficult for wheelchair users or people pushing strollers to navigate safely. In certain locations, drainage holes on the pavement were found to be oversized, presenting a tripping risk.
After completing the survey, the Club members gathered to discuss our findings. They highlighted the importance of not only installing accessible infrastructure but also maintaining it properly and designing it in a way that considers real-life usage scenarios.
December 7, 2024, Saturday
BonVista Accessibility Club
BonVista Accessibility Club organized a park visit with 11 visually impaired elderlies from the local community, aiming to provide companionship and create a pleasant and inclusive outdoor experience. The outing took place at Kangjian Park, where the autumn scenery was in full display. The golden leaves of the ginkgo trees shimmered in the sunlight, and the maple trees had turned a vibrant red, creating a picturesque landscape.
As strolling through the park, Club members walked alongside the elderlies, offering detailed descriptions of the environment. They paused at several scenic spots to take photos. Club members served as the photographers for the group, helping to capture the smiles and candid moments shared throughout the visit. The elderlies expressed great appreciation for the pictures, saying they were beautiful and meaningful to them.
December 11, 2024, Wednesday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Students from Shanghai Blind Child School
BonVista Accessibility Club held an online session for students at Shanghai Blind Child School who expressed interest in debate. The event aimed to introduce the fundamentals of competitive debating in an accessible and engaging format.
The session began with students from the Blind Child School sharing their existing knowledge and impressions of debate. This opening discussion provided valuable insight into their perspectives and served as a starting point for deeper engagement. Following this, Club members introduced the basics of competitive debate, including how arguments are structured and how reasoning is developed during preparation. They explained key terms and concepts and used classic match footage to illustrate each stage of a debate, from opening statements to rebuttals and summaries.
To conclude the session, the Club members spoke about their own experiences in debate. They described the personal growth they had achieved through the activity, such as improved critical thinking, public speaking, and confidence. They also emphasized the inclusive nature of debate, encouraging the Blind Child School students to explore it further.
December 12, 2024, Thursday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Teacher Sun, Liang; Football Club
BonVista Accessibility Club and Football Club held an event for promoting blind foot ball.
Siqi Pan had designed a poster and produced a video for introducing blind football game with a concise overview of the sport’s origins, development, and gameplay structure. Two display banners were placed to supplement the explanation with visuals and key facts. On a table, several pieces of blind football equipment were exhibited, including the specially designed ball used in matches and the eye masks worn by players to ensure equal visual conditions.
Following the introduction, students were invited to participate in interactive activities to experience blind football firsthand. The experience was divided into two parts: blindfolded shooting and blindfolded dribbling.
During the blindfolded shooting session, students took turns attempting to score goals while blindfolded, simulating the official procedures used in real matches. Volunteers tapped the goalposts to provide directional sound cues, helping participants orient themselves before taking a shot. Students who successfully scored received football-related prizes as a token of encouragement.
In the blindfolded dribbling section, participants were guided by club members to safely navigate a designated area while blindfolded. Using only the sound of the ball’s built-in bells, students attempted to maintain control of the ball and stay within the marked boundaries. Those who completed the challenge without the ball leaving the designated area were also awarded small prizes.
December 15, 2024, Sunday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Ms. Zhou and Mr. Chen from Kangjian Community; Grandpa Zhu, a resident with vision impairments
Siqi Pan collaborated with the Disabled Persons Association of Kangjian Community to produce a promotional video aimed at raising awareness about accessibility. The video began by explaining the three key components of accessibility: physical facilities designed to accommodate all users, accessible information that everyone can easily obtain and understand, and most importantly, cultivating an inclusive mindset that encourages empathy and support for people with disabilities.
Next, Siqi conducted an interview with a local resident who is visually impaired. During the interview, the resident shared personal experiences, describing the challenges and adaptations involved in daily life. To provide viewers with a deeper understanding, Siqi Pan and the resident then took a walk together, during which Siqi guided him along the path, demonstrating some of the practical realities faced by visually impaired individuals in navigating public spaces.
January 9, 2025, Thursday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Ms. Zhou and Mr. Chen from Kangjian Community
BonVista Accessibility Club took part in the meal delivery experience. They observed firsthand how elderly and disabled individuals place meal orders online, with meals prepared by local cafeterias and subsequently delivered by professional delivery companies. By dressing as meal delivery workers themselves, the participants navigated residential areas, gaining practical understanding of the logistics, challenges, and care involved in this essential service.
January 17, 2025, Friday
BonVista Accessibility Club; Lanjingling
BonVista Accessibility Club participated in a special event in nonprofit organization Lanjingling's office, focusing on learning and practicing braille. During the activity, the Club members explored the basics of braille, including numbers, English letters, and Chinese characters. Each participant first practiced by typing their own English and Chinese names in braille. Following this, they contributed to making anniversary commemoration booklets for Lanjingling. On the cover of these booklets, they carefully typed “10th anniversary for beYoureyeS,” which would later be distributed by the organization. At the end of the session, club members took group photos with Xiaobin Chen. Two traditional photos were captured: one with eyes open and one with eyes closed, continuing the Lanjingling custom.
January 17, 2025, Friday
BonVista Accessibility Club
BonVista Accessibility Club held a meeting to discuss upcoming activities and future plans. A major focus was the proposal of organizing a large-scale carnival event within the local community. The purpose of this event would be to raise funds aimed at making homes of local elderly residents more accessible through necessary renovations and refurbishments. Additionally, members explored the idea of producing a documentary or a series of short videos to raise awareness about accessibility. This media project would include interviews with a variety of persons, offering diverse perspectives on the daily lives and challenges faced by visually impaired people. The discussion also covered plans for organizing an accessibility week at school, featuring various educational and interactive activities to promote inclusion and understanding.
Following the meeting, club members gathered for a meal at a hot pot restaurant to welcome the New Year and to celebrate the end of the semester . For those unable to attend, including Teacher Sun Liang and several members, video greetings were sent to share the happiness. The event concluded with a group photo, capturing the great moment as they looked forward to the year ahead.
