He Zhigang

He Zhigang writes with his mouth.[photo/china.org.cn]

Recommended by: Yunnan Disabled Persons’ Federation

Reason for recommendation: After losing his arms, He Zhigang learned to write with his mouth and created unique mouth-writing techniques. He became a well-known mouth-writing artist, and encourages all people with disabilities to pursue their dreams.

He Zhigang and CDPF chairwoman Zhang Haidi.[photo/china.org.cn]

He Zhigang was born in Lijiang, Yunnan province in 1968. He lost his arms due to high voltage shocks when he was 11, but he never gave up on his dreams and learned to do calligraphy with his mouth.

He won many awards for his work, and held exhibitions in person in Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai. National leaders in China, France and the US became collectors.

He Zhigang joins a TV show.[photo/china.org.cn]

He has given more than 100 lectures across China. Many dignitaries, including Prince Charles of the UK and the head of SOAS, University of London (formerly known as the School of Oriental and African Studies), have spoken highly of He’s spirit, and said that his work helps the world learn more about Chinese culture and people.

He has taken every opportunity to display the spirit of Chinese people with disabilities. He organized the “seven artists without arms” to take part in various performances, including a TV program on CCTV. The group mounted exhibitions in Hangzhou during the G20 Summit in 2016 and on other occasions organized by Disabled Persons’ Federations.

The seven artists also attended an exhibition for artists in China and South Korea and sent 10 calligraphy works to foreign artists, which has promoted international communication regarding people with disabilities.

He also gave eight interviews in Yunnan in 2016, and featured in a short movie filmed in cooperation with the Yunnan government.

He has given lectures in universities and published a biography to be issued in foreign editions in 2017.

He Zhigang keeps in touch with friends in different sectors and always calls for donations for people with disabilities.

As the CPPCC member of Lijiang, He Zhigang researches local people’s living conditions every year. He submitted eight suggestions to help improve Lijiang’s disability services in 2016. As a result of his efforts, 31 residents living in poverty received subsidiaries totaling more than 3,800 dollars.

He is trusted and loved by local people with disabilities, and will never give up promoting their livelihoods.