Born in 1982, Li Hongyue has learning disabilities. After working in a pulp mill in Beijing for nine years, he was forced to resign as the poor working environment damaged his health.
He got another job in an e-mart supermarket, but was denied a labor contract due to insurance costs.
Li received vocational training at Beijing Fengtai Lizhi Rehabilitation Center in 2008, and has worked in a floriculture workshop since then.