Blindsided by society (3)

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By Xie Wenting (Global Times) 09:03, October 14, 2013

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Ping Yali and Lucky attempt to board a train. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Left in the doghouse

Metropolitan joined Chen and Jennifer on a trip to a mall nearby their home last week to witness a typical day for the pair. Even though Chen couldn't see fellow shoppers' stares, she clearly heard their comments.

"Did you hear that child ask why a dog is allowed into the mall?" Chen sighed. "My hearing is extra sensitive because I'm blind. I was really angry yesterday when I encountered a similar situation. I reacted by scolding the child. Today I restrained myself."

Chen has been a fighter all her life. Born blind because of congenital cataracts, she was raised by her grandmother after her parents abandoned her. In Jennifer she has found a companion acutely aware of the rejection Chen feels at being shunned in public. Staff at Tiantongyuan Subway Station have refused the duo entry 12 times.

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, temporary regulations were drafted that permitted guide dogs on public transportation. In August 2012, a national regulation came into effect that stipulated guide dogs be permitted entry to all public places.

However, Chen notes this regulation is routinely flaunted in Beijing and other Chinese cities she visits where she and Jennifer have been refused entry to parks, tourist sites, hotels and aboard buses.

Jennifer has become so accustomed to being rejected at the subway that she now tries to steer Chen away when she approaches it. The pair subsequently relies on the few taxis with drivers considerate enough to take them where they want to go.