Deputy seeks more support for disabled in autonomous region

Tenzin Ngodrub, a deputy to the Xizang Autonomous Regional People's Congress, has called for increased support for disabled individuals, emphasizing improved subsidies and job training.

His proposal came during the third session of the 12th People's Congress of the Xizang Autonomous Region, where he highlighted his recent earthquake relief efforts.

On Jan 7, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Dingri county. Tenzin Ngodrub, founder of the Gangkar Township Disabled National Handicraft Professional Cooperative, arrived that afternoon with 58 staff members and trucks carrying aid supplies worth over 900,000 yuan ($123,678). The supplies included quilts, phone chargers, instant noodles and tents.

During the five-day relief mission, Tenzin Ngodrub and his team provided wheelchairs and walking sticks to more than 60 disabled individuals whose mobility equipment was buried in the debris.

"I was honored to help, especially knowing how vulnerable they were after losing their equipment," he said. "I reassured them that the government would care for them, offering comfort to those who couldn't sleep."

At a group discussion on Monday afternoon, Tenzin Ngodrub stressed the importance of expanding job skills training for disabled people and raising subsidy standards.

According to the regional government work report released on Sunday, 14.8 billion yuan will be allocated this year to implement 28 practical projects aimed at improving people's livelihoods. Of this, 270 million yuan will go toward increasing annual per capita subsidies for disabled individuals facing financial difficulties to 1,728 yuan, and raising nursing subsidies for severely disabled individuals to 3,456 yuan.

Tenzin Ngodrub's cooperative, established in 2008 in Gangkar township, has become a lifeline for disabled individuals in Dingri and nearby counties in Shigatse. As a disabled person, he has been a staunch advocate for creating job opportunities and providing psychological support.

The cooperative employs 206 people, 72 of whom are disabled. Seventy percent of the workers are women, with employees earning between 4,000 and 5,000 yuan monthly. Workers ranging in age from 18 to 60 produce over 50 types of handicrafts, including ethnic clothing, school uniforms, tents and cultural tourism items. These goods are sold in markets across Lhasa, Shigatse, Dingri and even at the base camp of Mount Qomolangma, which is also known as Mount Everest.

In 2023, Tenzin Ngodrub also established a handicapped association to provide additional support. He has traveled to nine rural counties in Shigatse, offering psychological counseling, skills training and job opportunities.

"I want disabled individuals to feel confident and realize they are capable and valuable to society," the 41-year-old said.