Dream to reality

Though Gao always realized she was different growing up, she never lost hope and studied hard at school. It was not until 2014, when she began job hunting, that the reality struck home.

“I couldn’t find a job when I graduated from college,” she said remembering the arduous routine of sending out hundreds of her résumés to companies without any reply. “I realized my physical condition is an obstacle, and have to admit sometimes people with disabilities are being looked at differently in the job market,” she said.

Impressed by the popularity of e-commerce, the idea to open a store on Taobao was hatched, and she decided to be her own boss. “I like the Internet because it is open, convenient, and equal for all,” she said.

Gao became an online store owner in 2014, focusing mainly on snack foods and enjoying the convenience of working from the comfort of her home. Her disability also does not restrict her from interacting with clients. “I can respond to customers’ queries through Wangwang [an online chat software between sellers and buyers in Taobao to manage orders].” Her products are collected from her door daily for onward delivery countrywide.

To date, Gao has made more than 2,000 transactions online and her store has a “3-diamond” rating - given to trustworthy stores by Taobao. With an annual income now reaching 50,000 yuan ($7,700), she is understandably proud of her independence.

Like Gao, an increasing number of people with physical disabilities in China are setting up e-commerce businesses, typically on Taobao. According to the Zhejiang Province Disabled Persons’ Federation, the total number of people with disabilities in the province who started businesses