Mao Donglai, who is from the Hangzhou Disabled Persons' Federation, serves as a sign interpreter at the Hangzhou two sessions.  [Photo/ori.hangzhou.com.cn]

A sign language interpreter was introduced to the live stream of the fifth session of the 11th Hangzhou Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which opened on Feb 1.

It is the first time for Hangzhou to adopt such a practice during the two sessions, which refer to the annual meetings of lawmakers and political advisors discussing economic and social development over the past year, as well as making plans for the year to come.

Via live stream, more than 34,000 residents with hearing loss were able to follow the important session.

A sign language interpreter is introduced to the live stream of the fifth session of the 11th Hangzhou Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on Feb 1. [Photo/ ori.hangzhou.com.cn]

Mao Donglai, a sign interpreter working at the Hangzhou Disabled Persons' Federation, said that she was honored to accept the arduous task, adding that she felt excited when hearing the news.

Mao, who is also a person with hearing disabilities, said she had to use hearing aids to hear the session. She said that she also made lots of preparations for the meeting.

Feng Lingmei, honorary president of the Hangzhou Association for Deaf People, welcomed the practice as an inspiring message for people with hearing disabilities, adding that Hangzhou will attach more importance to providing more convenient services for people with disabilities.