The storefront of "Wanwan i Life" tea shop. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Xu Qin, director of the Wanwan Care Center, mentioned that many customers may feel embarrassed to receive free tea or have individuals with intellectual disabilities serve them. However, their visit provides an opportunity for the youngsters to gain experience and grow.

Xu, a native of Hangzhou, resigned from her job and started her own business to take care of her son, who experienced multiple disabilities due to an accident. After her son graduated from a special education school, Xu self-funded the establishment of the Wan Wan Care Center in 2009, a fully free program for young adults with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. She has since then been looking after a group of young individuals facing similar challenges as her son.

Today, the center has become an open and comprehensive disability assistance organization that combines a better quality of life, employment training, rehabilitation, volunteer services, and public services.

It has exported relevant disability assistance concepts and models to over 320 disability service institutions nationwide and has been honored with the title of "Home for People with Disabilities" by the central government. Xu has also been awarded numerous honorary titles for her outstanding contributions to disability assistance.

Drinks at the store are served by people with disabilities. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]