AI-powered sign-language interpreters among accessibility features at upcoming Xinjiang parasports events

At a Monday news conference, organizers of the upcoming parasports events in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region laid out an extensive array of accessibility measures, from AI-powered sign-language interpreters to dedicated shuttle services, for the 668 athletes set to compete in the games, which kick off Thursday in Yining, Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture.

According to Chen Jin, vice-chairwoman of the regional disabled persons' federation, the dual events cater to multiple groups of competitors. The 8th Autonomous Region Games for Persons with Disabilities and 5th Autonomous Region Special Olympic Games of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region are open to athletes with physical, visual, hearing, and intellectual disabilities.

To ensure that the athletes have all of their diverse needs met, accessibility upgrades have been implemented at competition venues, hotels, roads, and public areas. Accessible ramps, restrooms, parking spaces, and designated viewing zones are also in place.

Support services include an AI-powered sign language interpreter for the opening ceremony, dedicated shuttle services, optimized accommodation and catering, medical stations, and trained volunteers offering guidance, assistance, and sign language support.

Kang Yongxin, deputy director of the regional sports bureau, highlighted the policies and programs launched in recent years, saying that sports for people with disabilities are integral to the national fitness campaign. Among the programs is free access for individuals with disabilities with valid ID at more than 100 public sports venues across Xinjiang.

A gymnasium in Jinghe county, Bortala Mongolian autonomous prefecture, has been renovated to include a dedicated training room for athletes with disabilities, featuring accessible ramps and adapted sports equipment for daily fitness, team training, and competitions.

In coordination with the regional disabled persons' federation, training programs for coaches and sports instructors have been conducted, along with enhanced referee training to develop professional officiating talent.

Kang went on to say that the upcoming revision of the Xinjiang regional sports development regulation would clarify venue support, talent training, and event organization at the statutory level to standardize the region's long-term parasports development.

Held every four years, these games represent the highest-level, largest-scale, and most influential comprehensive sports events for people with disabilities in Xinjiang. The regional government hosts the games, which are organized by the regional sports bureau and disabled persons' federation in partnership with the government of Ili.