Disabled street vendors fight to reverse social stereotypes

Due to the public’s longstanding negative impression of street vendors, the first step for any disabled person working on the streets is learning to let go of their ego. Selling in the street isn’t merely about dealing with the weather, but also a severe test of one’s physical condition. After a long day’s hawking, individuals sometimes earn even less than the money for a square meal.

New Wheel Foundation Director, Chen An-zong (陳安宗), said that many people with disabilities find it very inconvenient to go out. In an effort to assist those with disabilities work together, he began building a more humane space, providing street vendors with dorm rooms that are almost entirely barrier-free.

The Street Vendors Foundation provides free accommodation to street vendors; through education and training, it is actively helping street vendors reverse their negative public image. Though the work of street vendors seems unassuming, each wheelchair warrior has their own unique life story to tell.

(以下為中文對照)

社會長期對街賣者的觀感不佳，讓街賣者從事這項工作的第一步，就是要學會放下自尊，街賣不只要看天氣，還要考驗他們的身體狀況，辛勤的叫賣，一天的收入常常也只能跟吃飯錢打平。

新巨輪協會理事長陳安宗表示，有很多身障者外出不方便，為了讓很多的身障者可以一起工作，所以開始打造更人性化的空間，每一個房間幾乎都是無障礙的動向。

街賣者基金會提供給街賣者免費住宿，透過教育訓練，積極幫助街賣者扭轉形象，不起眼的街賣工作，卻是每一位輪椅鬥士的生命故事。

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