The Hangzhou Asian Para Games have prominent technology and disability support elements.(PHOTO: VCG)

By HE Liang, JIANG Yun & LIANG Yilian

Once you enter the facility, you only need to say where you want to go, and the intelligent voice prompt system provides clear audio directions for the visually impaired. In the event of an emergency, a call for assistance triggers an immediate alert. This is how the barrier-free toilets at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou work.

According to Yang Jinkui, director of China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities, the Hangzhou Asian Para Games have prominent technology and disability support elements.

"To address the challenge of effective communication for hearing-impaired audiences, a sign language translation mini program has been developed to support the Hangzhou Asian Para Games’ intelligent sign language platform, intelligent AI sign language interpreter 'Xiao Mo'," Chen Ping, spokesperson at the Hangzhou Wenhui School lawn ball court, told S&T Daily.

“Hearing-impaired spectators can better access natural language information, ensuring they fully enjoy the barrier-free event services," he added.

The intelligent voice prompt system and AI sign language interpreter Xiao Mo are a few of the array of barrier-free applications and services available at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games venues. Others include an elevator with Braille buttons, a barrier-free restroom with "voice recognition", a technically-savvy electronic guide dog... The stadium has smart and friendly settings for the physically challenged.

The venues of the Hangzhou Asian Para Games have used the expertise of the previous Asian Games and supplemented it with specialized personnel, wherever necessary. The team has undergone targeted training in the use of specialized equipment to ensure the event proceeds smoothly.