Pub HandyCup was founded just last year by Xia Yujie, a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur who lost the function of his left hand due to a medical accident while in middle school. When Xia noticed how few disabled people frequented Shanghai’s public social spheres, he decided it was time to act.
“Some might assume […] they prefer staying home or that they don’t need to get out and socialize,” Xia says, citing attitudes toward the social lives of the disabled. “But that’s a complete misunderstanding. They very much want to get out, socialize, and chat with others.”
And so, he and his co-founder Vki scoured the districts of Shanghai until they found a place equipped to bring their vision to life. As they built their inclusive bar, they made sure every detail was designed with thought and care — down to its level entrances, height-adjustable tables, Braille menus, and boards written in Chinese Sign Language.
For Gong Jingwen, a frequent visitor who is visually impaired, it offers a space where he is not defined by his disability.
“When I walk on the street, people say, ‘Why are you going out alone?’ ‘Where’s your family?’ Stuff like that. They focus on my disability,” Gong says. “But at Pub HandyCup, I don’t feel that way. Here, disabilities are just a part of life.”
Local resident Fu Ming, who frequents the bar, echoes the sentiment. “This isn’t just a bar for those with disabilities,” says Fu. “It’s for everyone.”
According to Xia, 20 percent of his current clientele has a disability, and he intends to empower the diverse Pub HandyCup community to foster mutual understanding. In that vein, the bar has facilitated collaborative workshops in Braille, Chinese Sign Language, and interactive photography.
“Feeling seen is necessary,” Xia says. “People need more diversity around them in daily life so they can understand each other’s realities. From there, everyone can develop better ways to communicate.”
