HowToLiveWorse

CHAPTER 33 · 20 SOURCE ENTRIES

Navigating Life with Disability

残疾之后怎么活

[← 回总目录](../README.md) 这一节写的是残疾已经发生之后的日子。怎么防住致残，在第 1 节和第 13 节，这里不重复。 四种口径分开算，不互相换算。急症和并发症那几条按死亡率算。补贴、待遇、打官司那几条按金钱算。上学、办事那几条按时间算。精神障碍住院、行为能力和监护那几条按人身自由算。 世界卫生组织的说明书给了三个数字。全球约有 13 亿人存在显著功能障碍，占世界人口的 16%，大约每六个人里有一个。部分残疾人比没有残疾的人早死最多 20 年。残疾人得抑郁、哮喘、糖尿病、卒中、肥胖或者口腔健康不良的风险是两倍。这些差距里，很大一部分不是残疾本身造成的，是看不上病、上不了学、找

Open this pinned source chapter ↗
33-001
Evidence Blifespan

Sudden severe headache and sweating after spinal cord injury: first help the person sit upright, loosen tight clothing, and call 120.

脊髓损伤之后突然剧烈头痛、出汗，先扶坐直、松开衣物，同时叫 120

In people with spinal cord injury, the body’s warning signals get disrupted. Even though the bladder may be full or clothing might be tight, the person might not notice it — yet blood pressure can spike dramatically. The warning signs are sudden severe headache and sweating. In such cases, the first step is to help the person sit upright, loosen any tight clothing, check whether the bladder is full, and call 120 right away.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Sudden severe headache and sweating after spinal cord injury: first help the person sit upright, loosen tight clothing, and call 120.” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-002
Evidence AlifespanSource-sensitive

The first decade after becoming disabled is a high-risk period for suicide; this shouldn’t be dismissed as “just a matter of staying positive.”

致残之后的头十年是自杀的高风险期，别当成「想开点」就行的事

In the first few years after becoming disabled, it’s very common for both the disabled individual and their family members to experience severe emotional distress — this is not a sign of weak willpower at all. Long-term follow-up studies conducted at two spinal cord injury centers in the UK found that the suicide rate among this group is five times higher than that of the general population. Over 90% of all suicides among these individuals occur within the first decade after their injury. For people whose injury was directly caused by a prior suicide attempt, this risk is even higher.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “The first decade after becoming disabled is a high-risk period for suicide; this shouldn’t be dismissed as “just a matter of staying positive.”” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-003
Evidence Afreedom

Hospitalization for mental disorders is voluntary; only two exceptions allow admission without consent

精神障碍住院以自愿为原则，只有两种情形可以不经本人同意

Family members or employers cannot force someone to stay in a psychiatric hospital indefinitely. The law permits admission without consent only in two specific cases: when the person has already harmed or is at risk of harming themselves, or when they have already harmed or are at risk of harming others. In the first case, hospital admission still requires guardian approval; otherwise it is not allowed. If someone disputes the diagnosis, they may request a second evaluation within three days, and later can hire an independent medical expert for a formal assessment.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Hospitalization for mental disorders is voluntary; only two exceptions allow admission without consent” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-004
Evidence AlifespanSource-sensitive

For caregivers of disabled family members at home, it’s vital to watch your own health

长期照护家里残疾人的那个人，自己的身体要有人盯着

It’s not exaggeration when caregivers feel completely exhausted. One U.S. study followed over 800 older adults for four years. Those caring for a disabled spouse while also reporting high levels of mental strain had a mortality risk roughly 63% higher than people who weren’t caregivers. No such increase appeared among caregivers who didn’t report feeling stressed. So the real issue isn’t caregiving itself, but the long-term strain it causes.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “For caregivers of disabled family members at home, it’s vital to watch your own health” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-005
Evidence Blifespan

For long‑term wheelchair users, switch to a pressure‑relieving cushion and check the ischial and sacrococcygeal areas daily

长期坐轮椅的，坐垫换成减压型，每天看一遍坐骨和尾骨

Regular foam cushions can cause skin breakdown after prolonged pressure. Once broken, the skin heals slowly and is prone to infection. In a trial conducted in nursing homes, the group using pressure‑relieving cushions showed significantly fewer pressure ulcers on the ischial region. Wheelchairs must also be sized to each individual; a generic model does not suffice.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “For long‑term wheelchair users, switch to a pressure‑relieving cushion and check the ischial and sacrococcygeal areas daily” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-006
Evidence Amoney

Don’t buy therapies or devices that claim to cure paralysis, blindness, or deafness

别买「能治好瘫痪、失明、耳聋」的疗法和器械

Advertising laws leave no room for ambiguity. Ads for medical services, drugs, and medical devices are prohibited from making any claims about effectiveness, cure rates, or success rates, and they can’t feature real patients sharing their experiences. Phrases like “stand up after three treatment cycles” or “so many people have recovered” are illegal on their own, so there’s no need to even examine the underlying theory. Even products that aren’t classified as medical devices aren’t allowed to mention any disease treatment benefits at all.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Don’t buy therapies or devices that claim to cure paralysis, blindness, or deafness” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-007
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

After obtaining the disability certificate, visit the county-level civil affairs bureau to ask about all available benefits at once

残疾人证办下来之后，去县级残联把能申请的东西一次问全

The disability certificate itself does not provide any financial support — it simply serves as a key to unlock other benefits. Numerous separate benefits are tied to it, each requiring a separate application; none are granted automatically. Visiting the civil affairs bureau once and asking about every item on the list saves you from having to make multiple trips later.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “After obtaining the disability certificate, visit the county-level civil affairs bureau to ask about all available benefits at once” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-008
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

For children under 7 who have disabilities or autism, apply to the county-level civil affairs bureau for rehabilitation assistance.

孩子不满 7 岁又有残疾或者孤独症的，去县级残联申请康复救助

The government has established a rehabilitation assistance program for children with disabilities and autism aged 0–6, covering surgeries, assistive devices, and therapy sessions. Initially, priority is given to children from low-income families; however, regions with sufficient financial resources may extend eligibility based on age or economic status. This early intervention window yields the best outcomes, so action should not be delayed until school age. Centers must be selected from the official list maintained by the civil affairs bureau.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “For children under 7 who have disabilities or autism, apply to the county-level civil affairs bureau for rehabilitation assistance.” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-009
Evidence Bmoney

Families can apply to local civil affairs bureaus at or above the county level for subsidies to modify ramps, handrails, and bathrooms at home

家里的坡道、扶手和浴室改造，可以向县级以上政府申请补贴

The Law on the Construction of Barrier-Free Environments states that civil affairs bureaus at or above the county level must support and guide home modifications for accessibility, and provide appropriate subsidies to eligible families of persons with disabilities and older adults. These programs are usually coordinated by the disability services council on an annual basis, so early registration is essential. The exact amount of the subsidy and which modifications qualify vary by region.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Families can apply to local civil affairs bureaus at or above the county level for subsidies to modify ramps, handrails, and bathrooms at home” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-010
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Mentioning your certification during a job interview can save the employer money

找工作时主动说明自己持证，企业招你能抵掉一笔钱

Employers must hire disabled workers so that they make up at least 1.5% of their total workforce; the exact percentage is set by each province. If they fall short of this target, they must pay a disability employment levy calculated per employee based on the average annual wage of their staff from the previous year. Therefore, hiring you isn’t merely an act of goodwill — it actually cuts down on their expenses. Bringing up your certification during the interview makes it easy for them to see this financial benefit.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Mentioning your certification during a job interview can save the employer money” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-011
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Tax reductions for individuals with disabilities – how much can be saved? Call your provincial tax bureau for details

残疾人的个人所得税可以减征，减多少打电话问省税务局

The Individual Income Tax Law states that individuals with disabilities may receive tax reductions on their earnings. However, the exact amount and duration of these reductions are left to provincial governments to determine, so they vary from province to province. Some provinces set an annual cap on the reduction, while others apply a percentage cut. To find out the exact figure for your area, call 12366 or check the relevant tax‑relief options in the Individual Income Tax app.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Tax reductions for individuals with disabilities – how much can be saved? Call your provincial tax bureau for details” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-012
Evidence Amoney

Guide dogs are allowed in public places and on public transport; blind individuals ride city buses for free.

导盲犬可以带进公共场所和公共交通，盲人免费坐市内公交

The law clearly states that managers of public venues, transport facilities, and operators of public transport must provide reasonable accommodations for disabled persons traveling with guide dogs, hearing dogs, or other service animals. Additionally, blind individuals with valid identification may ride city buses, trams, subways, and ferries free of charge, and may bring any necessary assistive devices along. Should anyone object, simply point out these two provisions; if that fails, file a complaint.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Guide dogs are allowed in public places and on public transport; blind individuals ride city buses for free.” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-013
Evidence Atime-energySource-sensitive

Disabled candidates taking the national college entrance exam can request reasonable accommodations, including a 50% time extension for those using Braille test papers.

残疾人参加高考可以申请合理便利，用盲文卷的考试时间加一半

The Ministry of Education and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation have issued official guidelines outlining specific accommodations for disabled students taking the college entrance exam. These include Braille test papers, large-print test papers, exemption from foreign language listening tests, extended exam time, private testing rooms, and permission to bring hearing aids or wheelchairs into the exam hall. These benefits are not automatically granted; candidates must apply in writing by the deadline set by their provincial education authorities, attaching a valid disability certificate (second generation or newer). If a candidate disagrees with the decision, they may request a review from the provincial education department.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Disabled candidates taking the national college entrance exam can request reasonable accommodations, including a 50% time extension for those using Braille test papers.” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-014
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Schools may not refuse enrollment for children with disabilities; those unable to attend receive in‑home instruction arranged by the education bureau

残疾孩子申请入学，学校不得拒收；到不了校的由教育局安排送教上门

The regulations clearly state that preschools and schools at all levels must not deny enrollment to eligible children with disabilities. This applies to regular vocational schools as well. For children who need personal care and cannot attend school, county‑level education authorities must arrange in‑home instruction or distance learning and include them in the official student registry. Decisions on admission and transfers are made by an expert committee on disability education appointed by the county education bureau, not by the schools themselves.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Schools may not refuse enrollment for children with disabilities; those unable to attend receive in‑home instruction arranged by the education bureau” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-015
Evidence Afreedom

People missing their right lower limb or both lower limbs can still obtain a driver’s license; the designated category is C5

右下肢或者双下肢没了也能考驾照，准驾车型叫 C5

According to regulations issued by China’s Ministry of Public Security, there exists a specific driver’s license category designated for people with disabilities, known as “small automatic passenger cars for disabled persons,” identified by the code C5. Individuals who have lost or lack movement function in their right lower limb or both lower limbs yet can sit upright on their own, provided their upper limbs meet certain criteria, are eligible to apply. A similar pathway exists for those missing one entire palm. Separate license categories also apply to people with visual impairments affecting only one eye or hearing impairments. All required medical evaluations must be conducted at specialized medical institutions approved by provincial health authorities.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “People missing their right lower limb or both lower limbs can still obtain a driver’s license; the designated category is C5” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-016
Evidence AlifespanSource-sensitive

Rehabilitation should be carried out at a proper facility with a rehabilitation medicine department; the intensity must be set by therapists — more intensity does not necessarily mean better results.

康复在有康复医学科的正规机构做，强度听治疗师的，不是越猛越好

The most common mistake is simply sending a patient home to lie down and hope for a natural recovery. Care delivered by a coordinated, multidisciplinary team helps many patients survive one year later and continue living at home. However, patients should not overdo it on their own. In a large multi-center clinical trial, early, frequent, and more intensive activity within 24 hours after a stroke actually led to poorer outcomes three months later. Thus, the amount and timing of exercise must be determined by the rehabilitation department and therapists.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Rehabilitation should be carried out at a proper facility with a rehabilitation medicine department; the intensity must be set by therapists — more intensity does not necessarily mean better results.” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-017
Evidence Alifespan

Getting a hearing aid when hearing declines — the reason is to hear better now, not to prevent dementia

听力下降就去配助听器，配它的理由是听得见，不是防痴呆

The claim that “wearing a hearing aid prevents dementia” currently lacks solid evidence. A three‑year trial involving nearly a thousand participants found no overall difference between groups. Only among people already at higher risk of cognitive decline did a modest benefit appear. Thus, the main reason to get a hearing aid is to hear clearly now — to talk with others and hear traffic while crossing the street — not to protect the brain decades later.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Getting a hearing aid when hearing declines — the reason is to hear better now, not to prevent dementia” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-018
Evidence AfreedomSource-sensitive

Saying an adult “can’t manage his own affairs” requires a court determination; family members can’t decide on their own

说一个成年人「管不了自己的事」，要向法院申请认定，家属说了不算

Only a court can decide whether an adult is “incapable of civil conduct” or “has limited civil capacity.” Family members, employers, or residents’ committees cannot make that determination on their own. A party with a vested interest or a relevant organization must file a petition with the court. Conversely, if a person’s mental or intellectual abilities improve, an application can be made to restore his capacity. This procedure serves both as a safeguard and a protection mechanism.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Saying an adult “can’t manage his own affairs” requires a court determination; family members can’t decide on their own” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-019
Evidence Afreedom

Guardians for adults are appointed in a legal order; if the ward injures someone, the guardian must pay compensation.

成年人的监护人按法定顺序定；被监护人伤了别人，由监护人赔

Once an adult loses the capacity to act, a guardian must be appointed following this order: spouse, parents and children, other close relatives, and finally any other individual or organization willing to serve. If there is disagreement over who should serve, the local residents' committee, villagers' committee, or civil affairs bureau makes the appointment; parties may appeal to court if they disagree. Conversely, while still of sound mind, an adult may put in writing who they wish to serve as their guardian. If the ward injures someone, the appointed guardian is legally responsible for paying compensation.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Guardians for adults are appointed in a legal order; if the ward injures someone, the guardian must pay compensation.” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
33-020
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

If you’re denied a job, denied promotion, or paid less because of a disability, you can sue — but first calculate the associated costs.

因为残疾被拒招、不转正、少发钱，可以告，但先把过程成本算清

The law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in hiring, promotion, salary, social insurance, and related areas. You may file a complaint with the relevant authorities or go directly to court. However, winning the case does not automatically mean the other party will pay your legal fees — those are not covered under standard court costs. Therefore, it’s wise to first file a complaint, apply for legal aid, and then consider litigation.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “If you’re denied a job, denied promotion, or paid less because of a disability, you can sue — but first calculate the associated costs.” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off

Source snapshot: a994b6a0c90598b0fe15cb837343f438dbf7b95d. Every original stays available in Chinese alongside the English edition.