"It improved our mutual understanding. Members of the production crew and the dancers without disabilities actively communicated with us and learned sign language from us in their free time. We gradually had no obstacle communicating and grew closer to one another," Wei said.

The recurring imagery of concentric circles was used throughout the opening ceremony to further emphasize the concept of inclusivity.

"The concentric circles are a common element in traditional Chinese culture, and they bear the positive implications of unity, friendship and inclusion. They match well with our message of disability inclusion," Shen said.

"With the stories of people with disabilities placed in the center, we found this imagery can act as a force to break down boundaries and bring people together."