September 8th, designated as World Physical Therapy Day by the World Physiotherapy, is also observed as Physical Therapist Day in Taiwan. Physical therapists are not merely experts in sports or rehabilitation; they are guardians who accompany persons with disabilities, seniors, or injured patients in regaining mobility independence and quality of life. This year, Eden Foundation pays special tribute to physical therapists serving in the social welfare sector. We invited Ms. Yi-Fang Chung, a physical therapist from the Hsinchu City Assistive Device Resource Center which commissioned by the Hsinchu City Government and operated by Eden, to share her 12-year journey of empowering individuals toward independent living. We express our gratitude for their dedication to guarding the dignity and freedom of persons with disabilities.
Eden's physical therapist, Yi-Fang Chung, combines professionalism with compassion, transforming assistive devices into wings for persons with disabilities.
Ms. Yi-Fang Chung began her journey in Department of nursing of senior high school before switching to physical therapy in college. While initially aspiring to work in the medical field, she discovered a deeper desire to support users' daily needs. Ms. Yi-Fang Chung explains, “My original intention was simple: to directly identify needs, offer appropriate advice, and know that I might need these services myself someday.” After entering community service, her work extended beyond assessing door widths and selecting assistive devices. She immersed herself in users' homes, observing caregivers' needs and gaining their understanding. Reflecting on her 12-year journey, Ms. Yi-Fang Chung states, “I strive to offer the most practical assistance, as assistive devices are often the fastest way to improve quality of life for many persons with disabilities.”
Physical therapist Yi-Fang Chung uses a protractor to measure a service user's joint range of motion.
When asked about her most memorable experience, Ms. Yi-Fang Chung mentioned Auntie Hui-Fen, whom she has served for years. Auntie Huifen, 68-year-old Now, relies on a wheelchair due to polio. Her physical changes once made walking with crutches impossible, leading to prolonged confinement at home and low spirits. After Ms. Yi-Fang Chung 's careful assessment, she discovered that with the right electric wheelchair, Auntie could rejoin her community. Ms. Yi-Fang Chung assisted with subsidy applications, arranged test drives, and patiently taught her how to operate it, ultimately securing a custom electric wheelchair for Auntie Hui-Fen. From grocery shopping and strolling to international travel, she gradually ventured beyond her home. At Eden's invitation, she also tried boccia, making many new friends through sports.
Auntie Huifen, 68-year-old Now, joyfully restarted the second chapter of life with her wheelchair.
Auntie Hui-Fen shared with a smile that before, when traveling abroad, she could only rush around with crutches. After finally catching up with the group, they would have to rush to the next meeting point, leaving her no time even for photos. Now, sitting in her electric wheelchair, everything is so much easier. She said emotionally, “Yi-Fang is like my family. She always finds the most suitable assistive devices for me. She gave me a second life.” In response, Ms. Yi-Fang Chung humbly replied, "When I first joined the assistive device center, I was not familiar with the daily details of persons with disabilities. It was Auntie Hui-Fen's sharing that gradually helped me understand the challenges of transfers, going out, and maintenance. Truthfully, persons with disabilities are the teachers. They showed me what genuine needs truly are.” Through companionship, Ms. Yi-Fang Chung deeply grasped the hardships faced by those with disabilities. She cherishes the profound learning behind this profession, striving to make assistive devices as the wings that empower person with disabilities in their daily lives.
Auntie Hui-Fen (right) expresses gratitude to Eden Foundation physical therapist Yi-Fang Chung for introducing her to numerous suitable assistive devices that have enhanced her quality of life.
Mr. Sheng-Wen Huang, Director General of Hsinchu District, Eden Foundation, stated that since 2010, Eden have operated the Hsinchu City Assistive Device Resource Center which commissioned by the Hsinchu City Government. Guided by the principles of “participation and empowerment,” the center has now entered its 16th year, serving over 360,000 persons. Over the years, Eden have prioritized service users, striving to build an assistive device service system that respects diversity and promotes independent living. The service integrates diverse professional teams—including assistive device assessment, social work, maintenance, and administration—to provide comprehensive support, ensuring our service users can smoothly access necessary resources.
Mr. Sheng-Wen Huang also indicated: “Assistive devices are not merely tools; they are bridges to dignity, independence, and social participation.” Eden will continue deepening local connections and expanding resources so every service user can live with dignity and value in their own way. We also extend our gratitude to Ms. Yi-Fang and all physical therapists whose professionalism and empathy guarding persons with disabilities, filling every step with hope.
Ms. Yi-Fang (left) and Auntie Hui-Fen express mutual appreciation with a warm embrace and smiles.
