Zhang Xiaohua has a video call with a student who is taking a sick leave from the school. [Photo/gmw.cn]

Zhang Xiaohua, a 53-year-old art teacher at the senior high school department of Nanjing School for the Deaf, is the only incumbent teacher with a hearing disability at the school and in Nanjing's entire education system.

Having been at the Nanjing School for the Deaf for 29 years, Zhang is one of the most popular teachers among students, as well as the one that is most well-known with younger students, as he shares a common bond with them.

Every student seems to have an intrinsic trust of him, which Zhang regards as "an honor," but also "a responsibility" for him to guide students both academically and in their personal lives.

Zhang said that he has always emphasized individualized teaching, and has used various ways to inspire students and encourage them to create more artistic designs.

Zhang Xiaohua (second from left) communicates with students at Nanjing School for the Deaf. [Photo/gmw.cn]

Zhang has also spent much of his time communicating with students, learning about their growing pains and introducing them to the living conditions of people with disabilities, national preferential policies, as well as inspirational stories of successful disabled people.

Zhang was admitted to study arts and crafts at Changchun University in 1989, the second year that the school opened higher education opportunities for people with disabilities. He was one of the 15 students enrolled that year.

Zhang is also keen on sharpening his professional skills, obtaining top prizes at many provincial and national skills competitions. He was also awarded by the Nanjing government as one of the "Top 10 Youth Teachers of the Year" and has been honored as a pioneer in moral education.