It is rare to find siblings like Miss Sia, who voluntarily take on caregiving duties full-time.

Ms Angela Chung, acting head of the community and social service department at the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD), said that Miss Sia is the only such case she has seen in her six years with the society.

Ms Chung said: 'Most caregivers of disabled children are parents, sometimes grandparents.

'But it is extremely rare to find a sibling who is willing to sacrifice her own pursuits and dedicate her life to caring for her sibling.'

Free tuition

The SPD has been helping Jin Zhu for the past six years with physical therapy, education bursaries, and counselling.

The society has also helped apply for funding for equipment such as a standing frame, a motorised wheelchair, height adjustable work tables and a laptop.

Volunteers have also gone to Jin Zhu's home to provide free tuition.

Jin Zhu is one of 10 cases featured in a television series called Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potentials, which coincided with International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3Dec.

The series airs every Saturday from now till 27 Dec at 9pm over Channel 8.

This article was first published in The New Paper on December 15, 2008.