When asked why she insisted on only providing jobs to the deaf-mute for 12 years, Li said she had witnessed the difficulties they experience as a child, with six of her family members both deaf and mute, and facing limited job opportunities, etc.
I chose to open a hot pot restaurant and make it easier for the disabled to prepare and serve dishes, with gas stoves replaced with induction equivalents, which are safer for deaf employees to use, Li said.
Xinxiang City is home to more than six million residents, of which more than 40,000 are deaf and mute, and with only one school for them to attend.
Li’s parents used to study at this school, meaning the employees in the hot pot restaurant are mainly their classmates. Now deaf people who are applying for work often take the initiative to ask Li for a job.
I hope that the deaf and mute can work and live normal lives, using their strength to earn a reasonable living, Li said.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 