Silent cafe cheers up hearing-impaired barista

Du Zhanying, a hearing-impaired barista, runs a cafe in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Located in a residential community in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, a unique coffee shop called "Dude Cafe", run by a hearing-impaired barista, has emerged as a symbol of inclusivity.

Du Zhanying, owner of the coffee shop, suffers from congenital hearing loss. He learned how to make coffee through vocational training and used to work at Starbucks. In October, Du decided to use his savings to establish his own cafe.

Spanning a mere 15 square meters, the coffee shop boasts a cozy ambiance with a counter, three tables, ten chairs and pots of plants. The sign near the entrance reads "I can't hear your voice but I'm glad to serve you."

With the assistance of mobile applications and a written board, it is not too hard for Du to deal with orders and payments.

Wang Ting, one of Du's friends who is also hearing impaired, helps Du tend the shop. They like to explore new creative coffee blends and various cake and bread recipes together.

Though the cafe opened just two months ago, it has attracted regular costumers - nearby white collars who come specially to support Du's business.

Du's cafe has also inspired a group of people like him.

"We've established a mutual support group for hearing-impaired people. My cafe's logo was designed by members of the group," Du typed on his mobile phone, "We encourage and support each other while moving forward together."