Ningbo courier station run by autistic workers

Five households with a mentally-challenged family member have been operating a Cainiao courier station in Ningbo, Zhejiang province for a year.

The courier station, located on Fuqiao street in the city's Haishu district, was established by the Ningbo Xingbao Autism Family Support Center.

Wang Zhenying, deputy director of the center, has been seeking job opportunities for young people with intellectual disabilities for many years. She was behind the idea to have autistic families run a courier station. Wang spent nearly three months negotiating with Cainiao Logistics to set up a complete operation system that is more suitable for autistic workers.

The Fuqiao Street Cainiao Courier Station, which opened in 2022, is also China's first courier station run by autistic workers.

Feng Dong, chairman of the Zhejiang Autism Individuals and Family Association, said that it is a great job for young people with autism. Workers with varying abilities can perform different tasks, including labeling, sorting, and delivering.

"The courier station not only helps them to find a job but also acclimates them to formal roles in society. They are integrated into the local community as volunteers and workers," Feng said, "The practice should be promoted."

The station handles around 400 parcels every day, with nearly 100 delivered to homes. The autistic workers can handle most tasks at the station. Two of them are even capable of handling delivery tasks on their own.

The station's collaborative management model has fostered friendship within the five families. Parents are also satisfied with their children's progress, both in terms of work and interpersonal relationships.