‘Silent cafes' a strong voice for disabled workers
- Chris McMillan
- Jan 30
- 1 min read
China Daily
30th Jan 2026
‘Silent cafes' a strong voice for disabled workers
Businesses located inside government buildings change public perceptions, create new jobs
Local officials have praised the placement of silent cafes inside government buildings. By situating the cafes in hubs frequented by professionals and businesspeople, the project integrates people with disabilities into the professional world, directly showcasing their capabilities to potential employers.
Before 2023, Huaian had no such model. Now, with silent cafes, tea shops, and bakeries staffed by disabled employees gaining visibility, a shift is underway. "Many enterprises are now coming to us asking, 'Where can we find more personnel like this?'" said Zhu.
The power of changing public perceptions of people with disabilities was on full display at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, which were held in December.
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