Hanoi cafe workers with hearing disabilities make impact

From the outside, Flow-ee may seem like any other cafe in downtown Hanoi.

But visitors may notice something special once they step inside. Staff members, affectionately called "Flowers", all with hearing disabilities, take orders by exchanging written notes with customers.

Communication between employees is done entirely through sign language, creating an unusually quiet atmosphere that patrons appreciate.

"I find this cafe ideal for working," regular customer Tran Phuong Uyen told the Viet Nam News. "It's so quiet here. I enjoy coming to work and enjoy a drink."

Another patron, Hoang Minh Chau, frequents Flow-ee for a different reason. "I want to support the disabled in their jobs to help boost their confidence," she said. "The drinks here are as good as other cafes, and the staff are always enthusiastic and friendly."

Among the staff members is Vu The Duong, the youngest at the cafe, who has had hearing disabilities since childhood. His job at Flow-ee has greatly increased his confidence.

"I faced many challenges finding a job before," he said. "Then I came across this opportunity online and applied. Initially, it was difficult to adjust, but over time I've improved my skills."

Duong noted that communicating with customers has not been a significant challenge, thanks to sign language and his ability to make quality drinks. "Customers enjoy their time here," he said.

"I'm confident in my role at Flowee. Many hearing-impaired people struggle to find jobs, and I hope society offers more opportunities for us to showcase our abilities."

Another employee, Nguyen Thai Ha, also highlighted how he interacts with customers using sign language and writing.

"I often smile at them," said the 23-year-old. "I observe customers closely and serve them with care. Working here is wonderful because the customers are happy, and the staff are cheerful."

Flow-ee cafe was established to support people with disabilities by providing them with meaningful employment. The cafe's co-founder, Hoang Thu Thuy, said people with hearing disabilities are particularly well-suited for this environment.

"We don't face significant challenges communicating with our staff," Thuy said. "The operation runs smoothly because they're skilled in sign language."

The employees at Flow-ee are given considerable autonomy.

"Our disabled employees have the highest level of self-management," Thuy said. "They run the cafe independently, handling all tasks without oversight. Over time, they've become more adept at managing situations and communicating with customers."

Thuy expressed hope that more people will support the business model, allowing it to thrive and create more opportunities for those with disabilities to demonstrate what they can do.

Customers not only return but also spread the word about the unique cafe. Visitors range from family and friends of the staff members to foreign tourists, children, and other people with hearing disabilities. Many young people and children even visit to learn basic sign language from the staff to thank the "Flowers" for their delicious drinks.

"This is a great business model for creating jobs for disabled people," cafe customer Uyen said. "I'll definitely come back and encourage my friends to visit as well."

Cafe customer Chau echoed the sentiment, noting that the business can help integrate those with disabilities fully into society.

Flow-ee also hosts sign language classes every Wednesday and Saturday night, fostering a stronger connection between those with hearing disabilities in the community and the broader public.

VIET NAM NEWS, VIETNAM