The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.128)

TZU CHI 128 15 Bridget Chang (middle) operates Coffee Sprex together with a group of deaf people. They learn together, seeing things from each other’s perspectives. Chuah (left) and Marcus are her wonderful assistants. to understand their feelings, can we truly empathize with them. What is the real challenge? Bridget faces greater challenges running a café operated by the deaf. She said, “Although the staff are constantly receiving training, the quality of coffee brewed by new staff are inconsistent. Some patrons could understand, but some might not come again. This is a business, and it’s always full of challenges.” During the Movement Control Order (MCO), Coffee Sprex was temporarily closed for business in view of staff’s safety. But, due to poor ventilation, three out of five chillers broke down. When they reopened in mid-June, the Café implemented electronic ordering and payment system to reduce human contact. It took the staff time and effort to adapt to these changes. Like other businesses, Coffee Sprex also faced a hard time during the Covid-19 pandemic. Orders declined sharply, which directly affected the Café’s income. Additionally, business hours were reduced for safety reasons. Nonetheless, for Bridget, who is always positive, she said, “Faced with the MCO, we have gained some and lost some. We have changed to a brand-new operating method. Isn’t this a a new learning chapter?” Epilogue: During the 1.5-hour interview, Bridget asked many questions. For example: How does a blind customer make orders at Coffee Sprex? How do parents communicate with their hearing- impaired children if they do not learn sign language? If hearing-impaired children are sent to a normal school, how do they learn? Therefore, the only way is education; best if the parents, teachers and students all learn sign language because this is the tool they use in their daily lives to communicate. To Bridget, the biggest obstacles in empowering the deaf community is integrating them into society, and hope society can offer them support and affirmation. Perhaps, the attitude and impression of the general public towards the deaf community will change if they have the chance to experience the world in silence through simulated settings. From Disabled to Able