Deaf food delivery drivers admired by Chinese customers

A video of two deaf food delivery drivers describing their work using sign language has gone viral online, Qianjiang Evening News reported.

On Nov. 28, a customer received several phone calls with nobody speaking, which she thought was a prank. However, she later discovered a food delivery driver had sent her text messages explaining that he is deaf and will call her without speaking when he arrives.

The woman said she felt sorry and posted a picture of the deaf driver's messages on the Sina Weibo microblogging platform, telling others to check their messages if they experience a similar situation to avoid misunderstandings.

The human resources manager of a food delivery team under ele.me, one of China's largest meal ordering and delivery services, saw the customer's post and decided to make a video about the team's deaf drivers.

In the video, Yu Yahui, who delivered food to the woman, explained how he does his work.

Yu said he always sends short messages to customers after he picks up their food from the restaurants and then calls the customers so that they will notice the messages. When he gets to the customers' locations, he sends another message telling them the food has arrived.

He Tingting, the manager who shot the video and posted it online, called for understanding and patience for the deaf food delivery drivers.

"We used to worry a lot, about their safety and if they would be able to communicate with customers," said He. "However, they are really very sincere and hardworking, and have proven to be competent and brilliant."

According to He, of the more than 50 delivery drivers on the team, six are deaf.

Hearing aids are provided to the deaf delivery drivers to guarantee their safety on the road, said He.

He's video has received a positive response from many Chinese. Some praised the deaf delivery drivers make for a living despite their disability. Others suggested that the team record audio information for their deaf colleagues to play when they call customers.