Our Story

“Don’t worry that they can’t do it. As employers, we are simply giving them a chance but the change that happens may make a big difference.” 

 

The Exploration
Alan used to study education, now he is the owner of a restaurant, where Mak Tik Wah, student from Hong Chi Winifred Mary Cheung Morninghope School, is now having job placement training. Alan is not new to working with people with intellectual disabilities as he has been providing product packaging as training to help intellectually challenged students. Yet, this is the first time for him to invite a student to have placement training at his restaurant packed with customers. Alan had no idea how things might go when he gave the greenlight. He viewed it as an exploration.

On the day we visited the restaurant, we overheard a casual chat between Alan and Mak, “’Which days are the busiest in a week?” Alan asked. Mak answered Saturday and Sunday. “Half-right. It should be Friday and Saturday as people are off the next day.” Through this casual conversation, Alan tried to appreciate Mak’s concentration on work, while reminding him to work faster on those more hectic days. 

 

A Lesson of Acceptance
Mak’s training at the restaurant has only taken place for a short while, but the restaurant staff like to call him “Sai Lo” (little brother). “Sai Lo, please check if the customers want a refill.” “You can take these dishes to the customers and let them know these 2 are appetizers, Sai Lo.” Alan said his staff used to exhibit very little patience – until they started working with Mak. The staff can now explain very clearly how to handle the tasks as they are willing to take the extra step to help Mak learn. This is the process of learning for Mak and for the other staff.

“We didn’t know that Mak had mild intellectual disabilities and autism at the beginning. Even if we know now, we can see that his abilities are no different from others, and he is even more well-mannered.” Alan said. He likes chatting with different customers. Some new customers told him that they were satisfied with Mak’s service. When they were told that Mak is a training staff with intellectual disabilities and autism, they were surprised and appreciated Mak’s efforts even more. 

Educating from a Different Role

“It’s not only about making donations. People in different situations can all play a part to help.” Alan said, that he is simply continuing his class with a different role. “Employers are the ones to take the first step, other staff are then given a chance to help people with special needs, and customers can show support when they visit the restaurant. This is a platform that lets more people understand the abilities of the intellectually challenged and that they are not different from us. I think this is meaningful. I will be happy to hire Mak as part of our team when he graduates.” 

 

Add oil, Mak!

 

Please click here to watch the full video interview