XINING — Sometimes as he makes an Americano, 20-year-old barista Zheng Hong fumbles or pauses out of uncertainty, but far from being annoyed, the customers and assistants offer him warm smiles and encouraging words.

Zheng works at a cafe in Xining, capital of Qinghai province, which provides job opportunities to people with mental disabilities. The young autistic man spent about two months memorizing every step involved in making a cup of coffee.

Standing by his side is his mentor, Yuan Zhipeng, who is an experienced barista. "Unlike typical trainees, Zheng requires repeated practice and constant interaction," Yuan explains. "The teaching process happens at a slower pace and takes a more patient approach."

"They are always silent, but they understand encouragement and suggestions, as well as their own progress," says 37-year-old Wang Jing, who opened the cafe in June 2023.

Wang first encountered people with mental disabilities 15 years ago when she met an autistic child while teaching at an educational institution. Driven by the quest to support more families in need, she explored the field of special education.

In 2013, she set up a public welfare organization dedicated to providing special education and rehabilitation training to children and teenagers with mental disabilities. Over the years, it has helped more than 500 of them receive rehabilitation.

Wang says that while children with mental disabilities require special education and training, adults with similar issues often face significant barriers to employment. "The cafe is a space for them to learn to socialize as well as a job opportunity, which allows them to demonstrate their talent and feel valued," she says.

When 35-year-old Liu Xiyang started working at the cafe, his family showed up to support him and ordered drinks as encouragement.

"My little brother has taken a brave step by leaving the house. At the cafe, he can interact with more people and benefit from the care and guidance provided by his mentors," says his sister, adding that Liu now smiles more often.

The cafe has 10 employees with mental disabilities. They receive professional rehabilitation from mentors, while taking on roles suited to their abilities, including making coffee, cleaning, and taking orders.

As the cafe has gained recognition, it has attracted compassionate individuals and potential collaborators. Zhang Fan, a famous cross-talk comedian in Qinghai, has partnered with it to develop cultural programs tailored to people with disabilities, creating more opportunities for them to demonstrate their talents.

The cafe is part of efforts by the Qinghai provincial government to support employment and entrepreneurship for people with disabilities. Currently, Qinghai has 19 vocational training centers and eight business incubation centers that provide over 2,000 vocational training programs to people with disabilities.

During this Spring Festival, 10 of the cafe's disabled staff performed a three-minute finger dance at its annual festival gathering, a routine they spent a whole year rehearsing.