CAPE TOWN -- A new Cape Town hotel has been making headlines for all the right reasons lately by exposing guests to the world and life of Deaf people.
The Newlands based Park Inn hotel has a staff compliment where 30% of the employees are completely or partially Deaf. It's believed the hotel has the highest compliment of Deaf employees in the world.
From the outside it paints the picture of a modest hotel, but guests are pleasantly surprised when they are welcomed in sign language. Employees in many of the departments are Deaf but are not hampered by their disability when dealing with clients.
"Communication with guests is very important for some of us. It's very difficult without hearing aid so we try to do written communication, but for me I have hearing aid and I also train myself to try and speak clearly so to greet them and when guests see my I am Deaf badge, guests are very accommodating and their attitudes gradually change.
Guests at the hotel have praised their work. "My experience is absolutely wonderful and this hotel is a role model of employment equity. They are very good at lip reading," says hotel guest, Cheryl Harper.
Deaf SA has urged the importance of having Deaf community gain access to the working environment. "As you know the South Africa unemployment rate is so high especially in the Deaf community. Access to employment for Deaf people is so important,” says Bruno Druchen from Deaf SA.
The hotel opened its doors in December and has a full time sign language interpreter on site. Cape Town hotel sets trend by employing highest number of Deaf people.
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