Platform economy opens new career paths for hearing-impaired people
By Li Shangyi | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-05-17 16:25
The platform economy is creating new career opportunities for the hearing-impaired community, offering more inclusive and flexible employment options. Increasing numbers of people with hearing impairments are finding work as ride-hailing drivers and delivery riders.
Using intelligent text-to-speech tools, hearing-impaired ride-hailing drivers can communicate smoothly with passengers. Some ride-hailing platforms have also introduced accessibility reminder cards to encourage text-based communication and improve the travel experience.
For many passengers, riding in these "silent" vehicles has become a touching and unexpected experience. Some have even begun learning sign language to express their gratitude to the drivers.
Through these quiet journeys, mutual understanding and kindness are finding their way in both directions.
Guo Yuhe contributed to this story.





















