Date:02/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/02/stories/2008120257900200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Beating the odds with a smile

T. Lalith Singh

Speech and hearing- impaired youth join to run the show at KFC

–Photo: Nagara Gopal

Winsome work: The KFC outlet opposite L.V. Prasad Eye Institute has over 20 youngsters who are speech and hearing-impaired.

HYDERABAD: Young Bharath is all over the place. At the plush Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), he is there in the kitchen preparing chicken, serving burgers and with a big smile, taking care of the customers. And when a customer seeks his attention for something, the smile broadens and he responds in sign language.

The KFC outlet opposite L.V. Prasad Eye Institute at Jubilee Hills has more than 20 others who are speech and hearing-impaired like Bharath. Mingling with 10 others, these youngsters run the entire show from the kitchen to the cash counter. As a colleague interprets his sign language, Bharath says that he is good at preparing almost all the chicken cuisine on offer at the outlet. “He says he has gained expertise in preparing almost all that is there on the menu card,” interprets his colleague, Ganesh.

In case of a need, there is a note book too kept to scribble and exchange information between customers and these staff members. Several other staffers are already familiar with the sign language and in comprehending their expressions and gestures to help them out when required.

“These boys are very industrious and committed. We have star system for each department and those who gain proficiency in kitchen, supply base and cash counter get three stars and turn eligible for promotion,” informs Satya Krishna Prasad, senior shift manager. Some of these boys have expertise in lip reading and cater the customer needs using it.