2016-05-05
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Today, Taichung City Social Affairs Bureau held the recruitment press conference for “Taichung Friendly Restaurant”. Friendly Restaurant Commissioners and restaurant representative were invited to the event and shared the process of promoting friendly environments. Sigh language translators were also arranged, while the startup ceremony of the recruitment was presided by Mayor Lin, director Lue Jen-Der of the Social Affairs Bureau, director Liu Yau-Jr of the Economic Development Bureau, among others. The entire ceremony was warm and lively.
“Make Taichung the capital of livable cities!” Mayor Lin stated that the official website of CNN published an article “Why Taichung is the most livable city in Taiwan?” in mid-April. The article introduces readers to the charm and unique sites of Taichung. In order make Taichung a more pleasant city to live in, the city government has expanded the Friendly Restaurant project, transforming the positive reviews from CNN into the actual promotion of the living environment of Taichung.
Mayor Lin stated that 48 disabled people have been trained as “Friendly Restaurant Commissioners”. Through their personal visits and experiences of the restaurants, these commissioners recommend friendly restaurants and encourage other from the catering industry to join. This project has helped promote respect towards those with physical disabilities, also the inspection of environmental friendliness. At present, nearly 200 restaurants are listed, while Taichung government hopes the number will double to 400. The government is recruiting the participation of more restaurants so that all customers can feel welcomed.
“Friendly Restaurant Commissioner” Xu Gui Li Stated that she is delighted to have the opportunity to promote friendly restaurants. Not only does this project make restaurants friendlier; it also provides an opportunity for tasting cuisines. At the beginning of the project, Xu thought of looking for “Niu Tao Authentic Beef Noodle s”, hoping to spread the word for its delicious meals. Therefore, she paid a visit to the restaurant owner Mr. Yang Zong Ming and explained the Friendly Restaurant Project. Mr. Yang expressed approval of the project and started renovating the restaurant to provide a friendlier environment.
Mr. Yang, owner of “Niu Tao Authentic Beef Noodle s”, gave thanks to the city government for arranging this project, which enabled him to interact and learn from more people with physical disabilities. During his participation, he realized the true meaning of a friendly environment. In the past, his restaurant did not provide menus for those with eyesight difficulties. With the assistance of Ms. Xu, his restaurant now provides braille menus for customers with visual disabilities.
Mr. Yang agreed that this government project is a good idea filled with empathy. He encourages other Taichung restaurants to join this project.
The Social Affairs Bureau stated that the Friendly Restaurant Project runs on the distributed surplus funds from the Taichung City Lottery. Restaurant business owners who have qualified with the four equal and friendly standards (equal level entrances, aisles, stable chairs and tables, and services), have received educational training, have undergone software and hardware reconstruction and have passed the examination by Friendly Restaurant Commissioners are eligible to apply for the “Friendly Taichung Friendly Restaurant Badge” free of charge. For the application form, please visit http://OurCityLove.org/Apply_TaiChung.
unit:綜合企劃科
