Technological breakthroughs in vocational training for the visually impaired.

On February 8th, the Vocational Education Center (Hanoi City Association of the Blind) held a conference to summarize vocational training activities in 2025 and to implement key tasks for 2026.

Beyond simply reviewing past achievements, the conference also affirmed the Center's significant transformation in applying modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to expand learning and employment opportunities for visually impaired people in the capital city.

Overcoming difficulties in the context of limited training funding.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Nguyen Trung Thai, Director of the Vocational Education Center, emphasized: “The year 2025 will present many challenges, especially regarding training funding. However, with a sense of responsibility, dedication, and a desire to serve the visually impaired, the Center has continuously innovated its teaching content and methods, boldly applied technology and artificial intelligence, and expanded its partnerships to create more learning and employment opportunities for its students.”

Graduation certificates are awarded to students of the Office Informatics course. Photo: Khanh Linh

Graduation certificates are awarded to students of the Massage Therapy class. Photo: Khanh Linh

Thanks to decisive leadership and management, the Center successfully organized and coordinated 6 vocational training courses and 7 specialized training sessions. Over 200 trainees were equipped with professional knowledge and skills, while also strengthening their confidence and self-assurance to better integrate into society. The vocational certificates awarded are not only the result of their learning process but also a testament to the trainees' perseverance in overcoming difficulties and the unwavering dedication of the staff and instructors.

The impact of the AI ​​assistant: "Disabled but not useless"

One of the highlights of the past year has been the Center's increased application of artificial intelligence in training and supporting the visually impaired community. Beyond theoretical instruction, the Center has organized numerous practical training courses on e-commerce, digital communication, using Zalo PC, and even photo and video design – areas previously considered "barriers" for the visually impaired.

In particular, the AI ​​assistant named "Disabled but Not Useless" has become a source of pride for the visually impaired community in Hanoi. This tool, designed specifically for visually impaired users, assists with research, learning, and professional knowledge inquiries. The product has demonstrated its high applicability by winning Third Prize at the National Informatics Competition and receiving a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Science and Technology .

The center's leaders presented gifts to express their gratitude to the teachers. Photo: Khanh Linh

In addition, the Center focuses on standardizing learning tools by compiling and editing the Office Informatics and Zalo PC curricula to be fully compatible with the NVDA screen reader. This systematic and meticulous approach demonstrates a deep understanding of learners' needs in the context of increasingly rapid digital transformation.

Evaluating the achievements, Mr. Hoang Manh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Association of the Blind, said: “The vocational training program for 2025 at the Center has been implemented comprehensively and practically, closely following the actual needs of visually impaired people. The innovation in teaching methods, increased application of technology, and expanded partnerships have contributed to improving training effectiveness, aiming to create sustainable jobs for members.”

Diversify occupations and spread community support activities.

Alongside technological breakthroughs, the Center continues to maintain and improve the quality of traditional crafts. In 2025, the basic massage training courses (K16TQ1 to K16TQ4) attracted a large number of participants. The Center also organized advanced training courses on skills, communication, and customer care for 15 massage therapists, contributing to the professionalization of services and increasing income for workers.

Numerous intensive training courses on resistance stretching and Vietnamese-language therapeutic techniques have been implemented, helping trainees diversify their treatment skills. Career counseling and guidance are not only conducted at the Center but are also extended to visually impaired individuals throughout the city, supporting them in better defining suitable career paths.

Beyond focusing on training, the Center also plays a role in connecting the community through many meaningful activities. This year, the unit organized a workshop on using white canes and AI technology training for 30 blind people in Son La province; and supported smartphone training for blind people in Ninh Binh province. Programs such as "White Canes and Safe Journeys with Digital Assistants" have helped visually impaired people become more confident and proactive in their daily lives and mobility.

A warm spring and a clear direction for a new journey.

As part of the concluding conference, the Center, in coordination with the Tu Tam Charity Group and the FLC Dai Mo Building Management Board, organized the distribution of 40 Tet (Lunar New Year) gifts to students in difficult circumstances. Each gift, worth 450,000 VND, is a practical gesture of sharing, contributing to a warmer and more fulfilling Spring Festival in the Year of the Horse for the visually impaired.

The Compassionate Charity Group and the FLC Dai Mo Building Management Board presented gifts to the Center. Photo: Khanh Linh.

Presenting Tet gifts to the trainees. Photo: Khanh Linh

Concluding 2025, the Center awarded 40 vocational certificates, 6 training certificates, and numerous commendations to outstanding students. This is an important foundation for the unit to enter 2026 with higher goals.

According to the plan, in the coming time, the Center will continue to promote the application of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in management and teaching; at the same time, it will research expanding the scale and diversifying training programs to suit the needs of the labor market in the 4.0 era. The overarching goal is not only to provide vocational training, but also to unleash potential, build confidence, and guide visually impaired people towards a sustainable future, so that they can truly become dynamic and useful citizens of society.

Presenting gifts and certificates of merit to students. Photo: Khanh Linh

The Hanoi City Association of the Blind's Vocational Education Center concluded its 2025 vocational training review conference in a spirit of innovation and sharing. In the face of difficulties, the support of the community, along with the "light" from technology, has opened new paths, helping visually impaired people overcome barriers, master knowledge, and take control of their own lives.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/dot-pha-cong-nghe-trong-dao-tao-nghe-cho-nguoi-khiem-thi-732860.html