Learning without barriers thanks to sign language
Entering university is an important milestone for anyone, but for those with hearing impairments, the journey often begins in a very long silence. In a crowded classroom, sometimes just a lecture, an explanation or a story can unintentionally become a challenge. The journey of Bui Thi Nhu Nguyet (25 years old) and Huynh Thanh Nhi (23 years old) is a clear demonstration of their efforts to overcome that gap with their own hands and silent willpower.
For Nguyet, a former student of Van Lang University, her first year was full of uncertainty. She did not know how to communicate with her friends, and often felt lonely in the middle of a crowded lecture hall. Her parents wanted her to practice speaking to make it easier, but for a deaf person, pronouncing correctly is a difficult journey. So, Nguyet started with hastily written notes to connect with people.
Thanh Nhi, a student majoring in Painting at Vietnam-USA College, also used to sit quietly in a corner of the classroom, afraid to communicate with the “listeners”. There was a time when she asked herself: “Why do I have to sit in a corner like that?” That question became the motivation for Nhi to start opening up, from using pen and paper to practicing speaking very slowly so that her friends could understand her better.
The common point of the two girls is their persistent initiative. Nguyet switched from pen and paper to direct conversation, persistently asking questions when she did not understand the lesson. That initiative, along with the subtle support of the lecturer, who always adjusted the speaking speed, selected words and was willing to write down comments, helped her become more and more confident.
For Nhi, boldly approaching friends using signs, writing and speaking slowly helps her gradually shed her shy shell. Studying with students is no longer a pressure but an opportunity for her to grow up.
Nguyet and Nhi’s story is not common, but it is the understanding of a number of colleges and universities today when proactively expanding inclusive education for people with disabilities. Specifically, Hoa Sen University has scholarships and individual learning support for students with disabilities; Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics (UEH) focuses on accessibility infrastructure and internal traffic; RMIT Vietnam implements a “reasonable adjustment” model and supports speech-to-text technology; Van Lang University reduces tuition fees and supports students with disabilities with appropriate teaching methods.
Thanks to these efforts, deaf people not only “learn” but also “integrate”. Sign language, which was considered a barrier, has become a bridge for them to confidently access knowledge and find their own voice in the large student community.
The doors of employment open and dreams are fueled
When learning becomes easier, the next concern for deaf people is employment. Will they find an environment that truly understands them? Will they be able to live on their own?
For Nguyet, that fear appeared right after graduation. She admitted that she was “very scared” when thinking about the office environment full of verbal exchanges. But instead of avoiding it, Nguyet chose to step forward. When she learned that a company was recruiting, she boldly proposed to work as a graphic designer – her major. Thanks to that proactive attitude, Nguyet was able to participate in a four-week design project and completed it with pride.
Thanh Nhi also has a similar aspiration. With a background in painting, she believes that deaf people can absolutely work in an environment that requires creativity, meticulousness and visual thinking. She hopes that one day she can open a small shop with Nguyet, where handmade and designed products are created by the hands of deaf people.
In recent years, along with the personal efforts of deaf people, many businesses have proactively changed to build an inclusive working environment. UNIQLO is one of the pioneers. Since 2022, this brand has cooperated with the DRD Center to implement a program to recruit and train employees with disabilities.
Thanks to the “companion” model, specialized training and appropriate assessment for each type of disability, there are now 10 disabled employees working at UNIQLO stores. Mr. Nguyen Van Cu, Deputy Director of DRD, commented that this is a model that helps people with disabilities realize their own value and feel more respected.
In addition to UNIQLO, many models in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have become symbols of inclusive labor. Blanc. Restaurant chain turns sign language into the “main service language”, where deaf staff lead the diners’ experience. Meanwhile, Noir. Dining in the Dark creates an environment for blind staff to demonstrate their leadership skills in a completely dark space. These models not only create jobs but also change the way society views people with disabilities.
In the retail sector, TokyoLife has developed the “Angel House” model, where most of the work is done by deaf people. They are well-trained from inventory, display to sales. Respect is shown right from the way the business calls them “Deaf People” as an affirmation of identity.
In the handicraft sector, KymViet creates stable jobs for people with disabilities with stuffed animals and gifts, sold in many cultural spaces such as Ho Chi Minh City Book Street or Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Acting as a “midwife”, the CED Center not only teaches sign language but also provides vocational training in various fields such as baking, bartending, tailoring, nail care, knitting, etc. and connects deaf people with many partner businesses such as Binh Phu, Tan Vinh Phat or Xinh Creation. This is a network that creates sustainable livelihoods for hundreds of people with disabilities in Ho Chi Minh City.
Most recently, CHAGEE's Sign Language store was also opened in Ho Chi Minh City and has created 15 new jobs for the deaf and hearing impaired. Ngoc Hieu, manager of the Sign Language store here, said that he had worked in many positions before becoming the store manager, but the greatest joy is still being able to directly advise customers such as guiding them to download applications, recommending suitable drinks or sharing promotional programs.
For Hieu, every conversation using sign language is a way for customers to better understand the culture of the deaf and hard of hearing. Hieu believes that when people leave the store with that “seed of understanding”, integration will be multiplied – not only in this small space but also in the larger community.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, President of the Association for the Support of People with Disabilities and Orphans in Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed that the above models not only provide professional job opportunities but also empower, recognize and create a stage for deaf people to demonstrate their abilities and confidence in their roles, while helping society recognize them as individuals with capacity, passion and aspiration to contribute.
All of the above stories show that society is truly changing, from “allowing people with disabilities to work” to “empowering them to shine”. For Nguyet, Nhi and thousands of other deaf and hearing-impaired people, what they want is not favoritism but equal opportunity. When businesses open their hearts, when the community understands, when the environment is designed to listen with hands and eyes, the job path for deaf people is no longer a distant dream.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/van-de-quan-tam/khi-ngon-ngu-ky-hieu-khong-con-la-rao-can-trong-giao-tiep-va-viec-lam-20251127172856026.htm
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