Job Fair 2025

On the afternoon of 27 November 2025, as part of the event “Employment Bridge – Accompanying Employers and People with Visual Impairments” organised by Sao Mai Center for the Blind with the support of The Nippon Foundation, the job fair area became the most dynamic meeting point of the day. While the morning session helped address questions through information and perspectives, the afternoon created space for employers and candidates to engage in direct, practical, and meaningful conversations.

A space for direct, inclusive, and equal connection

The fair was designed to enable participants with visual impairments to proactively approach employers, ask questions, share their strengths, take part in trial interviews, and receive on-the-spot career guidance. At the same time, employers had the opportunity to better understand candidates with visual impairments through real interaction—rather than relying only on CVs or the invisible biases that often exist in recruitment.

The atmosphere was open and professional, with the presence of business representatives, support organisations, vocational groups run by people with visual impairments, and many attendees. Short conversations at the booths sparked longer follow-up discussions after the event.

Recruitment booths

The direct recruitment area featured three booths from Reborn Musculoskeletal System, Journey of The Senses, and Vina Cacao. Many candidates with visual impairments confidently stepped forward to introduce themselves and explore suitable roles.

Notably, the conversations were truly two-way: employers shared their hiring needs and job requirements, while candidates presented their strengths and experience, explained how they use assistive technology, and discussed reasonable adjustments that could help them work effectively.

In practice, when there is room for honest dialogue, the “imagined distance” between employers and candidates with visual impairments quickly becomes much smaller. Many participants demonstrated confidence, strong communication skills, and a readiness to learn—reflecting the event’s key message: ability is not defined by eyesight, but by skills, attitude, and a supportive workplace environment.

Booths showcasing projects, careers, and services

Alongside recruitment, the fair also included nine booths introducing projects, career pathways, and services run by people with visual impairments and partner organisations. This was an important highlight, because the fair was not only about “where to work,” but also expanded the conversation to “what kind of work” and “how to build a career.”

The booths reflected a wide range of career directions and livelihood models—from services built on digital skills to community-based services and employment support initiatives. For many attendees, seeing these models working in real life was a powerful confirmation: people with visual impairments can absolutely work professionally, create value, and build sustainable careers when they have access to the right opportunities and resources.

The biggest outcomes

The job fair recorded four candidate profiles that received direct job offers, and more than 40 participants attended and accessed recruitment information.

What remained after the fair was not only the number of conversations or business cards exchanged, but a stronger belief in capability—built through real experience. For employers, the fair provided practical insights into what inclusive recruitment requires, what adjustments may be needed, and where to begin. For candidates with visual impairments, many left with something concrete: a potential position to apply for, a skill to strengthen, or simply a valuable career-oriented conversation and guidance.

Appreciation and a commitment to continue

Sao Mai Center for the Blind sincerely thanks the businesses, partner organisations, and all participants for creating such a meaningful afternoon of connection. Sao Mai will continue to act as a bridge—supporting recruitment information, providing career guidance, and connecting resources—so that the conversations started at the fair can grow into real employment opportunities.

In the time ahead, Sao Mai hopes to engage more businesses and employers, so that inclusive and equal job opportunities can continue to expand for people with disabilities in general, and for people with visual impairments in particular.

If you are an employer interested in inclusive recruitment, or a job seeker with visual impairments looking for suitable opportunities, please contact Sao Mai to continue the next steps together.

Let’s work together to promote diverse and equal employment opportunities for all.