Nguyễn Bá Lâm, born in 1993, currently works in Lien Chieu District, Da Nang City. He is one of the 32 trainees who participated in the therapeutic massage course in December 2024 co-organized with the Vietnam Blind Association. Born with congenital visual impairment, he has never allowed this condition to hinder his dreams and career aspirations.
After completing high school, Nguyễn Bá Lâm started working as a construction worker with his aunt. However, due to his visual limitations, he encountered many challenges in the job. In 2012, a turning point came when he was given the opportunity to learn traditional “tam quat” (massage) techniques at the Da Nang Blind Association in Lien Chieu District. He said that this was a key moment in his life.
He then continued his studies in massage therapy at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Da Nang, where he was equipped with both basic and advanced knowledge of therapeutic massage. In 2014, he returned to work at the massage studio run by the Da Nang Blind Association in Lien Chieu district while continuing to enhance his skills.
Never stopping in his pursuit of learning and self-improvement, in 2018, he participated in the Swedish massage training course at the National Rehabilitation and Training Center for the Vietnamese blind, guided by Omamori Spa’s instructors. Later, in September 2018, he attended an advanced spinal manipulation course at the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Vietnam. These courses not only helped him enhance his skills but also expanded his career opportunities in the field of therapeutic massage.
With over 11 years of experience in the profession, Nguyễn Bá Lâm currently works at a blind massage parlor in Da Nang city, earning an average income of 5 to 6 million VND per month. His clients mainly come to him for health-related therapies. They are polite and understanding, and occasionally, some clients offer additional tips. For every 10 clients, about 5 may give tips, usually ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 VND, with a few generous ones offering 100,000 VND. However, Lâm does not view these tips as his main source of income and does not rely on them.
Aside from working at the massage facility, he rarely does home massage due to unfavorable conditions, inadequate working spaces, and the difficulty of moving around. He continues to seek opportunities to improve his skills. His hope for the future is to become proficient enough to teach other visually impaired individuals, sharing valuable experiences and knowledge to help them improve their lives and secure stable employment.
Nguyễn Bá Lâm’s story is a living testament to perseverance, effort, and courage in life. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remains steadfast in his goals and has never given up. His journey is a shining example for all those striving to overcome life’s adversities.
