Dang Van Tiep, was born in 1985, is from Thai Binh province. At just one year old, he unfortunately suffered a high fever accompanied by convulsions. The fever left severe after-effects, causing his eyesight to deteriorate significantly. Since then, his vision has been limited to 0.5/10, greatly impacting his education. He finished middle school but then stopped his studies to work and help his family.
In the following years, Tiep began a nomadic life, working various manual jobs from North to South Vietnam, including construction assistant and lottery ticket vendor. He had relatives in Rach Gia, Kien Giang, so he moved there to sell lottery tickets. Despite the demanding work and unstable income, he strove to be independent and not rely on anyone. In 2006, through a friend from the Thai Binh Provincial Association for the Blind, he learned about massage therapy. Recognizing that this profession suited his circumstances and health, he pursued it and has been dedicated to it ever since. Initially, he was unfamiliar with the work, but he diligently learned and gradually became proficient. Massage therapy not only provided him with a more stable income but also aligned with his health and personal situation, enabling him to live confidently and without self-consciousness.
Currently, he and his sighted wife run a small massage establishment in their hometown. The facility is operated solely by the couple, as they haven’t yet been able to hire additional staff. In addition to serving clients at their home, he also provides rehabilitation and therapeutic massage services at clients’ residences upon request. Although the work is often tiring, he consistently maintains it due to his familiarity with and love for the profession. Customers trust him and return regularly, which motivates the couple to work even harder.
Beyond his work, Tiep enjoys playing chess and Chinese chess. He once won first prize in Chinese chess at the commune level and regularly participates in friendly matches and competitions with friends in the district. For him, playing chess is a way to train his mind, keeping him sharp and relaxed after work. Furthermore, he is a Party member, actively participating in local activities and the Association for the Blind. He currently holds the position of Vice President of the Thai Binh Provincial Blind Massage Club. In this role, he frequently organizes交流 sessions and experience-sharing events among members. Every few months, he selects skilled individuals from various establishments to invite them to instruct and exchange new techniques, helping everyone improve their skills and work more effectively.
When attending advanced massage training courses, Tiep clearly defined his goals. He stated that he participates not only to learn new techniques but also to learn how to work more efficiently, with less strain, and to extend his career lifespan. More importantly, he feels responsible for learning to impart knowledge to his colleagues back home, as not everyone has the opportunity to travel far for training. He believes this is very beneficial and meaningful, providing a livelihood for many. Besides his professional experience, members often consult him when they want to invest in equipment for their facilities, from building massage beds and choosing heating pads and retractable mats to smaller items that enhance comfort for both therapists and clients. He often advises on solutions that are both affordable and practical, especially for newcomers or those facing difficult circumstances.
In the near future, if conditions permit, he hopes to expand his establishment and hire more staff to serve more clients and create additional jobs for visually impaired people in the local area. He said, “I’ve been able to make a living from this profession for over a decade, and now I just hope there will be more people doing this job so that many like me can have an income and live more independently and stably.”
