Officials to improve employment for blind musicians

The China Disabled Person's Federation will promote policy supports through taxes and social insurance for visually impaired individuals or enterprises providing opportunities for music training, production and performances for blind musicians, officials said during a symposium in Beijing on Wednesday.

It was also suggested that blind musicians make full use of the internet and explore new opportunities to have their music heard.

The symposium was held to share knowledge about music education of the blind, and around 50 participants including officials, music teachers and musicians discussed the difficulties of the blind in getting a job in the music field.

Cheng Kai, vice chairman of the federation, said they have recognized promoting music education and improving employment will help blind musicians integrate better into society and promote music teaching in both elementary and higher education.

They will also encourage more special education schools to set up such courses for blind students, and suggest administrators eliminate physical restrictions or develop special enrollment policies at music conservatories.

While proposing more pop music lessons for the blind, renowned blind singer Zhou Yunpeng called for blind musicians to strengthen competitiveness and improve capabilities in communication and knowledge, and actively update their understanding of the music market.