Havas China: Lighting the Future for Students with Deafness and Hearing Loss
Havas China and the Shanghai Institute of Technology’s Special Art College have teamed up on a meaningful new initiative, the “Special Internship Program,” designed for graphic design students with hearing and speech impairment or loss.
In June 2022, Havas China launched Help and Hope Light Up the Future, a Special Internship Program for students with hearing and speech impairment or loss. They are majored in Vision and Communication at the Shanghai Institute of Technology’s Art College, the only institution in Shanghai that offers such special education.
The Special Internship Program requires the students to learn basic sign language for communication, including interning at Havas Shanghai with a chance to blend into teams and work on a variety of clients, giving them a giant career leap and lighting the path to a bright future.
Following intensive discussions with the school and the China Disabled Person’s Federation, the program was initiated to provide on-the-job training and experience with Havas employees, to help students feel included, confident, and rewarded throughout their internship journey.
Program interviews took place using sign language and electronic translator, which was not only new to the students but to those at Havas China — a great opportunity to experience and learn about tools toward disability inclusion. Students gave full play to their talents and passions, and Havas employees also had a chance to learn a bit of sign language as well.
“The program is a great leap for the students to make a meaningful difference to their career, life and society with the support of Havas.”
By August 2022, the students gained leadership recognition and improved their expertise by working on graphic design for different clients and projects. Most of all, their resilience, hard work, and good spirits have inspired the employees of Havas China.
The internship may be a small step toward talent cultivation and industry development, but a great leap for the students to make a meaningful difference to their career, life and society with the support of Havas.
