For Immediate Release
September 10, 2018    
 

Media Contact: Kandy Cayce
Division of Services for the Blind
[email protected]

Nguyen honored by DSB: Attending an award presentation are, from the left, Christina Phan, daughter of the honoree; Doan Nguyen, owner of City Nails in Conway; and area Consumer of the Year Bich Nguyen (no relation to her employer). City Nails received a business partner award for promoting the employment of persons with vision impairment.

Manicurist with Vision Impairment Earns Achievement Award 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –  Bich Nguyen of Conway, who is visually impaired, has been named the area’s outstanding Consumer of the Year by the Department of Human Services Division of Services for the Blind (DSB). 

Nguyen works as a manicurist with City Nails in Conway. DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Dwight Turner nominated Nguyen for the achievement award because of her determination to overcome adversity and succeed at work. 

“This lady is from Vietnam and does not speak any English. With this language barrier, it was even more commendable of her that she was willing and able to search for and find employment,” Turner said.

Nguyen was selected from an area that includes Faulkner, Conway, Pope, Van Buren, and part of Pulaski Counties. The award presentation was made September 4, at a meeting of the Conway Noon Lions Club, held at China Town Restaurant. 

Her employer, City Nails, was recognized by DSB as an outstanding business partner for its commitment to promoting the employment of persons with vision impairment. 

After Nguyen noticed her vision was decreasing, her eye doctor diagnosed her with severe cataracts and referred her to DSB. She was grateful for DSB services, and after her cataract surgeries, she was able to complete nail tech training and go to work.

This is the eleventh year that DSB has given Consumer of the Year awards to recognize individuals who have managed their rehabilitation plans, gained marketable skills, secured good jobs, and become role models for others. An overall state winner will be selected at the end of the year.

DSB provides vocational rehabilitation services to adults who are blind or severely visually impaired and whose goal is successful employment. The division also serves youth and older blind individuals. 

For information about DSB’s programs and services, visit the DSB website at https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/dsb/Pages/default.aspx or call 1-800-960-9270 , 501-682-5463, or deaf relay 711.

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