A special job fair for deaf-mute university graduates was held in Shanghai Tuesday.

Shanghai Institute of Technology, the only university with full-time deaf-mute students in the city, gathered more than 20 local companies, mostly small private advertising firms, for face-to-face interviews with disabled graduates.

"We hope the fair can help solve disabled students' job seeking difficulties," said Xu Dagang, an official with the institute.

Twenty deaf-mute students graduated this year - the fourth batch of grads since the first class for the disabled was launched. Shanghai Lande Advertisement Co Ltd said it was the diligence and outstanding art ability that attracted them to the special job fair.

"We know they are equally talented graduates," said Lu Xiaoli, the company manager who plans to recruit one or two ad designers.

Though satisfied with the applicants' professional ability, employers were still concerned about communicating effectively with potential employees.

"I'm ready to undergo any hardships, all that I need is an opportunity," said Zhou Yingjie, a deaf-mute graduate.

Lu Wenli, Zhou's mother, said she's worried about his future.

Several employers they have contacted said they appreciate Zhou's ability, but were reluctant to hire him because of his hearing disability.

Previously, disabled graduates were recommended to employers by university authorities. Though many won prizes in city-level photographic design contests, disabled graduates have always encountered discrimination in the job market.

"Many employers will immediately turn away once they know a candidate is disabled," Xu said. "They don't even want to give the person a chance. It's not right."

About 50 disabled students graduate from city universities every year, more than 90 percent of whom can find a job afterward, the Shanghai Disabled People's Federation claimed.

"It takes a huge effort to persuade these companies," said Zhou Zhihua, a federation official.

Last year, a deaf graduate was rejected by seven companies before getting a job at a small firm.

"There is still a problem because people tend to regard the disabled as burdens rather than talents," Zhou said.

(eastday.com March 10, 2004)