On Monday, 20 January 2025, young people from Vision Australia stepped into the heart of Microsoft’s Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne offices for an immersive workplace experience. This exciting day, designed to introduce teenagers who are blind or have low vision to career opportunities in the tech industry, offered hands-on learning, insightful discussions and meaningful connections with Microsoft professionals.
With a packed agenda, the event delivered a blend of corporate insights, technology demonstrations and interactive sessions, leaving participants, Vision Australia staff and Microsoft volunteers inspired.
A day of learning and discovery
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Microsoft employees and Vision Australia staff, setting the stage for an engaging day ahead. Participants embarked on an office tour, where they explored Microsoft’s hybrid workspaces, asked about accessibility in the workplace, and learned about the culture of innovation within the company.
Throughout the day, Microsoft professionals shared their personal career journeys, including Kenny Singh, a Director at Microsoft Asia, who spoke about his experiences navigating the workplace as a person with vision impairment. Kenny’s discussion on accessibility features, from screen readers to AI-driven solutions, was a highlight for many. As one Brisbane participant put it, “Seeing how Kenny uses assistive technology to navigate his work was excellent. It made me realise that whatever career I want to do, there will be tools to support me.”
Interactive sessions that sparked curiosity
One of the most engaging parts of the day was the Cyber Security Awareness session, led by Microsoft’s Joanne Hayek. Covering topics such as online security, phishing and identity protection, the session resonated strongly with attendees. A Melbourne participant remarked, “I’ll definitely be updating my passwords now I understand the risks.”
The Artificial Intelligence discussion with Microsoft’s AI experts, including Gavin Hunter, introduced participants to cutting-edge developments in AI. Discussions ranged from AI-driven accessibility tools to the future of smart technology, leaving many with a newfound appreciation for how AI can assist people with disabilities.
Christine Douglas, a Microsoft school-based trainee, provided an inspiring perspective on non-traditional career pathways. Sharing her journey from struggling with school to excelling in a Microsoft traineeship, Christine encouraged participants to “stay curious, embrace challenges, and find what excites you.” Her story particularly resonated with older participants who were considering their next steps after high school.
Key takeaways and feedback
As the day wrapped up, participants reflected on what they had learned. Many appreciated the insight into career pathways, while others found the discussions on AI and accessibility particularly eye-opening. “I enjoyed learning about the diverse career opportunities and exploring the work space,” noted one student, highlighting a key message of the event.
Looking ahead
Beyond the engaging discussions and activities, the event sparked interest in future collaborations. And at least one participant is now keen to explore work experience at Microsoft.
The success of the Workplace Experience Day demonstrates the power of accessibility, mentorship and exposure to career opportunities. As one participant summed it up, “I’ve previously been scared of technology like AI but today has changed my perspective. I’m looking forward to seeing how Vision Australia and Microsoft can continue to make a positive difference together.”
With technology continuing to evolve, partnerships like this ensure that young people who are blind or have low vision are not just spectators in the digital revolution, but active participants shaping its future.
