[Taichung Report by Chu-Ko Chih-Yi / Minzhong News]
Taiwan’s very first team of visually impaired baristas will represent the nation on October 17 at the Korea International Coffee Championship! On September 20, the Taiwan Light of Love Charity Association hosted the “Dreams Take Flight” event at the Light of Love Park, announcing that eight visually impaired baristas will bravely step onto the international stage with professionalism and courage, bringing the fragrance of Taiwan’s coffee to the world.

Secretary-General Yen Ping-Fang of the Association emphasized that this is the first time a team of visually impaired individuals will enter an international coffee competition. Beyond showcasing their professional skills, this symbolizes courage and breakthrough, with the hope that society will recognize the diverse potential of the visually impaired.

[Photo Caption] The “Light of Love” baristas are bringing the fragrance of Taiwan’s coffee to the world.

Taichung City Industrial Development Committee Secretary-General Huang Yu-Shan highlighted the significance of combining industry and charity. This not only equips visually impaired individuals with valuable skills but also allows society to rediscover their professional value. She noted that Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen has been actively promoting inclusive workplaces and diverse employment policies in recent years, ensuring that visually impaired individuals have the opportunity to join the workforce and showcase their talents.

Through continuous efforts, the Light of Love Association has trained 25 certified international baristas. In 2024, their fragrance brand was awarded the “Jury Prize of Taichung’s Top 10 Souvenirs,” demonstrating how the integration of public welfare and industry can create a win-win situation.

Among the competing baristas are siblings Lin Chen-Hsuan and Lin Chin-Sheng, who both earned their IOPCA International Hand-Pour Barista Certificates through Light of Love’s training program and went on to establish their own brand. Chin-Sheng, who loves sports and street dance, is also a visually impaired breaking dancer. The siblings will proudly represent the team in Korea, embodying the spirit of “never giving up on what you love, even without sight.”

Another participant, Lee Min-Ru, who is completely blind in one eye and has limited vision in the other, relies on her sharp senses of taste and smell to interpret coffee flavors. In 2023, she founded her own coffee studio, actively participating in markets, and in 2025 was recognized by the Taichung City Government as a “Representative of Women in Economic Power,” becoming a role model of self-empowerment.

Former computer engineer Huang Di-Wei initially feared handling boiling water, but through persistent practice, he mastered brewing a consistently rich and balanced coffee. Huang remarked: “Life is like programming—errors can be corrected, difficulties can be solved. Visual impairment is not a limitation, but another way of seeing the world.”

Since its founding in 2013, the Taiwan Light of Love Charity Association has been dedicated to promoting eye care education, blindness prevention, and vocational training for the visually impaired. The association has established a caring park, a dark experience center, and a café operated by visually impaired baristas. To date, it has conducted over 553 screening and educational events, serving more than 50,000 people. Its initiatives align with the United Nations SDGs, promoting health, education, employment, equality, and inclusive cities.

[Photo Caption] The Light of Love Association expresses gratitude for strong support from all sectors.

According to the association, about 90% of visually impaired individuals in Taiwan experience acquired blindness, and up to 80% of cases could have been prevented. Over the years, the association has promoted the “Eye Care Express” program, collaborating with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and pharmacists to provide checkups and education for seniors, integrating vision protection into everyday life.

In 2024, the association also launched the innovative “Mobile Coffee Truck Island Tour,” where visually impaired baristas traveled across Taiwan brewing coffee and sharing stories of courage and hope—bringing visibility to their perseverance and strength.

The association expressed gratitude for the generous support of many partners, including the Taichung City Industrial Development Committee, Jashen International Barista Certification Academy, Rotary Club of Huizhong, Jingzhan Construction, Jialing Technology, Rotary Club of Tung Blossom Miaoli, Sheng Dai Industrial, Song Bai Long-Term Care, and Chun Yu Tong Ji Association, among others. Their sponsorship ensures that the team can focus on competing in Korea without financial worries.

[Photo Caption] Huang Yu-Shan (second from right), Secretary-General of the Taichung City Industrial Development Committee, praised the Light of Love Association’s achievements in training visually impaired baristas, proving that the integration of charity and industry can create mutual benefits.

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