The Government's proposal on integrated education for the disabled in conventional schools has sparked controversy in the territory. The plan's advocates say it would help achieve equal opportunities for the disabled, and bolster years of pioneering efforts by voluntary associations to combat discrimination towards the disabled. However, some school principals have criticised the proposal, backed by parental opposition. What do secondary school students think? Seven students from Clementi Secondary School spoke to Young Post. Sixth-former Reuben Lee Yat-tin, 18, believed that having disabled students in conventional classes would dispel students' misperceptions about the disabled. 'School is society in miniature. Integrating them into normal schools would strengthen their adaptation into society and enhance their self-confidence as well,' Yat-tin said. Louise Ng Ka-yee, 18, also backed the Government's idea. 'We are human beings - we can't get rid of and leave the disabled in the special centres. We have a responsibility to give them equal education. 'If the proposal is implemented, they should teach normal students how to get along with the disabled,' she added. However, Terry Shum Yat-kei, 18, wondered if the disabled would benefit from the proposal, and suggested setting up more specialised centres for the disabled. 'Putting them into normal schools would be inconvenient. It would affect the studying schedule of students and place a heavy burden on teachers,' Yat-kei said. He believed organising extra-curricular activities for the disabled to meet conventional students would be more effective and beneficial. John Chuang Hoi-yuen, 18, also worried that the proposal would pose difficulties. 'I am curious about how many teachers are qualified to teach the disabled,' he said. Hoi-yuen also worried that if teachers gave 'special' care or concern to the disabled in front of regular students, it would make them feel uncomfortable and inferior. However, Calvin Yeung Kai- shui, 18, was for the proposal, and advised students to respect and involve disabled students. 'We are the same. Putting them into normal classes is the best way to understand them better,' Kai-shui stressed. Sanday Zeng Ho-ting, 18 worried whether the students would get along. 'I'm afraid some students will discriminate against them and place them in embarrassing situations,' he said. Tsai Nga-cheung, 19, said the idea was sound, but worried about technical problems. Schools would need to install special equipment and employ professionals should the proposal take effect. 'The best solution is to educate the public not to discriminate against the disabled, and train the disabled in social and communication skills,' Nga-cheung said.
