DSE candidates overcome physical challenges to achieve hard-earned results
Tam Chun-yu, who has cerebral palsy, typed his answers with one finger while Liu Pong-faat has difficulty writing but completed his exams
At the Hong Kong Red Cross John F. Kennedy Centre, Tam, 20, was among candidates receiving their DSE results on Wednesday, securing level 2 passes in English, Chinese and information and communication technology (ICT), and a level 3 in Chinese writing.
Tam achieved these results despite living with severe cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia – conditions that have steadily worsened since high school, progressing from a walking disability to severe spinal curvature and speech difficulties.
Relying entirely on a carer, he must use a specialised table and supportive aids attached to his wheelchair just to maintain a proper posture. Yet he still successfully completed all six exam subjects using only his index finger.
Because of his physical limitations, Tam applied for special exam arrangements, including typing on a smartphone notes app, using a computer, and being exempted from up to half of certain exam papers.