Interview

Interviewee: School Psychological Counselor

What is the relative number of students with disabilities in Fuhsing High School?

As someone handling curriculum affairs, I’ve noticed that the number of students with disabilities in Fuhsing was relatively low in the past but has surged in recent years. Currently, there are eight students with different disabilities, which is a relatively high number for a private school. Normally private schools have less students with disabilities. Because there aren't many students with disabilities, I can focus on each one of them individually more, providing them with more care and specific treatment.

How do you help students with disabilities in the school?

To support these students we assist them in many different ways. Some students may have trouble taking exams so we help them apply for extended exam time or independent testing rooms. We also conduct in-class awareness campaigns, but discussions need to be handled discreetly. Some students may be blunt in their speech—while they might simply be stating facts, their words can come across as harsh. Social relationships are another area where support is needed. For instance, a student with depression cannot be openly identified, but their condition often affects their peer relationships. Another example would be, during a lab experiment, a student with impaired touch sensability showed signs of physical strains but didn't notice himself. When emotions run high, sensory perception can become unclear. Since the teacher cannot take care of everyone, I stepped in to provide one-on-one assistance and helped him calm down.

What is your view on their outlook after entering society?

Since Fuhsing students generally come from well-off families, they are unlikely to face significant difficulties after graduation. However, public school students might experience more struggles. Nowadays, companies are required to hire around 20% of employees with disabilities, but despite these regulation, those with disabilities may still face discrimination. Some employers may assume they work more slowly due to their condition, leading to unfair treatment and fewer opportunities.

What are some challenges for ADHD students in Fuhsing?

Students with ADHD often face additional challenges in school. Some schools may advise them not to continue their studies in Fuhsing, but a formal assessment is needed to determine if they truly struggle with learning. If difficulties are confirmed, strategies can be explored to help them adapt. For instance, instead of traditional note-taking, some students may benefit from using drawing as a learning method. Academic performance can sometimes be difficult to manage. A student might have their textbook in the drawer but be unable to find it, frequently forgetting or losing things. Some schools provide better environments for these students, making it easier for them to keep up. However, some parents insist on keeping their children at Fuhsing, even when another school might be a better fit. In my opinion, this decision should be made based on the student’s individual needs rather than solely on the school’s reputation.