From August 6 to 9, the Ministry of Education held the "2023 University and College Growth Summer Camp for Students with Cerebral Palsy and Physical Disabilities," which, for the first time, included students with physical disabilities. A total of 65 students with disabilities participated in the camp. The camp specially planned leisure activities that are generally difficult for students with cerebral palsy and physical disabilities, aiming to explore the diversity of life and enrich students' life experiences.
This event combined local cultural features and, after reasonable adjustments, arranged for students to visit the Taipei 101 Observatory, tree climbing, grassland ziplining, target shooting, handmade puppet-making, and a ferry ride along the Taipei Blue Highway. Minister of Education Cheng Ying-Yao visited the camp on August 7 to assist students in tree climbing and listened to their reflections and feelings.
Minister of Education Cheng Ying-Yao Helps Students Climb a Tree with Great Effort (Photo / Retrieved from Ministry of Education Website)
Minister Cheng stated that the Ministry of Education actively promotes inclusive education in line with the spirit of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This year’s summer camp allowed students with cerebral palsy, and physical disabilities, and volunteer students (general students) to interact and participate together in educational, recreational, and cultural activities, creating a special experience for the students. The Ministry of Education hopes that students cherish the emotional experiences from each activity, transforming them into gratitude for life, and bravely facing future challenges without fear of obstacles.
Cho Pi-Jin, Chairperson of the Taiwan Cerebral Palsy Association, pointed out that this year's summer camp was expanded under the commission of the Ministry of Education to include students with physical disabilities. The aim is to help students with cerebral palsy and physical disabilities overcome physical limitations and participate in leisure activities that are usually difficult for them to access. The camp hopes to foster harmonious interpersonal relationships, enhance physical fitness, train self-care abilities, inspire multiple intelligences, and prepare students for entering society.
