Exam Authority Defends Denying Unwell DSE Candidate Lift Access
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's examination authority has defended an invigilator who refused to allow a candidate with anxiety disorder to use a school lift after he became unwell during a break in the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exam. Ray Lau, a private candidate in his twenties, was retaking the mathematics extended part two at Caritas St Joseph Secondary School on April 13 when the incident occurred. Lau, who has a documented medical history including anxiety disorder with cardiac symptoms and obsessive-compulsive disorder, claims the invigilator yelled at him to "take the stairs or skip the exam." The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) defended the decision, stating the candidate had not requested the facility in advance.
Key Points
- Ray Lau, retaking DSE mathematics extended part two at Caritas St Joseph Secondary School on April 13, has documented anxiety disorder and OCD
- During the first paper, Lau felt unwell, took medication, and had blood pressure with diastolic reading above 90 mmHg
- A male invigilator accompanied Lau downstairs to rest, but denied his request to use the lift to return upstairs
- The invigilator allegedly shouted at Lau, telling him to "take the stairs or skip the exam"
- HKEAA defended the decision, stating the lift request was not submitted in advance despite Lau's medical history being on file
Why It Matters
This incident raises questions about the balance between examination protocols and accommodations for candidates with medical conditions. The case highlights potential gaps in how the HKEAA communicates and implements support measures for students with documented disabilities during high-stakes public examinations.
This incident raises questions about the balance between examination protocols and accommodations for candidates with medical conditions. The case highlights potential gaps in how the HKEAA communicates and implements support measures for students with documented disabilities during high-stakes public examinations.