Embracing Differences: Fostering a Diverse Campus Community

Embracing Differences: Fostering a Diverse Campus Community

SUBANG JAYA, Selangor - Awareness for students with special needs in Taylor’s was brought into the spotlight through a full day of booth activities and talks hosted by Centre for Counselling Services (CCS) in order to cultivate a more inclusive community.

The success measure of this event was less in the numbers, and held more importance in sharing a message. It was crucial that the event made it known to both the campus community and special needs students that they were not alone and to foster proper empathy and understanding.

Noorkarmila Hamid, is one of the university counsellors that focuses on students with special needs. The event was a combined effort between her and the CCS team, where it’s the first time they’ve expanded special needs support to external events.

“We have an existing internal support group for students with special needs, but we’ve been trying to find out what we can do more for them,” said Karmila.

“We wanted to make it known that there are programmes and events from external parties that can support them too.”

The exhibition booth and activities at Student Life Centre (SLC) Walkway featured Relationary, Stand Pie Me, Enabling Academy and so on. Free mental health screenings and infographics were also displayed throughout. During the Staying Focused (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - Awareness Talk), Chua Yen Li, a clinical psychologist with Relationary shared that the positive feedback she received from the booth and talk was heartwarming.

Booths and infographic exhibition at SLC walkway

(Source: Bernice Lee)

“There were many people dropping by to play games or get a mental health screening,” said Chua.

“That’s what my team and I value the most, just to have a sit down with you to hear your stories and to offer our support.”

Anna Maria, an incoming Psychology student for the September 2023 Intake, was extremely excited to attend this event when she received the email invitation.

“I am actually diagnosed with ADHD myself, so I was hoping to understand myself and other people better. It’s very exciting to see a university not only supporting, but hosting an event for this cause”.

It’s important that we get our terminology right, and ensure the special needs community on campus feels heard. To keep the momentum going, Centre for Counselling Services will be hosting weekly workshops throughout July to enhance mental wellness in university life. For more information, you can sign up for the workshops here.

Poster for the upcoming July workshops

(Source: Centre of Counselling Services)