Peer Support

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Be a Peer Supporter!

Students with SEN, upon registration with SEN Support Service, will meet with CEDARS to discuss their needs on campus. Some of the needs are best supported by peers – a fellow student like you. Your contribution as a peer supporter is vital.
You can offer your support by engaging in the following service:
Tour Guide on / off campus
Students with visual or physical impairments may have difficulties navigating on the HKU campus which is on the hill-side. Peer supporters can offer their assistance by showing students with SEN around the campus before the start of their studies, which would help them to familiarize themselves with the campus.
Service tasks: Assist these students to visit key facilities or offices on campus, to introduce them the accessible routes that lead to classrooms and buildings.   
Note-taker / Transcriber (face to face and / or online)
Note-taking is an essential service for students with difficulties in listening to lectures or reading course materials. Most students with SEN are keen learners, but some of their conditions (e.g. low vision, fine-motor problems, difficulties in listening and writing at the same time, etc.) may pose a challenge for them to take notes during lectures

Service tasks: Jot and share their lecture notes, transcribe audio-recordings of lectures.
Study Buddy
Some students with SEN would like to look for buddies to exchange study skills and tips to enrich their university experience. Matches between students with SEN and peer supporters would be made by CEDARS based on student backgrounds and needs.

Service tasks: Exchange contact (with mutual consent) with another student and offer support, guidance and companionship to a student with SEN.
How can I register as a peer supporter?
Join the Peer Impact Network (PIN) Program where you will receive training and service opportunities. To find out more application timelines and training schedules, please visit the website of the PIN Program. 

Alternatively, you may also receive emails from your lecturers inviting you to share your notes with another student with SEN in the same class. You may also directly opt-in as a note-taker for that particular class.
What will I gain through providing study support?
  • A chance to get in touch with and provide hands-on support to students in HKU with disabilities/SEN
  • Deeper understanding of people with disabilities/SEN and their potential
  • Enhanced helping and communication skills
  • Raised awareness and sensitivity of disability-related issues
  • Opportunity to build an inclusive campus through the peer support network

 

Student Sharing
 
“I don’t realize more persons with disabilities are sitting beside me, I really felt them included, in part of my circle. I should be more aware and be more inclusive”

“In the Inclusive Gathering, I learnt hands-on experience of guiding the visually impaired.”

“In the Inclusive Gathering, I am able to actually step into the shoes of someone with disability.”

“Don’t label others. Everyone has own strength and weakness. Be inclusive.”

Students conducting study support:

(right) Our SEN PIN member shares the notes with students with SEN; (left) SEN PIN member and a student with SEN just finished campus accessible routing


Peer Support