Ng Tsz Ho Marco
Year 3, Faculty of Education
February 2024
MarCo Ng, Mister Deaf Universum 2023
Human beings take the help of various cues in their environment to navigate daily life. We use a combination of our senses to register a message; for example, crossing a road. For Marco Ng, this simple daily activity can require much more effort.
Marco is a year 3 student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Information Management at the University of Hong Kong. He wants to become the first deaf lawyer in the city. In his downtime and as a living example, Marco raises awareness of deaf people’s needs and how hearing impairment can impact learning capabilities to promote an equal-opportunity environment.
“The stereotype against the deaf community in Hong Kong is that they are from a lower educational background and lack intelligence. That’s not the case!” said Marco. “The truth is that we cannot absorb information the same way as other people, which is why we require more assistance to even be at the same level.”
HKU CEDARS-SEN Support has helped Marco by assigning two sign language interpreters who accompany him to his lectures. One interpreter provides real-time translations or summaries in sign language during the class. The other sits next to Marco to ensure he’s noting down the right information.
To further aid Marco’s learning, CEDARS-SEN Support ensures the professors send him the study material before the lecture so that Marco can familiarise himself with the content. His SEN Case Manager regularly checks in with him for feedback on what is working and what is not.
This input has drastically changed Marco’s learning experience, as is reflected in his grades, Marco proudly shared with the team.
“I really enjoy my classroom experience now that I have the help of the interpreters. It feels like I am directly able to learn from the lectures and even interact with the professors,” said Marco.
Things were not always this way.
Before CEDARS-SEN Support stepped in to assist Marco, he lacked a sense of belonging and safety at the university. There was a gap between what the professors taught and Marco’s comprehension.
“I felt underconfident. What if I said something wrong during the lecture? What if my classmates were not tolerant of my questions?” he continued.
Research shows that students with hearing impairment have different learning styles. It’s difficult to only rely on visual cues to learn. Aside from a hearing aid, they need sign language support, assistive technology, and most importantly, a socially inclusive environment which is accepting and conducive to their knowledge acquisition.
“It is not the lack of intelligence, but the lack of timely access to information which has put the deaf community steps behind,” Marco said.
Marco is grateful to CEDARS for enhancing his learning experience. He continues to be the voice of the deaf community to ensure that all students get an equal chance at optimal learning.