The seventh session of the vocational training course for disabled youths, sponsored by the National Vocational Training Service for Industry opened on Feb. 12 this year. After several speeches delivered by distinguished guests, an elderly woman helped her disabled son on to the platform. She told the 40 students in the class: "My son is enrolled in the fourth session of the electronics repair class. He used to have no self-esteem or self-confidence. After receiving continuous encouragement and training from the teachers, he is now independent enough to find a job in an electronics factory. He is optimistic and easy to get along with. Today, I am honored to bring him here as an example for all of you. Don't underestimate your potential. Be brave, and a bright future awaits you. Finally, may I express my deep appreciation to all the teachers and staff who contribute so much to the lives of those who are in need of the greatest help."

Perhaps most gratified by the scene is Lin Tun-an, director of the rehabilitation class, who also acts as lecturer. After his graduation from the Taiwan Provincial College of Education in Changhua, Lin was invited to be a part-time teacher in mechanical drawing at a rehabilitation class in September 1975. He was deeply moved by the students' enthusiasm, and efforts to acquire knowledge and techniques in spite of their disability.

The incident that persuaded him to become a full-time teacher occurred after he had locked the door of the classroom and checked the dormitories one evening. At about midnight, he was suddenly awoken by a light emanating from the classroom. Although the doors were still locked, the students had opened the windows and dragged their maimed limbs over the sills. There they sat, practicing their lessons laboriously. Lin was moved to tears.

The National Vocational Training Service for Industry (VTSI) is a non-profit organization headquartered at Taishan village in Taipei County. Its main objectives are to provide all kinds of technical training, to co-sponsor industrial techniques competitions, and to hold qualifying examinations. The rehabilitation class was originally entrusted to VTSI by the Ministry of the Interior, the China Youth Corps and the Department of Social Affairs of the Taipei City Government.

With a term lasting six months, and an enrolment of 40 students, the class provides training in electronics repair and mechanical drawing, in addition to free board and lodging for students. The aim is to help the disabled acquire a skill so they can contribute to building up the national economy.

Because of their impaired mobility, the students are provided with a building which combines classroom and residential accommodation in one unit. Teachers live in with and take care of the students in the air-conditioned premises, which are equipped with a wide range of conveniences.

Perhaps because they are used to being over-protected by parents and relatives, the disabled often find difficulty in adjusting to an egalitarian society. As a result, psychological rehabilitation as well as vocational training is needed to bring them out of their confined worlds. Specialists and scholars in the field give lectures on how to solve problems and take the initiative in making friends.

By the end of August this year, the VTSI will have trained more than 280 disabled students. Many of them are later placed in machinery or electronics factories, such as the Ta Jen Electronics Co., which has absorbed 10 such trainees.

The public often discriminates against disabled people. Lee Kuoyi, deputy general manager of production at Ta Jen says this attitude is unjustified. "We are very satisfied with the competence of the trainees who graduate from the rehabilitation class. After six months of training, they have gained basic knowledge of the principles of electronics. But best of all, they are eager to learn, and they work hard. Experienced workers are easily lured away by other companies which make attractive offers. The disabled employees, however, are trustworthy and reliable, and are seldom affected by outside influences. Unfortunately, many disabled workers in the past have been irritable and uncooperative. Those from the rehabilitation class, however, are different. They are open-minded, lively, optimistic, diligent and inventive. I intend to employ more people from this source in the future."

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Disabled youths marching forward confidently.

After the classroom sessions are over, the students' laughter can be heard in every corner of the campus.