Guide Dogs on Campus! Yuan Ze University Held Special Education Awareness Week to Promote Inclusion and Understanding

ITo foster a more inclusive and understanding campus environment, the Counseling and Career Section of the Office of Student Affairs at Yuan Ze University hosted the “Special Education Awareness Week” under the theme “Stepping Into a Different World Together.”

 A series of educational and interactive activities was planned to help students and faculty better understand the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities and to promote empathy and respectful companionship.

On Wednesday, May 7, during the lunchtime event “Little Mental Helpers – Guide Dog Awareness: The Power of Love and Companionship,” the Taiwan Guide Dog Association was invited to campus. Students had the chance to interact with guide dogs up close and take photos. With guidance from professional trainers, they learned about the training journey of guide dogs, the “Three No’s and One Ask” rule (no touching, no feeding, no calling, and always ask first), and the touching stories of the foster families who silently contribute behind the scenes.

The event also introduced practical techniques for assisting visually impaired individuals, such as introducing oneself, asking if help is needed, offering an elbow for guidance, and providing clear descriptions of the surrounding environment. These skills aim to equip students with the knowledge to offer support respectfully and professionally when encountering visually impaired peers, demonstrating genuine friendliness and understanding.

A student surnamed Lin from the College of Management shared that guide dogs are not just helpers in mobility for visually impaired individuals but are also emotional companions who help them navigate daily life and overcome obstacles. “This heartwarming event made me reflect on what it truly means to accompany and understand someone,” Lin said.

The organizers noted that, in addition to the guide dog awareness session, the week also included a lecture titled “Decoding Smiling Depression: The Emotions Behind the Smile,” a talk on “Understanding and Supporting Autism,” a screening and discussion of the touching film “Aiko Comes Home,” and a fun “Different World” Kahoot Challenge. Through diverse formats, the week encouraged students to replace assumptions with genuine experiences and misunderstandings with empathy, taking one step at a time into unseen but very real worlds.