Test takers with disabilities are now allowed certain privileges such as longer test times and assistance from specialized staff. (Photo : Global Times)
A total of 9.4 million aspirants have been attracted to take the college entrance exam known as Gaokao to land a spot in 6.98 million places in colleges and universities in the China. Among these aspirants was a blind man named Li Jinsheng, who took the exam in Braille.
The 46 year old blind masseur took the test in Henan province and was the only blind candidate in the yearly battle of the brains to land a spot in institutions offering higher education.
However, the blind candidate was not able to answer even one math and Chinese test questions as he was busy reading the rules of the exam. Li handed two blank papers even as he was only able to complete a very small part of the other two exams. Li was also given an extension of up to 40 minutes to finish the test.
Ministry of Education exam center director Jiang Gang said that the preparation for the test for blind candidates took half a year to complete. Jiang said that the tests for the blind were carefully prepared to make it easier for them to take. He also added that the ministry aims to provide equal access to higher education even for disabled candidates.
Li was the first ever blind candidate to take the Gaokao which is still a kind of success even as he passed the blank papers. His move to take the college entrance test has attracted different responses from social media users.
One Weibo user named Luo Chongmin said that Li's chance to take the college entrance test is more important than the score he will receive. Luo also posted that it was already a victory for the blind that someone has took the exam for the first time.
Another Weibo user named Woshisanxing said that Li has accomplished the right for blind people even though he submitted blank exam papers. Weibo user named Mr Zhao Wen from Lanzhou said that the authorities should improve their exam services.
This was after Li asked to answer in e-papers so that he would be allowed to take the test using a computer. However, the request was declined after citing technology restriction reasons.
Although a lot of people saw Li's move to be a victory for the blind, some social media users did not agree to this. Weibo user Qiyefend said that Li's act of taking the exam was disgraceful and a publicity stunt. The Weibo user also said that it was only a waste of China's resources.
Li said that although it was a shame that he handed blank papers, he brought glory for the blind and hoped the even the blind would be respected to take the exam.
