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Special Education in Singapore The following excerpt is taken from the National Council of Social Services (NCSS) website : SPECIAL EDUCATION encompasses a range of specialised teaching programmes in special education (SPED) schools which cater to children with autism, or intellectual, sensory, physical or multiple disabilities. Depending on the degree of the disability, some of these children may still be able to cope with parts of the mainstream school curriculum with some support, while others may benefit more from special curricula taught by suitably- qualified teachers. SPED schools are operated by voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs), with the support of the Ministry of Education and the National Council of Social Service. The aim of all SPED schools is to develop each child's capacity to its fullest potential, with the long-term objective of enhancing his prospects of integration into mainstream society. The education curriculum is supplemented with rehabilitative and therapy services which provide for the child's physiological and psychological well-being as well as all-round development. The education of children with disabilities is provided in special education (SPED) schools. As at January 2006, there are 21 SPED schools run by Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) receiving funding from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the National Council of Social Service. The SPED schools run different programmes catering to distinct disability groups of children who are unable to benefit from mainstream schooling. - excerpts taken from MOE Special Education and and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) websites (accurate as of 20 October 2006) Additional Notes : Early Intervention in Singapore Parents should note that these services are usually be terminated upon enrolment in special schools as these schools offer similar services. Click here for other EI service providers. Generally, children with physical disabilities, sensory impairment or genetic disorders are referred to special education centres for early intervention (EI) upon diagnosis. There are 2 hospitals which cater to children who require specialised help such as speech, psychological/behavioural, occupational and physical therapy. They are KK Women and Children's Hospital and National University of Hospital. Parents also have the option to go to other government hospitals for therapy. However treatment efficacy would depend on the specific needs of the child such as severe comprehension, behavioural or gross motor difficulties associated with different disabilities.
Inclusive Education in Singapore Children with mild intellectual disabilities are sometimes enrolled in national mainstream schools. Some of them have physical disabilities or sensory impairments. There are designated schools with special facilities which provide easier access for children with physical disabilities. There is one organisation, AWWA TEACHME, which employs outreach advisors to look into the welfare and learning needs of children in mainstream schools. Most of the advisors are qualified teachers and have an understanding of the educational system. Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. Generally, there are no modifications to the curriculum. One exception is some children may be exempted from taking mother tongue as a subject. Children with dyslexia and autism may attend extra classes at AWWA TEACHME, Student Care Service and Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). For children with behavioural or attentional difficulties in mainstream schools, help is available from the Ministry of Education and Health via the Psychological and Guidance Services Branch and Child Development Unit.
Educational Support in Schools The Psychological and Guidance Services Branch assists schools in implementing a comprehensive range of programmes and projects so as to enable schools to maximise the potential of every child in the areas of cognitive, affective, character and career development. The unit runs four programmes for children with learning difficulties. They are Buddy Reading, Buddy Writing, ENABLE and (LSPs). All programmes cater to children in Primary 1 and 2, except the Enable programme which caters to underachieving children in Primary 2 and 3. Children in the Buddy programmes are peer-tutored by children in Primary 5. To facilitate the integration of children with mild disabilities, MOE will provide support for special needs (SSN) to 14 schools in 2006. By 2010, 10% of teaching staff in all schools, will be trained to enable them to better support students with mild special needs in their respective schools. This in-service training will commence in June 2005 and is expected to be completed in 2010. Compulsory Education in Singapore Education is compulsory for most Singaporean children from 2003. Parents who do not enrol their children in national schools may be fined or jailed. However, children with disabilities are exempted. For more information on the role of special schools in educating children with special needs, pls visit the Ministry of Education's website. For more information & the latest on NCSS's Special Education policies, please do visit this site on Special Education. Another ministry which looks after the welfare of citizens with disabilities is the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports. |
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Important "Trivial" - People-First Language (sorry, I've misplaced the source) People-First Language This
refers to using language in a way so that others remember that
people with disabilities are people first and should not be
defined by their "label". It's easy to forget that
sometimes and we need to make sure those that work with our kids
don't forget. I know they're just words and the whole thing may
seem a bit silly, but words have an effect on people's opinions
and impressions. Please feel free to pass it along whenever you
think it would help. |
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KEYWORDS : Special education, Singapore, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, dyslexia, autism You
are visitor no.
This web site is created and maintained by Liew Ping ã 2000-2006 Yeo Liew Ping
The information provided on this web site is provided for education and reference purposes only. It should not be relied on as professional or legal advice. The author is not responsible in any way for any damages (direct, indirect, special or consequential) however resulting from your use of this site or the information on this site. Visitors should exercise care in evaluating such information and opinions. The author does not guarantee the accuracy of any information available through the links you will find at this web site. You are encouraged to contact the web site authors to verify information. Nothing contained at this web site should be construed to constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any product, service or site. These links are provided solely as a matter of convenience to users of this site.
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