- What is the Assistive Technology Fund?
- What are assistive technology devices?
- What are the eligibility criteria?
- How much financial assistance is each applicant eligible for?
- How do I calculate my gross monthly household per capita income?
- What types of equipment can be purchased under this scheme?
- How do I apply for this scheme?
- What documents do I need to submit?
- How much time is needed to process the application?
- How will the disbursement be made?
1. What is the Assistive Technology Fund?
The
Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) enables persons with disabilities from low-income families to defray the cost of purchasing assistive technology devices for studies or work-related purposes. This fund is administered by the Centre for Enabled Living (CEL).
2. What are assistive technology devices?
Assistive technology devices help persons with disabilities to maintain or improve their functional capabilities, so they can pursue mainstream education or open employment. Some examples of assistive technology devices are: hearing aids, devices that aid mobility, computer-related devises, and synthesizer software.
3. What are the eligibility criteria?
Applicants must be Singapore Citizens, or Permanent Residents with at least one immediate family member who is Singaporean. They should have a gross monthly household per capita income of $1,300 and below. They should also fall under one of these three categories:
i. Children of pre-school age, who for example are enrolled with a registered kindergarten, early intervention centre, or childcare centre
ii. Students in mainstream education, studying in primary or secondary schools, ITE, polytechnics or universities
iii. Persons who are currently working or have been offered a position in open employment
Students or adults with disabilities who are studying in other educational institutions such as special education schools or private schools will be considered on a case-by-case basis. They should have a good prognosis of pursuing mainstream education or open employment.
4. How much financial assistance is each applicant eligible for?
Each applicant will be granted up to $10,000 in funding in his/her lifetime, for the purchase of equipment, computers or retrofits. The funding cap may be adjusted based on the applicant's need, as justified by the social worker and/or the therapist from the VWO or hospital. The approved subsidy amount would be based on the applicant’s gross household income.
5. How do I calculate my gross monthly household per capita income?
Take your total gross monthly household income, divided by the number of persons in your household. This final number should be $1,300 and below, in order for you to qualify for ATF.
6. What types of equipment can be purchased under this scheme?
ATF supports the purchase of assistive technology devices such as hearing aids, devices that aid mobility, computer-related devises, and synthesizer software. ATF does not support the purchase of assistive technology devices used in daily living which are not directly related to studying or for use in the workplace. These include daily living aids, mobility and transportation aids, recreation and leisure aids, and home adaptation devices.
7. How do I apply for this scheme?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you should approach a medical social worker from any hospital, a social worker from a VWO, or Community Development Council for assistance in submitting the
application form to CEL.
The assistive technology device has to be recommended by an occupational therapist or doctor, and supported by a social worker.
8. What documents do I need to submit?
Applications need to be accompanied with the following supporting documents:
-
Social report or occupational therapy report
-
Assessments or recommendations from therapists or relevant professionals
-
Income statements and/or declarations - All household members and Applicant
-
Bank Statement of Account – All household members and Applicant
-
Photocopy NRIC/ Birth Certificate / Student pass (Front and Back) – All household members and applicant
-
3 quotations for devices that cost $3,000 and above, or 1 quotation for devices that cost less than $3,000
9. How much time is needed to process the application? The application will be processed and approved within 15 working days from the date of receipt of the application and all necessary documents.
10. How will the disbursement be made?
CEL will issue a cheque made payable to the organisation that assisted the recipient in submitting the application. The social worker must ensure that the approved equipment was purchased and not any other device.
The social worker should also submit the receipt to CEL within 2 months upon notification of approval. CEL reserves the right to recover the subsidies, if the purchase invoice or receipt is not furnished and CEL did not receive prior notice from the applicant or social worker.