Programmes are in place to ensure that children with disabilities are given every opportunity in school. Depending on their disability, they may either enrol in a mainstream school, or special education school, progressing from primary to tertiary institutions.
1. Mainstream Education
Children diagnosed with visual or physical disabilities can attend mainstream schools (from primary to tertiary level), as long as the schools are equipped with the right facilities to enable easy navigation for these students, and with trained staff supporting them in their studies to enable these students to cope with the mainstream curriculum.
For more information, please contact:
Special Education Unit
Ministry of Education
51 Grange Road
Blk 1 #04-06
Singapore 249564
Tel: 68722220
Fax: 67755826
Email: contact@moe.edu.sg
2. Children With Special Educational Needs In Mainstream Schools
(i) Children with Dyslexia and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Mainstream Primary and Secondary Schools
In 2004, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced the following initiatives to support children with special educational needs in mainstream schools such as :
• Deployment of Allied Educators (Learning and Behavioural Support) [AEDs (LBS)], previously known as Special Needs Officers, to support children with mild special educational needs in mainstream schools.
• Additional funding for designated mainstream schools to cater to students with dyslexia and autistic spectrum disorder.
• Training of selected primary and secondary school teachers in special needs (TSNs).
MOE's efforts to incorporate facilities and resources in national schools to facilitate the learning of children with special educational needs have been implemented since 2005.
For more information on national schools resourced with greater support for special educational needs, please visit the MOE’s website at: http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/support-for-children-special-needs/
(ii) Children with Hearing Impairments & Physical Disabilities in Mainstream Pre-School to Tertiary Institutions
There are community Integration Support (CIS) programmes in place to enable students with disabilities to cope with the demands of mainstream education and adjust to the learning environment. Parents and teachers can also gain a greater awareness and understanding of students with disabilities and be equipped to manage and meet their learning and social needs. Currently, there are two CIS programmes catering to children with hearing impairment or physical disabilities enrolled in mainstream schools.
(iii) Children with Hearing & Visual Impairments in Mainstream Secondary Schools
Students with hearing or visual impairments enrolled in special education (SPED) schools may sit for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). If successful, they will be able to continue their education in mainstream secondary schools. These students attend regular classes and follow the curriculum of mainstream secondary schools. Special resource teachers are deployed to designated mainstream secondary schools to assist these pupils.
For more information on designated mainstream secondary schools, please visit MOE’s website at: http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/special-education/path/