There are programmes are in place to ensure that children with disabilities are given every opportunity in school. Depending on the type and degree of their disability, these children may either enrol in mainstream schools or special education (SPED) schools, progressing from primary to tertiary-level education.
Children with Visual or Physical Disabilities in Mainstream Schools
Children diagnosed with visual or physical disabilities can attend mainstream schools from primary to tertiary levels, as long as the schools are equipped with the right facilities for easy navigation and accessibility, and have trained staff who can support and enable them to cope with the mainstream curriculum.
For more information, please contact the Ministry of Education (MOE), Special Education Unit at 6872 2220 or
contact@moe.edu.sg.
Children with Dyslexia and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mainstream Primary and Secondary Schools
In 2004, MOE announced the following initiatives to support children with special educational needs in mainstream schools.
- Deployment of Allied Educators (Learning and Behavioural Support), 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
Since 2005, MOE has also begun to incorporate facilities and resources in national schools to facilitate the learning of children with special educational needs.
For more information on national schools that can support special educational needs, please visit MOE's
website.
Children with Hearing and 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 their 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.
Children with Hearing and Visual Disabilities in Mainstream Secondary Schools
Students with hearing or visual impairments enrolled in 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 mainstream curriculum. 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.