1 July 2006

Schools support children with visual impairment

1. We would like to assure Mdm Lee Lay Hong ("How about helping kids with visual disability", ST Forum, 22 Jun) that the Ministry of Education (MOE) is committed to helping all children with mild disabilities and who can cope with mainstream education to be integrated into our mainstream schools. Facilities and resources have been introduced in our schools to better support the learning of pupils with different disabilities.
2. We agree with Mdm Lee that it is important to raise the awareness and understanding of the learning needs of children with visual impairment in our schools. MOE encourages schools to be sensitive to the needs of all their pupils, including those with special learning needs.
3. There are currently about 70 pupils with visual impairment studying in mainstream schools, of which 35 are in the primary level. These children are given special support in their schools. For example, they are seated at the front of the classrooms and are provided with larger prints as well as extra time for examinations.
4. In addition, the Singapore School for the Visually Handicapped also teaches the mainstream curriculum and prepares students for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). Students who have sat for the PSLE and have met the minimum scores for secondary school placement then join designated mainstream secondary schools.
5. We understand that Mdm Lee has enrolled her daughter in a mainstream primary school. We invite Mdm Lee to contact the MOE Customer Service Centre at 6872 2220 if she requires further clarification or assistance.

Sum Chee Wah (Ms)
Director, Education Programmes