Resourcing, Co-creating and Measuring Disability Inclusion in Schools Following Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities Report

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song, Aljunied GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education with reference to the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities Report (a) what resources will be provided to schools to integrate disability inclusion into students’ experience; (b) to what extent persons with disabilities will be involved in developing such resources; and (c) what metrics will track attitude changes of students over time and across institutions.

Response

1. Through Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons and peer support structures in all mainstream schools, our students develop mutual respect and appreciation of diverse needs, including those of persons with disabilities and students with special educational needs (SEN).

2. Beyond CCE lessons, there are many opportunities for meaningful interactions between students with disabilities and their peers, such as Values in Action projects, and partnerships between mainstream and SPED schools which have enabled joint learning experiences between students and exchange of good practices between teachers.

3. MOE has also curated resources for schools, including good practices from schools and materials from SG Enable, to raise awareness of disability and SEN, and foster a culture of inclusion. These were developed with inputs from disability organisations, parent groups and allied professionals who work with persons with disabilities.

4. As part of MOE’s continued efforts to support student development, schools and teachers monitor and nurture students’ attitudes and interactions with their peers, including those with disabilities and SEN. This provides useful insights on the lived experiences of all students in our schools. MOE will continue to improve and strengthen these efforts.