Some Aspects of Special Education in Singapore

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Special Educational provision in Singapore for children with disabilities has progressed considerably since the first voluntary group began in 1947. By mid-1986, there were 12 special schools catering for some 2,000 pupils; intellectually disabled, educationally subnormal, hearing impaired, visually handicapped, cerebral palsied and multiple handicapped. All these schools are run by Voluntary Associations with Government support in terms of funds, buildings and some teachers. However, an analysis of prevalence figures indicates a possible shortfall in the numbers of disabled children actually attending special schools, and an over-concentration of these schools in one part of Singapore which might deter some parents from sending their children to the appropriate special school. One major improvement in the quality of Special Education has been the systematic training (since 1984) of the unqualified Association teachers at the Institute of Education on the Certificate in Special Education Programme. However, there would still seem to be a need for more therapists and para-professionals to support the services offered in the special schools.