Steps Taken to Build a Better Understanding of Persons with Disabilities amongst School Children

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Education what steps are being taken to build a better understanding of persons with disabilities amongst school children in Singapore.

MOE builds students’ understanding and empathy for peers with special educational needs (SEN) or persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the following ways.

First, all teachers are equipped to use inclusive practices in their classrooms and CCAs to grow their students’ understanding of SEN and their ability to play, learn and work with peers with SEN. This is done through pre-service and in-service training as well as mentoring by experienced colleagues.

Second, Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons emphasise care and respect for all. Students learn not to stereotype and instead, to appreciate each other’s strengths and needs. Older students develop Values in Action (VIA) initiatives under their teachers’ guidance. An example of a VIA at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) saw students creating activities for MINDS Training and Development Centre (Clementi) and interacting with the trainees one afternoon a week over a six-week period.

Third, as part of CCE, by 2022, all schools will have peer support structures to promote a culture where students are sensitive to the needs of others including their peers with SEN. For students who need more structured help, Allied Educators in Learning and Behavioural Support will form groups of peers to provide circles of friendship and emotional support.

Finally, through Satellite Partnership, a long-term sustained relationship between a mainstream and Special Education (SPED) school, we enable all students to develop mutual understanding and respect. For example, students from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School not only taught students at Tampines-Meridian Junior College how to play Boccia but also joined them in community outreach projects.