Admission of Special Needs Students into Institutes of Higher Learning and ITEs

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Education (a) in the past three years, how many special needs students have been admitted into Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL); (b) how many IHLs are equipped to accommodate special needs students; (c) what is the Ministry doing to help special needs students further their education in IHLs; and (d) whether there are plans to work with ITE to take in more special needs students who may benefit from a vocational education.

On average, over the last three years, about 2,500 students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) were enrolled in the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). This constitutes about 2% of the enrolment in the institutions.

All IHLs provide specialised support to students with SEN. Every IHL has a SEN Support Office which provides a one-stop service in supporting students with SEN from pre-enrolment to graduation. The SEN Support Office and the relevant IHL academic department will engage the students to better understand their needs and offer necessary support, such as access arrangements for classes, assessments and examinations. The Offices also administer funding for students to purchase Assistive Technology devices and support services, such as text enlargement software, wireless assistive hearing devices and notetaking services. IHLs also work with voluntary welfare organisations for mentorship programmes, internship placements and job matching to further help to prepare students with SEN for the workforce.

Over the years, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) has been proactively strengthening its support for students with SEN who will benefit from a vocational education. These students account for about 4% of ITE's enrolment. ITE will continue to admit any student with SEN who meets their admission criteria. ITE, together with the rest of our IHLs, is committed to supporting all students in their educational journeys.