Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Devices for Visual and Physical Impairment — FM System
The FM system comprises a transmitter and a set of receivers to aid hearing impaired students in the mainstream schools to hear better in the classroom.
The application process of FM system is as follows:
- Step 1: School contacts Special Education Branch (SEB) via email: dorothea_chang@moe.gov.sg or call 68387326 or 68387344 for application form
- Step 2: School completes application form and fax to SEB
- Step 3: FM supplier will contact the school for an audiological evaluation and fitting of the FM system.
- Step 4: After the audiological evaluation, the FM system will be delivered to the school.
Assistive Technology for Visual and Physical Impairment
Assistive technology is also provided to students with visual impairment and physical impairment to enhance their learning in the classrooms. In the case of a student with visual impairment, assistive technology such as closed-circuit television helps the student see better by projecting a magnified image of printed text, handwriting and photographs onto a video monitor PC or TV screen. Examples of assistive technology for a student with physical impairment include oversized tracker mouse and adaptive keyboard for better movement control and ergonomics.
The school will write in to SEB at dorothea_chang@moe.gov.sg or call 68387326 or 68387344 to request for the purchase of the assistive device for the student.
In its application, the school will provide the following information:
- The specifications of the equipment which they would like to purchase
- The supporting documents to justify the purchase of the equipment, for e.g. the medical reports and diagnosis of the student etc.
SEB will consider the application on a case-by-case basis. If the application is successful, the assistive device will be purchased and delivered to the school
For maintenance and repair of the assistive device, the school will have to inform and provide SEB with the quotation for approval.
FAQs for Assistive Technology
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Do the schools or the students with visual impairment need to pay for the assistive technology?
The school and the child need not pay for the assistive technology. MOE will bear the maintenance cost if there is a need.
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Who owns the assistive technology? The student or the school?
The assistive technology will be considered the property of the school. The school will make the necessary arrangements for the child to use the assistive technology in school. Should there be a need for the student to bring the assistive technology home, the student will liaise directly with the school.
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What happens to the assistive technology when the student transfers to another school? Does the school or student needs to reapply for the assistive technology?
If the student transfers to another school, the FM equipment should be transferred to the child's receiving school so that his/her learning will not be disrupted. For example, if a student is posted to a secondary school after PSLE, the assistive technology should be transferred to the student's secondary school. The receiving school may request for training on the use of FM equipment by contacting SPED Branch at 68387326 or 68387344.