Singapore should leverage technology to better integrate those with special needs, including students, into society, said President Halimah Yacob.
During a visit yesterday to Metta School, which caters to students from the ages of seven to 21 who have autism and mild intellectual disabilities, she said this should be done as part of the country’s Smart Nation push-a national effort to support better living using technology.
The school’s virtual simulation systems allow students to experience everyday scenarios, such as taking the MRT and making purchases at the supermarket, all within a safe environment.
During her tour of the premises, the President saw Metta School’s different vocational facilities, where students aged between 17 and 21 receive vocational training as part of the curriculum.
The school also prepares the students for the workforce by offering Institute of Technical Education skills certification.
During the visit, the President expressed her hopes that employers would be more willing to provide opportunities to students with special needs, as well as exercise greater patience and flexibility when training them.
Referring to Sweden’s Special Introduction and Follow-up Support programme, which helps individuals with special needs to find lasting jobs, she said Singapore society as a whole has a part to play in integrating those with special needs.
To get the community on board, Metta School principal So Kah Lay said that the school regularly schedules outings and community engagements for the students to learn social etiquette and how to access community services.
“We get our students into the public space so that members of the public are familiar with our students,” she said.
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Source: The Straits Times, 24 May 2019