Question 1

(a) SINGAPORE  Despite the considerable progress Singapore has made in raising public awareness and providing more centres for children with special needs, a survey of early intervention (El) professionals revealed on Tuesday (April 24) that only 11 per cent think that Singapore is an inclusive society. (Source: TODAY dated 24 April 2018)

In your opinion, do you agree with the above statistic on Singapore inclusive society? Why and why not? State at least three (3) reasons on this topic of an inclusive society.

(b) Several critical factors are important in achieving excellence in the early intervention and education of children with special needs in Singapore. Identify the seven (7) important factors in Singapore. Support each factor with three (3) studies/citations that emphasise its role in achieving excellence in the intervention and education of children of social need in Singapore.

(c) Learning disability affects the developmental process of special needs students. State the four (4) reasons how early intervention helps with children with special needs. Support each reason with appropriate studies/ citations (at least one (1)).

Question 2

Singapore has come a long way in our special education sector. Due to the inaugural call made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2004 for a more inclusive Singapore so that no one will be left behind, many efforts had been made through the revised Enabling Masterplan.

“While many efforts such as the ‘See the True Me’ campaign have heightened awareness of disability issues to date, much of the community still lacks understanding and is not accepting of persons with disabilities. This discourages persons with disabilities from participating and living independently in the community, which in turn may result in social isolation and an erosion of the quality of life of these individuals.” (Source: Enabling Masterplan, 2017)

State the barriers to greater inclusion in our community and list down the that will help improve the situation.