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 Psychological Services Branch (PSB) via email: MOE_Psychological_Services@moe.gov.sg
- Step 2: School completes application form and faxes to PSB, together with all necessary supporting documents
- Step 3: FM supplier will contact the school for an audiological evaluation and fitting of the FM system.
- Step 4: Upon delivery, the FM systems will be considered school property.
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. Examples include closed circuit televisions, adapted keyboards, or specialised software.
The school will write in to PSB at MOE_Psychological_Services@moe.gov.sg 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 PSB 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, due to wear and tear and/or prolonged use.
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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. Students are not encouraged to bring the assistive technology home as well as to ensure the safekeeping of the assistive technology in school.
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What happens if repair/replacement is needed? Who bears the cost?
If repair/replacement is needed due to wear & tear and/or prolonged use, MOE will bear the cost. Schools will have to inform PSB (for FM devices and assistive technology for visual and physical impairment) and provide evidence for approval before proceeding with the repair/replacement.
If repair/replacement is needed due to negligence on the school’s part, schools will bear the cost.
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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.