The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) are collaborating with eight companies to help students in special education (SPED) schools harness infocomm technology in their learning. This joint initiative is called SPED.com, which translates into...
Singapore, 31 July 2000 | For Immediate ReleaseThe Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) are collaborating with eight companies to help students in special education (SPED) schools harness infocomm technology in their learning. This joint initiative is called SPED.com, which translates into "dot-comming our Special Education Schools".
SPED.com was established to provide computer access infrastructure in SPED schools, and to set up a trust fund for students with special needs. To date, SPED.com has raised a total of $1.8 million in cash and kind to bring technology to the disabled. Out of this $1.8 million, a cash amount of $900,000 would be set aside in a Trust Fund for needy, disabled students to purchase PCs and assistive equipment for educational purposes. On top of that, over $900,000 worth of hardware and software will be donated to SPED schools.
These developments have been made possible with kind sponsorship from:
- Cisco Systems (USA) Pte Ltd
- Lernout & Hauspie Asia Pte Ltd
- Hewlett Packard (S) Pte Ltd>
- Microsoft Singapore Pte Ltd
- Information Services Incorporated
- The Shaw Foundation Pte
- KnowledgeTouch.com Pte Ltd
- Singapore Cable Vision Pte Ltd
"In today's new economy, knowing how to use PCs is vital. As Singapore progresses as an info-society, it is important that everyone can participate in the changes, including people with disabilities. This will help them find better jobs, and share in the benefits which technology can bring us," said Ms Yong Ying-I, Chief Executive Officer of IDA.
Mr Benedict Cheong, Chief Executive Officer of NCSS is heartened that amidst IDA's efforts to develop and promote infocomm in Singapore, the social service sector is not left out.
"The skills required in this new knowledge economy will centre on thinking, learning and communication. Infocomm-based teaching and learning will be one of the strategies to equip students in SPED Schools with these essential skills," he said. "Providing these students with an infocomm-enriched curriculum and school environment will help them learn more easily. We hope that this will help them better integrate into the mainstream society."
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, visit www.imda.gov.sg.
About NCSS
NCSS is the national co-ordinating body of social service agencies in Singapore. As a national, independently run body, NCSS oversees the provision of welfare services to the community by providing leadership and direction to the social service sector. The Council's mission is to proactively promote, develop and provide efficient and effective social services and enhance social service volunteerism. For more information, please visit www.ncss.org.sg.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Ms CHIA Sher Ling
Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: 6211-1840
Email: chia_sher_ling@imda.gov.sg
Ms Christina CHING
Executive, Corporate Communications
National Council of Social Service
Tel: 6334-9652
Email: ncsspr@singnet.com.sg
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