1. ICT Training for People with Disabilities A People-Private-Public Approach
Co-presented by:
Ms Wong Shiow Pyng
Assistant Director, Infocomm Development Authority
Dr Ow Chee Chung
Executive Director, Society for the Physically Disabled
Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on Mainstreaming ICT Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities 25 – 27 August 2009
Bangkok, Thailand

2. © 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.
Agenda
Brief of IDA
Vision of iN2015 Masterplan
Issues Faced by PWDs in ICT Training
The PPP Approach
Key Features of IA Centre
ICT Training Ecosystem
Achievements of IA Centre
Key Success Factors for IA Centre
Challenges of IA Centre
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

3. © 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.
About IDA
Formed on 1 Dec 1999 through merger of National Computer Board (NCB) and Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS) + =
Vision:
Singapore: An Intelligent Nation, A Global City, powered by Infocomm
Mission:
To develop the ICT cluster as a major engine of growth and to leverage ICT for economic and social development
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

4. Visualising IDA’s 3 Roles
Infocomm Industry Developer
Developing a vibrant and competitive IT and communications industry
Government CIO
Master-planning, project-managing, implementing infocomm systems and capabilities for Government
Infocomm Cluster Developer
Spearheading transformation of key economic sectors, Government and society through more sophisticated and innovative use of infocomm
Government
CIO
Infocomm
Industry
Developer
Technology
Cluster
Infocomm Infrastructure
Manpower Development
Infocomm Security
International Engagement
Infocomm Policy
Corporate Functions
Singapore:
An Intelligent Nation,
a Global City,
Powered by Infocomm
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

5. Vision of iN2015 Masterplan: Enriching Lives Through Infocomm“
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. 5

6. Building an iNclusive Digital Society
In addition to transforming the key economic sectors, iN2015 also looks at the social aspect, striving to build an inclusive digital society, bridging the digital divide and enriching lives. Several initiatives have been launched to meet these goals.
Elderly – Silver Infocomm Initiative
Silver Infocomm Junctions will be built over the next 3 years in the heartlands to equip 30,000 senior citizens with digital lifestyle skills and knowledge.
Training is customised to needs, mobility and abilities of elderly e.g. conducted in community centres or senior citizen corners, in different dialects and at slower pace.
Students
The NEU PC Programme aims to provide children from less privileged families with computers, software and internet connection for schoolwork and personal enrichment.
To date, the programme has benefited more than 24,000 needy households whose gross monthly household income is less than $2,000 or per capita monthly income does not exceed $500.
People with disabilities
IDA works with the National Council of Social Service to source for new and improved assistive technologies designed to help improve the lives of people with disabilities.
An Infocomm Accessibility Centre is also being built to train about 4,000 trainees with disabilities over 3 years. The centre will offer several services, including customised infocomm courses and training facilities, vocational training and on-the-job work projects. The goal is to help people with disabilities to be independent, improve their job prospects and enhance their quality of life in the Digital Age.
Across all peoples
There are several other programmes to make infocomm applications accessible to those who cannot afford or lack the skills to use them.
One such initiative is the CitizenConnect that aims to help citizens who have no Internet access by providing this free at community clubs. For those who have difficulties making electronic transactions online, staff is on hand to help them access the eCitizen portal and to navigate the online transaction sites.
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

7. Issues Faced by PWDs in ICT Training
Didn’t know how to identify a structured training path with specific outcomes
Most mainstream ICT training is too fast pace for PWDs
Affordability of mainstream ICT training
Lack of complementary services e.g. assistive technology, special accommodation for certified exams, vocational counseling and assessments
Lack of accessibility features at mainstream ICT training facilities e.g. screen readers software, sign language interpreters, physical barriers
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

8. Infocomm Accessibility Centre A People-Private-Public Approach
Embark on the visions of:
Intelligent Nation 2015 Masterplan
Enabling Masterplan for the Disability Sector
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

9. Infocomm Accessibility Centre A People-Private-Public Approach
People Sector
Private Sector
Public Sector
Centre management & operating
Disability domain expertise
Curriculum design & development
Seeking certification & accreditation
Partnership development
Sponsorship in kind & cash
Scholarship & bursary
Curriculum & online resource
Accreditation support
Infrastructure set up
Training subsidies
IT/AT assessment subsidies
Advisory
Facilitation of industry sponsorship & partnership
Facilitation of employment
Other supports
Open Door Fund
AT Fund
NEU PC Plus
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

10. Video Introduction to IA Centre
IA Centre Launch video.
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. 10

11. © 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

12. Key Features of IA Centre
Assistive Technology equipment to bridge the accessibility of computers
Customised facilities to cater for different disabilities
Individualised training assessment and certification path
Courses to cover market-relevant IT training and soft-skills
Apprenticeship training leading to open-market employment
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

13. Duo Objectives of the IA Centre
IT Training
Bridging the Digital Divide
Vocational Training & Apprenticeship
Adoption of ICT By PWDs
Employment
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

14. Vocational Training Ecosystem
Government support
Programme funding
Training subsidies
Open Door Fund
Assistive Technology Fund
Technology Support
Certified IT training
Assistive Technology to elevate potentials
Vocational Rehabilitation
Assessment
Job counseling
Job redesigning
Job Re-designing
Placement
Job coaching & support
Vocational Training
Industry focused training
Apprenticeship
On-the-job
Scenario based
Soft skills training
Employment
Open employment
Supported employment
Sheltered employment
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

15. © 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.
Achievements
IA Centre was officially launched in Jul 08
1,300 training places attained as of mid Aug 09
Range of 37 different IT Courses offered
53 PWDs trained in apprenticeship programme
6 trainees placed into open employment with income >$600 per month
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

16. Key Success Factors for IA Centre
Government endorsement
Private sector support
Accessible training facilities and infrastructure
One stop centre for multiple services with complementary support services
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

17. Challenges of IA Centre
Pan-Disability Programmes
Additional Cost Incurred in Training of PWDs
Acceptance of ICT training by PWDs & Caregivers
Integration with National Education Framework
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

18. Pan-Disability Programme Varied Client Group
Physical Disabilities
Developmental Disability
Visual Impairment
Hearing Impairment
Intellectual Disabilities
Hard to get buy-in from multiple disability group
Different expectations from different disabilities
Need to coordinate the support elements for all various disabilities
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

19. Additional Cost in Training Provision
Training of PWDs involve:
Pre-intake assessment by Social Worker
IT Assessment
AT Assessment
AT Training
Training Delivery
Modified Lesson Plan
Longer Delivery Hours
13.5 X More
3.5 X More
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

20. Additional Cost in Training Provision
Infrastructural Setup:
Accessibility Features & Installation
AT Devices
AT Software
Transport
Subsidies required for clients with physical disabilities
1.5 X More
10 X More
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

21. Acceptance of IT Training Disabled Persons & Caregivers
Inherent structural accessibility challenges
Mindset and perception of technology usage
Prefer to be in the natural disabled state: minority complex or need for reliance
Mismatch expectations of potentials
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

22. Integration of Service Provision
Assistive Technology Funding
NEU PC
Programme Funding & Training Subsidies
Open Door Fund
IA Centre
IT Training & Apprenticeship
Employment
Schools
NGOs and others
Government
Funding/
Support
Assistive Technology Centre
Vocational Rehabilitation
Job Placement & Support
Supporting
Services
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.

23. © 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.
Thank You
© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved.