A CENTRE FOR THE INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED

Abstract

Integration - Centre for the Intellectually Disabled. For the past twenty eight years, much emphasis has been placed on the learning institutions (from kindergarten to tertiary level), for the normal children in Singapore. Indeed, every normal child has been given the knowledge and skills that these institutions impart. But to the lesser child, especially the intellectually disabled children, their educational needs are not being adequately looked into by the society. Presently, most special education schools for the intellectually disabled children are run in disused old school buildings. In addition, most of these schools are often located in remote area that are far beyond reach of the society and this reinforces the idea of 'out of sight, out of mind' situation. To be isolated from the society does not help these children because ultimately they have to lead a 'normal' life and be among us. The design thesis of A Centre for the Intellectually Disabled will form a new breed of purpose built special education school for the intellectually disabled children in Singapore. With increased government support, land will he reserved in future housing estates for such a centre to be built for the various Voluntary Welfare organizations. The Centre intends to create a conducive learning environment for this group of children and to functi0n as a resource centre to provide information to the community. It is located within the housing estate to help the public to develop a better understanding and acceptance of the intellectually disabled children into the community. By integrating this group of intellectually disabled children into the community allow these children to lead a 'normal' life and become socially more independent.