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Inclusion of children with physical disabilities in Singapore mainstream schools
Author
Tan, Su-Lynn
Supervisor
Yeo, Lay See
Abstract
Under Singapore’s inclusive education policy, children with physical disabilities who are cognitively able to access the mainstream curriculum are integrated into the mainstream schools to be educated like their non-disabled peers. However, little or no published research has been undertaken on the inclusion of children with physical disabilities in the local context. The lack of empirical evidence of the outcomes of inclusion on these children emphasises the need for this study. This study aims to evaluate the social and academic impact of including children with physical disabilities in mainstream schools by examining how their participation in school activities, academic performance, self-esteem, peer relationships, as well as behavioural, emotional and social development compare with that of their typically developing peers. The study involved 30 clients from AWWA TEACH ME who are diagnosed with a physical disability and 30 typically developing students from 1 primary and 1 secondary mainstream school, aged between 8 and 16 years old. The children with physical disabilities in this study met academic expectations in school and had comparable levels of self-esteem, but experienced significantly more peer problems and lower participation in school activities as compared to their typically developing peers Hence, given the poor social outcomes experienced by children with physical disabilities in inclusion, it is important that interventions and future studies consider ways to improve the social integration of children with physical disabilities. Findings of this study contribute to the call for greater public education on inclusion. Having a good understanding of the children’s overall school experiences is a critical step to becoming an inclusive society that enables children with a range of disabilities to benefit academically and socially.
Date Issued
2014
Call Number
LC1203.S55 Tan
Date Submitted
2014