ICT Training for People with DisabilitiesICT Training for People with Disabilities A People-Private-Public ApproachA People-Private-Public Approach

Co-presented by:

Ms Wong Shiow PyngAssistant Director, Infocomm Development Authority

Dr Ow Chee ChungExecutive Director, Society for the Physically Disabled

Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on Mainstreaming ICT Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities 25 – 27 August 2009

Bangkok, Thailand

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 2

AgendaAgenda 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. Slide 3

About IDAAbout 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. Slide 4

Visualising IDA’s 3 RolesVisualising IDA’s 3 Roles1. Infocomm Industry Developer

– Developing a vibrant and competitive IT and communications industry

2. Government CIO– Master-planning, project-

managing, implementing infocomm systems and capabilities for Government

3. 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

Infocomm

Cluster

Developer

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. Slide 5

••

•“

Vision of iN2015 Masterplan:Vision of iN2015 Masterplan:Enriching Lives Through InfocommEnriching Lives Through Infocomm

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 6

Building an iNclusive Digital SocietyBuilding an iNclusive Digital Society

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 7

• 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

Issues Faced by PWDs in ICT TrainingIssues Faced by PWDs in ICT Training

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 8

Infocomm Accessibility CentreInfocomm Accessibility Centre A People-Private-Public ApproachA People-Private-Public Approach

PEOPLE

PUBLIC

PRIVATE

Embark on the visions of:

1. Intelligent Nation 2015 Masterplan

2. Enabling Masterplan for the Disability Sector

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 9

Infocomm Accessibility CentreInfocomm Accessibility Centre A People-Private-Public ApproachA 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. Slide 10

Video Introduction to IA CentreVideo Introduction to IA Centre

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

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 12

Key Features of IA CentreKey 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. Slide 13

Duo Objectives of the IA CentreDuo Objectives of the IA Centre

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 14

Vocational Training EcosystemVocational Training Ecosystem

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 15

AchievementsAchievements• 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. Slide 16

Key Success Factors for IA CentreKey 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. Slide 17

Challenges of IA CentreChallenges 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. Slide 18

Pan-Disability ProgrammePan-Disability ProgrammeVaried Client GroupVaried Client Group

• 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. Slide 19

Additional Cost in Training ProvisionAdditional 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

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 20

Additional Cost in Training ProvisionAdditional Cost in Training Provision

• Infrastructural Setup:– Accessibility Features & Installation– AT Devices– AT Software

• Transport– Subsidies required for clients with physical

disabilities

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 21

Acceptance of IT TrainingAcceptance of IT Training Disabled Persons & CaregiversDisabled 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. Slide 22

Integration of Service ProvisionIntegration of Service Provision

Assistive Technology

FundingNEU PC

Programme Funding & Training

Subsidies

Open Door Fund

IA CentreIT Training & Apprenticeship

EmploymentSchools

NGOs and others

GovernmentFunding/ Support

Assistive Technology

Centre

Vocational Rehabilitation

Job Placement & Support

SupportingServices

© 2009 IDA Singapore & SPD. All Rights Reserved. Slide 23