Case study- Jumana Juzer Group B

1.What would you reveal to Mrs Kong regarding your professional view about children with Down Syndrome and their future in Singapore? (4 Marks)

I would start off by explaining to Mrs Kong what Down Syndrome is all about:

Individuals with Down Syndrome have a genetic condition in which they possess an extra chromosome 21. They also possess different physical characteristics such as a low nasal bridge and a small nose, an upward or downward slant to the eyes and a strange shaped ear. The first signs of Down Syndrome can be detected during prenatal testing however the seriousness of the disability cannot be predicted until after the child is born. As, children with Down Syndrome mature, learning disabilities such as listening difficulties and speech problems will come into play. (Singapore Down Syndrome Association, 2009)

I would continue explaining and also mention about her child’s future:

I believe that an individual with Down Syndrome can live a fruitful life despite the fact that there would be a constant need for medical treatments and check-ups. With modern medicine today, a person with Down Syndrome is suspected to live up to 50 years of age. (Health Promotion Board, 2007) I also personally believe that in the initial stages, parent support is essential. Every child regardless of their disability needs love and care from their parents to excel. Over the recent years, children with mild Down Syndrome have been integrated into mainstream schools. Technology and resources have been added to mainstream schools to help better facilitate children’s learning. For children with severe cases of Down Syndrome, they can attend the 20 special needs school which have been set up to help cater to their academic and development needs. (Ibrahim, Y., 2009)

Though the child may be diagnosed with a disability like Down Syndrome, the child should never be looked down upon. The disability takes up only a part of who the person is. Hence, people with disabilities should be acknowledged as a person with strengths before their disability.

2. Enrolling Nicky into the centre's toddler class (2 Marks)

I think Mrs Kong should enrol her child into the toddler class. Early Intervention is the key to helping children with disabilities. Early intervention helps reduce the effects of disabilities or prevent the occurrence of learning and developmental problems later on in life. (Heward, 2009)

To further ensure Mrs Kong, the centre should play their part in ensuring that the centre’s curriculum is altered to suit the diverse needs of children. In this way, Mrs Kong as well as her child would feel comfortable in a child-focused environment.

3. Nicky's diagnosis of having Down Syndrome. (2 Marks)

I would recommend that Mrs Kong go for further assessment to confirm the diagnosis of her child. The assessment results will in fact provide the family with updated analysis on Nicky’s development and growth. Hence, the family members can take appropriate actions to help Nicky to have a fruitful life.

4. What would you disclose to Mrs Kong about special education, special school and inclusive education in Singapore? (6 Marks)

Special education schools are as defined by Hallahan and Kauffman, (2003), are specially designed instruction that meets the unusual needs of an exceptional student. (Lim & Quah, 2004) In Singapore, they are largely formed by Non Government Organizations (NGO) such as MINDS and Rainbow Centre.

Inclusive education on the other hand refers to students with disabilities being included into mainstream schools with amendments made to the curriculum to suit diversity. In Singapore currently, we are practicing integration. Integration is where the child is attending mainstream school but no amendments have been made to the curriculum to suit the child with disability. Despite the large amount of integrated schools, many professionals have recognized the importance of inclusion and Singapore is slowly making progression towards inclusion. Inclusion can only take place if the government, schools, professionals and families work together collaboratively.

In 2007, a research was conducted by Singapore Down Syndrome Association to include children with Down Syndrome into mainstream schools. The research shows the efforts made by primary associations to provide appropriate support for children with Down Syndrome. Therefore, Nicky will be able to receive proper education and care in the future. (Singapore Down Syndrome Association, 2009)

References:

Health Promotion Board. (2007). Retrieved August 13, 2009, from HPB Online; Down Syndrome:
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/hpb/default.asp?pg_id=865&aid=1702

Heward, W. L. (2009). Exceptional Children: An introduction to Special Education. New Jersey,
USA: Pearson.

Ibrahim, Y. 2. (2009). Ministry of community Development, Youth and Sports. Retrieved August 12, 2009,
from 8th world Down Syndrome Congress gala dinner and award night:
http://app.mcys.gov.sg/WEB/corp_speech_story.asp?szMod=corp&szSubMod=speech&qid=642

Lim, L., Quah, M. (2004). Educating learners with diverse abilities. Singapore: McGraw-Hill ‘
Education (Asia).

Singapore Down Syndrome Association. (2009). Retrieved August 13, 2009, from What you need to know
about Down Syndrome: http://downsyndrome-singapore.org/content/view/18/80/

Singapore Down Syndrome Association. (2009). Retrieved August 13, 2009, from What you need to know
about Down Syndrome: http://downsyndrome-singapore.org/content/view/35/111/

peace,
jumana juzer
Group B