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Subsidy scheme for assistive technology to be extended to more persons with disabilities

SINGAPORE — More persons with disabilities (PWDs) are set to qualify for subsidies for making use of assistive technology — such as Braille typewriters and hearing aids — with tweaks to the Government’s Assistive Technology Fund (ATF).

Students with special needs who are visually impaired using braille equipment to help them in their studies. TODAY file photo

Students with special needs who are visually impaired using braille equipment to help them in their studies. TODAY file photo

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SINGAPORE — More persons with disabilities (PWDs) are set to qualify for subsidies for making use of assistive technology — such as Braille typewriters and hearing aids — with tweaks to the Government’s Assistive Technology Fund (ATF).

From August, the fund, currently open only to PWDs for education and work purposes, will be open to cover PWDs of all ages and for all purposes, including those who are in supported employment, therapy or rehabilitation, or trying to become more independent in their daily lives.

The Government will also raise the monthly per capita income cap for eligibility from S$1,500 to S$1,800, to allow more families in the middle income group to benefit. And it will double the lifetime cap for subsidies from the ATF to S$40,000 per beneficiary. This is to take into account the fact that most assistive technology devices have a limited lifespan and need replacing, and that the needs of PWDs also change as they move from school to employment.

Announcing these changes at the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped banquet and SG50 celebrations this evening (March 17), Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said these changes are expected to double number of ATF beneficiaries from 200 to 400 each year.

“There is scope for PWDs to make greater and better use of technology, not just in education and jobs, but also for rehabilitation and daily living. The technologies themselves are advancing, making them better designed for use by PWDs. Also, Singaporeans today are generally more comfortable with using technology in daily life,” he said.

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