Help students with disabilities integrate and learn social skills

I agree with the Dyslexia Association of Singapore’s suggestion, in “Expand support in schools for students with dyslexia” (March 25), that dyslexia support be offered throughout a child’s formal education.

While I am heartened by the relatively successful attempts of the Ministry of Education (MOE) at integrating those with dyslexia and other disabilities into our mainstream educational system, such disabilities do not disappear overnight; constant guidance is needed.

Another area the MOE can work on is the complete integration of such students in schools — not only academically but in non-academic aspects too.

When people act differently, one natural reaction is to shun them. But learning the social skills one needs for life is an essential component of the schooling experience, and no one should be deprived of that opportunity.

Everyone needs to put effort into trying for more equality. Students with disabilities are still students; they might look or behave differently, but they should be given the same privileges and opportunities as all other students.