DAS Academy advances its position as a Leader in Singapore’s Disability Sector’s Learning Ecosystem

SINGAPORE, 20 SEPTEMBER 2022 – With the growing emphasis in Singapore on enhancing support for people with hidden learning disabilities such as dyslexia and other specific learning differences (SpLDs), the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) – a Social Service Agency (SSA) – will continue to enhance its support for training in the field of Special Educational Needs (SEN) through the DAS Academy. All 14 certificate courses provided by the DAS Academy are now supported by Professional Capability Grant (PCG) with a pre-approved status. This funding will increase the affordability and accessibility of these courses to staff from other SSAs, providing them with opportunities to upskill and contribute to this growing field. Formerly known as the VWO-Charities Capability Fund (VCF), PCG was launched to strengthen the capabilities of SSAs. The funding focuses on growing stronger players in the sector, nurturing a more productive and innovative sector, developing quality manpower for the sector and improving social services in Singapore. Since April 2010, DAS Academy has 36 courses in competency-based training in SEN supported by the VCF PCG.

Graduation Ceremony 2022

This year’s graduation ceremony will celebrate the completion of Specialist Diploma in Learning Support in SpLDs, Specialist Diploma in Educational Therapy and the Master of Arts in SEN for a total of 61 graduands. These courses are built on a strong heritage of authentic student assessment and intervention practices at the DAS to provide a grounded perspective of SpLDs.
Dr Fermin Diez, Deputy CEO of NCSS will be the guest-of-honour at the event.

The Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs/Additional Learning Needs programmes provided by DAS Academy stands out in the field of SEN training. It is one of the few courses that focuses on students with less severe needs and hidden learning difficulties such as dyslexia and other SpLDs. In addition, MA SEN has grown in reach, with 3.27 percent of its students in the 2022 cohort from overseas, made possible by the provision of online learning.

“This year’s cohort is graduating at a time when we are seeing new breakthroughs in providing a vibrant support network for those with dyslexia and other SpLDs. DAS Academy is excited for our certificate courses to be pre-approved for PCG funding. Such subsidies and support pave the way for more individuals to join the SEN profession. It also affirms that our society has adopted a much bigger definition of disabilities – we are now caring for people with disabilities not evident to the naked eyes such as mental illnesses and hidden learning disabilities. It is symbolic of Singapore’s progression on the journey to be an inclusive society,” said Dr June Siew, Head of DAS Academy.