ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FUND (Increase and flexibility)

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FUND: **

(Increase and flexibility): **

3.

Assoc. Prof. Ong Soh Khim asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) if his Ministry will increase the cap of $10,000 per disabled person over their lifetime for the Assistive Technology Fund scheme; and (b) if not, whether there will be a flexibility to adjust the funding cap for this scheme based on the applicant's need, as justified by the social worker and/or therapist from the volunteer welfare organisation or hospital.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The Assistive Technology Fund (or AT Fund) was launched in October 2003 to help persons with disabilities to purchase assistive devices, so as to help them integrate into society and be economically active.

Early this year, my Ministry enhanced the scheme on the basis of feedback from beneficiaries and users of the Fund. As a result, low income applicants today receive a grant of up to 90% of the cost of assistive devices, instead of 75% previously. The National Council of Social Service (NCSS), which administers the Fund, would disburse the grant according to the financial needs of the applicant. Needy applicants who are unable to pay their share of the cost despite the subsidy can approach NCSS, which will look at each case based on its own merit.

To-date, the grants under the AT Fund are sufficient for most persons with disabilities. Based on applications to date, the average cost of assistive technology devices is about $3,160. Only two out of the 122 cases required a grant that was near the $10,000 cap.

NCSS is also setting up Assistive Technology Centres (ATCs) to help the disabled acquire affordable assistive technology devices. The ATCs will help the disabled with the procurement, training, maintenance, and after-sales support. To keep the technology affordable, the ATCs will work with the private sector in the research, development and

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marketing of affordable assistive technology devices. To-date, NCSS has set up one ATC at the Society for the Physically Disabled. It is looking to set up an additional centre for the hearing impaired by the end of 2006.

Given these arrangements, we do not think it is necessary to review the $10,000 cap at this point in time.