By 2010, up to 4,000 people with disabilities will pick up IT skills at Singapore's first dedicated pan-disability training centre, which was officially opened by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, in July.

Known as the Infocomm Accessibility Centre (IA Centre, www.iacentre.org.sg ), the 600 sq m facility is set within the premises of the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD). It comprises computer labs, training rooms and Asia's first assistive technology loan library.

The opening of the IA Centre marks a significant step towards realising Singapore's Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) vision of bridging the digital divide for people with disabilities. It also fulfills one of the key objectives of the 2007-2011 Enabling Masterplan for the Disability Sector – which is to equip disabled people with market-relevant skills to enhance their employability.

The computer accessibility tools make it possible for those with disabilities to pick up basic computing skills.

Made possible through people-public-private sector collaboration, the centre is being managed by the SPD. Among the corporate partners, Microsoft raised S$1 million towards the S$12.7 million needed for the set up and three years' running costs. Public sector support came from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, the National Council of Social Services and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA).

"Through our support for the IA Centre, IDA hopes that people with disabilities can also enjoy easier access to infocomm as well as realise their career ambitions through the training provided by the centre," said IDA's Chief Executive Officer, RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay.

The centre is equipped with a range of computer accessibility tools that make it possible for those with physical, sensory and developmental disabilities to pick up basic computing skills like word processing and industry-relevant skills such as digital imaging and graphic design. These include large-key keyboards and communication devices using eye-tracking technology for those with physical disabilities, zoomtext software and Braille notetakers for the visually handicapped and sound amplifiers for the hearing impaired.

The training is customised to the special needs of the trainees, each of whom will have an individualised training plan based on prior personal assessment and appraisal.

After completing the IT course, those with the aptitude and capability may progress to the IT Apprenticeship Programme (ITAP). The IA Centre offers three tracks – corporate services, multimedia design, and music and video production. The intermediate level of the corporate services track will prepare trainees for certification from the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI).

Ranging from three months to one year, ITAP incorporates competency training, internship placements and engagement in commercial projects to prepare the trainees for employment in the open market.

In conjunction with the training courses, the IA Centre allows trainees to borrow computer accessibility tools and assistive technology devices from its loan library. In this way, trainees can try out these tools before purchase or borrow them when their own equipment is sent for servicing or repair.