Breaking down barriers in schools, one step at a time

Assistive technology used in mainstream schools to help students with special needs

Tejas Mahendran, seven, who has low vision due to cone-rod dystrophy, uses a portable video magnification system that enlarges words on the class whiteboard and materials like worksheets to help him read.
Tejas Mahendran, seven, who has low vision due to cone-rod dystrophy, uses a portable video magnification system that enlarges words on the class whiteboard and materials like worksheets to help him read. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

When her son started at Northoaks Primary School in Sembawang earlier this year, Mrs Sarasvathy Mahendran had a wish - that her child does not think he is different from his friends in Primary 1.

Seven-year-old Tejas Mahendran has cone-rod dystrophy, a disorder that results in low vision, and over time, possible vision loss.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 24, 2019, with the headline Breaking down barriers in schools, one step at a time. Subscribe