Disability
Contents
- 1 The Disability Community Network
- 2 Definitions and Scope
- 3 Needs of People with Disabilities
- 3.1 EARLY INTERVENTION
- 3.2 EDUCATION
- 3.2.1 Need for accessible and quality pre-school options
- 3.2.2 Need for trained educators in both special education (SPED) and mainstream settings
- 3.2.3 Need to gain access to an adequate education (mainstream school, homeschooling, alternative education etc.)
- 3.2.4 Need for schools to provide reasonable accommodations to students with special educational needs
- 3.2.5 Need for students to be prepared for work and life
- 3.3 EMPLOYMENT
- 3.3.1 Need to be job ready
- 3.3.2 Need for diverse job offerings that accommodate the different preferences, requirements and circumstances of PWDs and the concerns of their caregivers
- 3.3.3 Need for information on available job opportunities for persons with disabilities
- 3.3.4 Need for employers to understand the capabilities of PWDs and be willing to hire
- 3.3.5 Need for persons with disabilities to be work ready
- 3.3.6 Need for accessible work environment
- 3.3.7 Need for fair recruitment and procurement practices and opportunities for career progression, including employment rights
- 3.3.8 Need for ongoing work support
- 3.4 CAREGIVER SUPPORT
- 3.4.1 Need for respite care
- 3.4.2 Need for physical health necessary to carry out caregiving
- 3.4.3 Need for psychosocial wellness and support
- 3.4.4 Need for financial support
- 3.4.5 Need to have skills to do caregiving
- 3.4.6 Need for future care planning
- 3.4.7 Need for information on caregiver resources
- 3.5 SOCIAL INCLUSION
- 3.6 EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
- 4 Resource Directory
- 4.1 Voluntary Welfare Organisations
- 4.2 Bizlink
- 4.3 Special education schools SPED
- 4.4 Social Enterprises that provide services for people with disabilities
- 4.5 Social Enterprises or Businesses that hire people with disability
- 4.6 Holiday Inn Singapore
- 4.7 Han's Group
- 4.8 Disabled People's Organisations
- 4.9 Friends of the Disabled Society
- 4.10 Government Agencies
- 4.11 Scholarships and Bursaries
- 4.12 International
- 4.13 References
The Disability Community Network
- Page to the Disability Community Network
Definitions and Scope
Target Population: People with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities refer to “those whose prospects of securing, retaining places and advancing in education and training institutions, employment and recreation as equal members of the community are substantially reduced as a result of physical, sensory, intellectual and developmental impairments.” Enabling Masterplan, MSF
[Point to note: Lien Centre for Social Innovation adopts this definition in their recent publication titled People with Physical Disabilities in Singapore: Understanding Disabling Factors in Caregiving, Education, Employment and Finances.]
There is no standard definition of disability which is accepted by all stakeholders. For example, NCSS/SSI lists a SSI course on mental illness under disability category, but in practice persons with chronic mental illness are not eligible for disability policies and programmes. This group is also not covered by Public Transport Concession Scheme for Persons with Disabilities, for which only those with "Physical Disability, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability" qualify.
"But this differs from that of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, because those with mental health impairments - such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders - are left out. When asked about this, the MSF says not all mental illnesses result in disabilities, and with medication and treatment, patients are able to function well on their own." (ST 8 May 2016)
Client Segments
Page to Adults with Autism
Page to Visual Impairment
Page to Hearing Impairment
Page to Arts and Disability
Page to Intellectual Disability
Size of the Problem
No definite data of the total number of people with disability exists, because no official central registry or comprehensive disability study has been done. According to 2013 data from SG Enable, Singapore has about 100,000 people with disabilities. In view of Singapore’s ageing population, this number will increase by 2030 as more people acquire a disability through the ageing process. According to Singapore’s population index, “the number of elderly citizens will triple to 900,000 by 2030.” Population.sg
In Singapore, those with disabilities are estimated to make up 3 per cent of the population or well over 100,000 people.(ST 27 Sep 2016)
Some disability prevalence rates of Singapore citizens with disabilities are available from the Enabling Masterplan 2017-2021. According to the foreword of the Enabling Masterplan 2017-2021, 2.1% of the student population have disabilities. (Source: Ministry of Education. This is based on the number of reported cases of students with sensory impairment, physical impairment, autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. The total student population is put at approximately 460,000). Of the resident population aged 18 – 49 years, 3.4% have disabilities (Source: National Council of Social Service. Based on a random sampling of 2,000 Singapore residents and permanent residents aged 18 and above done by NCSS in 2015, the self-reported disability prevalence rate was 3.4% for those aged 18 – 49 years old. This includes those who acquired disabilities due to accidents and illness.) Of the resident population aged 50 years and above, 13.3% have disabilities (Source: National Council of Social Service. Based on a random sampling of 2,000 Singapore residents and permanent residents aged 18 and above done by NCSS in 2015, the self-reported disability prevalence rate was 13.3% for those aged 50 years and above. This includes those who acquired disabilities due to accidents, illness and older age).
To view and download the Enabling Masterplan 2017-2021, go to the Ministy of Social and Family Development's Disabilities and Special Needs page: (Enabling Masterplan 2017-2021)
Desired Outcomes
[Need data/information]
Needs of People with Disabilities
- 2018: Lien Foundation Study on Early Intervention Professionals
- 2017: NVPC Report on Issues Faced By People With Disabilities In Singapore
- 2017: Enabling Masterplan (2017-2021)
- 2016: Lien Foundation’s Inclusive Attitudes Survey of the General Public and Parents of Children with Special Needs
- 2016: DPA’s Achieving Inclusion in Education
- 2016: Singapore's Initial Report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- 2015: Lien Centre for Social Innovation's People with Physical Disabilities in Singapore: Understanding Disabling Factors in Caregiving, Education, Employment and Finances
EARLY INTERVENTION
Need for timely and effective early intervention
- While EIPIC serves around 3,200 children with mod-severe special needs, waitlists can extend from 6 months to 1 year. Further, early intervention professionals tend to have high turnover and quick burnout, due to unattractive remuneration compared to the private sector.
STATISTICS
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EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Post-Diagnostic Touchpoints
[need information] |
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Development Support (DS) & Learning Support (LS)
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Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children (EIPIC)
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Community Educational Support Services
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EDUCATION
- OVERARCHING GAP : Ambiguity over what ‘inclusive education’ means.
- UNCRPD Article 24 gives an idea , but there is no coordinating or national policy about inclusion from which mainstream and SPED schools can develop their inclusive programmes and practice
- Some tend to describe inclusion as only placement in a mainstream classroom, while others mistakenly assume it is a one-size-fits-all approach
- EI professionals describe it as “special needs children being accepted for who they are and given opportunities to learn, grow, develop their full potentials and live meaningfully”[12]
Need for accessible and quality pre-school options
- Many mainstream preschools are reluctant to take in children with special needs because their facilities and their teachers are not equipped, and there are only a handful of inclusive preschools & ICCPs.
- While private pre-schools are better in quality and accessibility, they may not be affordable to all parents.
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Inclusive Preschools
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Integrated Child Care Programme (ICCP)
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Need for trained educators in both special education (SPED) and mainstream settings
• There are certification pathways for educators in SPED and mainstream settings in the area of SEN; however, the issue is whether certifications are adequate, and attracting people to take on this training and career in the first place.
- For mainstream teachers, the compulsory 12-hour module on special needs does not offer in-depth learning, and there is no follow-up subsequently to ensure that teachers know how to manage practically.
- SPED teachers face unattractive salaries and burnout.
- The 500 allied educators hired by MOE are not adequately trained in terms of behavioural management and lack clarity on their roles and expectations vis-a-vis the teachers.
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Mainstream Teachers
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Formal Education Certification
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Allied Educators (Learning and Behavioural Support)
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Need to gain access to an adequate education (mainstream school, homeschooling, alternative education etc.)
- The Revised Compulsory Education Act will ensure that most children with special needs aged 6-15 attend school; however there are concerns about its implementation (e.g. affordability of SPED schools, caregiving and transport arrangements, readiness of schools and special needs educators to accept a higher intake).
- There is a plethora of financial assistance and transport support from SG Enable, but the affordability of education remains a challenge to families more affected by costs involved in schooling a special needs child, especially those with severe conditions.
STATISTICS
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EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Mainstream Primary Schools
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Mainstream Secondary Schools
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Special Education (SPED) Schools
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Tertiary Institutions (Polys/ITEs/JCs/CI/Universities & Lasalle/NAFA)
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Special Student Care Centres
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Community Educational Support Services
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Financial & Transport Support
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Need for schools to provide reasonable accommodations to students with special educational needs
- A handful of specialised mainstream primary and secondary schools have facilities and support for those with sensory, physical and learning disabilities; however, educators in mainstream schools generally lack the ability to engage meaningfully with students with special needs, their students might discriminate or even engage in bullying, and their parents may even resent having a special needs child in proximity
- Tertiary institutions have special education needs units, disability support offices or equivalent, though these services tend to be unstructured and unsystematic
STATISTICS |
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Mainstream Primary Schools
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Mainstream Secondary Schools
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Shadow Teachers
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Special Education (SPED) Schools
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Satellite Partnerships |
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Tertiary Institutions (Polys/ITEs/JCs/CI/Universities & Lasalle/NAFA)
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ITE's Buddy’IN
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Need for students to be prepared for work and life
- Vocational training in SPED is structured with a Framework for Vocational Education in place, but it tends to under-emphasise soft skills required for employment, and has not kept up to date with automation and other market developments.
- While SPED graduates typically learn how to be independent, those with developmental disabilities have a harder time retaining ADL skills upon exiting school. Newer living skills are also increasingly pertinent in a digital age, such as digital literacy and cyber-wellness.
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Special Education (SPED) Schools
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School-to-Work (S2W) Transition Programme
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Vocational Certification Programmes
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EMPLOYMENT
Aspire to an “Inclusive workplace”, which should include:
- Fair recruitment and procurement practices
- Policies concerning equality and human rights, working conditions, dignity at work, employee welfare are in place
- Reasonable accommodation made by employers: “an accommodation is defined as any change in work environment or processes to allow an employee with disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities. As such, accommodations can be broadly categorised into either job or workplace accommodation. Examples of job accommodation include job trial, part time employment, flexible working hours and telecommuting. Workplace accommodation addresses the accessibility of the compound or facility. These accommodations are relevant not only to persons with disabilities, but also to other employees as well. Amongst other benefits, reasonable accommodations can lead to employee retention.”[file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/SG-Enable-Online-HRM-Series-Recruitment-and-Hiring.pdf SG Enable Online HRM Series]
- A welcoming workplace culture: “Inclusion goes beyond merely having a mix of employees with different demographics and backgrounds in the workplace. It is about appreciating employees for the unique value they bring to the workplace, and leveraging on those differences to add value to the organisation so that both the person and the organisation can flourish.” (TAFEP’s Creating an Inclusive Workplace toolkit
"Inclusive workplaces are rare in Singapore, where persons with disabilities (PWDs) comprise just 0.55 per cent of the resident labour force. They are mainly employed in the hospitality, food and beverage, wholesale and retail, and administrative support sectors" (ST 1 Oct 2017)
Need to be job ready
How 'job ready' is understood
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EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
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Vocational Training in SPED Schools | ||
School-to-Work Transition Programme (S2W)
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Sheltered Workshops
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SPD Employment Support Programme | ||
IHL Internship Programme | ||
Rise Mentorship Programme | ||
ABLE Day Rehabilitation Programme |
Existing Resources
-Employment Support Programme Training (SPD - 146 clients. Provides training places to help increase employability of job seekers withd isabilities)
-Sheltered Workshops also provide vocational training
-Minds regularly organises internships in industries as diverse as laundromats, supermarkets, hardware shops and car wash facilities in petrol stations for its clients starting from the age of about 16.By around age 19, some PWDs can be guided towards working in sheltered workshops that cater to them, doing work such as packing, retail, baking and making crafts. Others are placed in the general labour market, where they are mentored and supported by job coaches from Minds who ensure that they are not stressed in their new environment or check that they are able to take public transport to work. (ST 1 Oct 2017).
Gaps and Their Causes
Potential Solutions
Need for diverse job offerings that accommodate the different preferences, requirements and circumstances of PWDs and the concerns of their caregivers
[should the need statement include'preference' since most people don't get the luxury of only taking jobs they like?]
Existing Resources
- Employment placement services (SG Enable, SPD, Autism Resource Centre, MINDS)
- Open Door Job Portal by SGEnable
- Job club of IMH
- Sheltered Workshop ( SPD - 126 clients)
-Employment Support Programme ( Job placement and Job Support Programme, SPD - 500 clients)
Gaps and Their Causes
- PWDs pigeonholed into certain job roles: hospitality, food & beverages, customer service; Mostly low-skilled jobs e.g. dish collector, cleaner, somewhat higher skilled jobs in offices are at entry level e.g. receptionist [Need Data]
- Companies and their HR may not be ‘diversity ready’? [Need Evidence]
Possible Solutions
- Job placement and support services can be linked to mainstream job agencies to access larger network of potential employers [Specify how?]
- Use quota system for hiring, but only applicable to large companies or government agencies (ST 6 Aug 2016)
- vayable can allow tours to be provided by people with disabilities
Need for information on available job opportunities for persons with disabilities
Existing Resources
- Job Search: Open Door Job Portal
- Employment placement services (SG Enable is the focal point, but services provided by SPD, Autism Resource Centre and MINDS)
Gaps and Their Causes
- Anecdotal evidence that VWOs do not share full range of job options but pre-select choices for their clients [Source?]
Possible Solutions
Need for employers to understand the capabilities of PWDs and be willing to hire
- As of December 2015, 4,500 employers received subsidies from the Special Employment Credit scheme for hiring 5,700 disabled workers. ARC president Denise Phua said more employers are willing to employ the disabled due to the tight labour market (ST 19 Apr 2016)
- The Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) had 35 companies hiring its clients last year, up from 25 the year before. The number of companies hiring clients of the Autism Resource Centre (ARC) grew from four in 2012, to nine last year. Uniqlo started hiring intellectually disabled employees in 2012, and has 20 such workers in its 16 outlets here. Starbucks hired six clients from ARC for its 100th store here, which opened at the Fullerton Waterboat House two months ago. It has committed to have ARC clients form at least 25 per cent of the staff at the store.(ST 19 Apr 2016)
Study by Kathy Charmaz on workplace disclosures, for reference
Existing Resources
- Inclusive Business Forum - Jointly organised by SG Enable and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (See also Business Times Article)
- Enabling Employer’s Network
- Periodic public education campaigns such as ‘More Than Dis’ campaign led by a trio of undergraduates from NTU.
- Special Employment Credit scheme: Government pays up to 16 per cent of the salary of workers with physical or intellectual disabilities, for those earning up to $4,000 a month (ST 19 Apr 2016) See also
Gaps and Their Causes
- Inclusive workplaces are rare in Singapore, where persons with disabilities (PWDs) comprise just 0.55 per cent of the resident labour force. They are mainly employed in the hospitality, food and beverage, wholesale and retail, and administrative support sectors (ST 1 Oct 2017)
- Employer’s misconceptions and false assumptions about the abilities of those with disabilities (only a handful of them are educated in SPED schools and do not have the necessary skills and credentials to obtain high-wage, high-skill jobs) [Need evidence]
- Limited effectiveness because it is hard to change employer attitude: Mr Ong Peng Kai, 24, who has cerebral palsy, felt this sentiment first-hand when he tried to find a job last year. "I studied maths and economics at university so I sent out about 30 resumes to banks, investment and insurance companies but none of them got back to me," said Mr Ong, who was eventually hired by NCSS as an assistant manager. The president of the Disabled People's Association, Mr Nicholas Aw, said the campaign should target the young more. "Such educational campaigns will help but how much they can help is a question mark. Sometimes people are aware but they are just not walking the talk," he said. (ST 3 Jun 2016)
Possible Solutions
- Public education campaigns highlighting the strengths and abilities of those with disabilities and more career fairs for PWDs
Need for persons with disabilities to be work ready
Existing Resources
- Career coaching and guidance SG Enable + VWO Vocational assessment (ARC, SPD, MINDS) SG Enable’s iEnable provides emotional support and prepare clients for job interviews.
- SPD’s Transitional Programme for people with acquired disabilities
- Workfare Training Support scheme
- Open Door Programme (Training grants)
- Skillsfuture initiative
- SPED vocational training programmes
Gaps and Their Causes
- As of August 24, 2015, SPD Transitional Programme has taken in 63 clients and matched nine to jobs [source?]
Possible Solutions
Need for accessible work environment
Existing Resources
Universal Design
Assistive Technology Fund
Open Door Programme
Gaps and Their Causes
Using principles of universal design, the BCA has improved accessibility of our built environment. But Richard Kuppusamy, a wheelchair user, commented that the layout in the BCA code is more conducive to assistants of persons with disabilities, rather than for more independent users who do not need help.
Even with the subsidies, technology aids are costly for persons with disabilities; those from low-middle income households do not qualify for a subsidy after means-testing.
Sometimes the subsidy is not enough to cover a person’s assistive technology needs over a lifetime.
Possible Solutions
increase the means testing of Assistive Technology Fund to cover more persons with disabilities from lower-middle income households
Need for fair recruitment and procurement practices and opportunities for career progression, including employment rights
Existing Resources
- Employment Act
- TAFEP - Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (made up of SNEF, NTUC, MOM) Provides Resources and Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices
- Signed UNCRPD
- Participatory research project on employment discrimination by DPA (ST 31 Oct 2016)
Gaps and Their Causes
- Employment Act - no legal recourse for offenders
- TAFEP Guidelines is not strictly binding; lack bite; no legal recourse;
- Government favours promotional and educational approach; Laws may adversely affect businesses; Government wants to avoid market rigidity. Government’s view: kindness and compassion cannot be legislated. Nor can they be enforced. It follows, then, that moral suasion, raising public awareness and promoting civic consciousness are more realistic ways to bring about change. (TODAY 3 Dec 2013)
- Legislation is the way to change mindsets and attitudes because people are apathetic (ST 16 Nov 2013)
- Possible that many companies, including government agencies and statutory boards, continue to ask in their application forms if a job candidate has any physical or mental disabilities. (Forum ST 13 Aug 2016)
Possible Solutions
- Anti-discrimination laws and/or ombudsman body together with public education. [Existing legislation we can study, adapt and adopt from are the Americans with Disabilities Act, the United Kingdom’s Equality Act and Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act, which are regarded as being the gold standard. (Alvan Yap)]
- Nicholas Aw: "Mindsets are hard to change so we need to go into the schools and start with the young because they are more open and receptive." (ST 3 Jun 2016)
Need for ongoing work support
Existing Resources
Open Door Programme (SGEnable)
Inclusion fundamentals workshop for employers (DPA)
Integrated Community Space (Enabling Village)
Special Employment Credit (See https://www.sec.gov.sg/Pages/More-Information-on-SEC.aspx)
Workfare Income Supplement
Transition Programme for Employment (SPD - 40 clients, stroke or spinal cord injuries to return to mainstream employment)
Gaps and Their Causes
- “140 companies have applied for the fund, with an average claim of $3,000. About 650 persons with disabilities have been placed in jobs, including those supported under the initiative.” There is not a high level of awareness by employers of available schemes or they do not tap onto the schemes because they think it’s complicated and cumbersome
- HR is diversity ready? (e.g. HR side should have a policy to answer such queries and address any issues arising from having a staff with disability)
- low take-up rate? (need statistics)
Possible Solutions
Outreach programs to familiarise public with the schemes
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Caregivers
- Those who provide care to a person requiring support due to age, disability, illness or special needs
- Usually family members, but can also be friends or foreign domestic workers
- Can be broadly categorised into two groups: (i) Professional caregivers which include doctors, nurses, social workers, and (ii) Family caregivers, which include spouses, children, grandchildren, siblings and foreign domestic workers hired by their families, family caregivers are focused upon here.
- Special note to two groups of family caregivers: Elderly caregivers caring for disabled adult children, disabled people playing caregiver roles
Need for respite care
- Caregivers continue to be concerned about the need for respite care[3]
STATISTICS
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EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Home Based Care Services
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Drop-in Disability Programme
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Day Activity Centres
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Children Disability Homes (Short-Term Respite)
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Adult Disability Homes (Short-Term Respite)
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Weekend Respite at SPD (14 pax served as of 31 Mar 2017) |
Need for physical health necessary to carry out caregiving
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Need for psychosocial wellness and support
- Caregivers expressed the concern that they require self-care[3]
- Stress from caregiving, along with increased time spent on care work affects caregivers' personal health and well-being[3]
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Community Counselling/Emotional Support Services
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Community Support Groups
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Caregiver Activities in the Community
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Caregiving Welfare Association - Caregiver Counselling Services
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Need for financial support
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Caregivers Training Grant
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Foreign Domestic Worker Grant
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Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Concession
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Community Long Term Care / Financial Planning Services
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Additional Financial Support for Care Recipients with Disabilities |
Need to have skills to do caregiving
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Caregiver Training Courses
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Need for future care planning
- Caregivers are worried about their future inability to care for their loved ones with disabilities[3]
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Assisted Deputyship Application Programme (ADAP)
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Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) Trust
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Special Needs Savings Scheme
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Need for information on caregiver resources
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
SG Enable
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Caregivers Alliance
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AWWA
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Handbooks
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SOCIAL INCLUSION
Need for children with special needs to be part of community outside of school
According to a Lien Foundation survey in 2016, of the 835 parents of special needs children who were surveyed, four in 10 think their children spend too little time in the community outside of school.Nearly half of those surveyed said their children do not have friends without disabilities (ST 2 Oct 2017)
Need for public to emphatically understand the circumstances PWDs face and know how to support and interact with them
Existing Resources
Society Staples
A social enterprise that uses mass engagement platforms to educate public about experiences of people with disabilities; provides team building services for corporates: eg experiencing blindness, learning sign language etc.
https://www.societystaples.com.sg
Purple Parade
See the True Me
Buddy'IN, a programme aimed at socially integrating graduating students from special education schools with their peers from institutes of higher learning, through semi-structured social activities and sessions.(ST 17 Jun 2016)
December 3rd, 2017, the International Day of People with Disabilities -AbleThrive is hosting meetups around the world for people with disabilities, their families and allies to come together
Lien Centre for Social Innovation Workshop on Inclusion - Allyship 101
https://lcsi.smu.edu.sg/programmes/changelab/allyship-101
Gaps and Their Causes
For 'See the True Me' there is a question about the reach of these campaigns because many at a forum, many from disability sector have not seen or heard about it
Invisible disabilities (learning disorders, hearing impairment) are less obvious, and therefore the public may not understand their behaviors and support may be less forthcoming (ST 28 May 2016)
Mr Andrew Soh, assistant director at Down Syndrome Association, said public attitudes are less favourable towards people with autism and intellectual impairments, compared with those with physical disabilities, because people fear what they cannot see. "People can't tell how serious their disability is and don't know what to say or how to help them," he said.(ST 3 Jun 2016)
Possible Solutions
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
MIND’s keyword signing as total communication
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Need for mobility and access to transportation
Existing Resources Transportation subsidies:
Taxi Subsidy Scheme
VWO subsidy scheme
Public Transport Concession Scheme for Persons with Disabilities
Assistive devices for drivers with disabilities (ST 24 Oct 2016)
Accessible public transportation:
UberAssist Channel News Asia report
Wheelchair accessible taxis see taxisingapore.com and LTA accessibility push
Wheelchair Accessible Buses (About 80% of buses are wheelchair accessible, and LTA aims for 100% coverage by 2020).
Disabled facilities at MRT stations and in trains (More than 80% of MRT stations have at least two barrier free access routes).
Accommodation for drivers with disabilities:
Car Park Label Scheme for Persons with Physical Disabilities
SPD provides training for Tower Transit bus drivers how to help commuters with disabilities (ST 28 Apr 2016)
Gaps and Their Causes
Transportation costs, while subsidised, are still high for lower income PWDs
Cheaper transport options such as buses and trains are either too crowded for wheelchair users or other persons with disabilities OR there are service issues, such as some unprofessional or even discriminatory drivers or passengers.
Open prams used by caregivers now allowed on public buses, but not all bus drivers realise this yet (ST 2 Oct 2016)
Possible Solutions
Need for access to digital media
Existing Resources
Gaps and Their Causes
Potential Solutions
-Web Accessibility Guidelines https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/
-Accessibility reviews of the web https://www.abilitynet.org.uk/
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Need for access to leisure and recreational activities
Existing Resources
ActiveSG is promoting disability sports. Various sports have been adapted for them. In Singapore, the range of sports for people with disabilities includes handcyling, swimming, table tennis and boccia, a ball game that can be played by wheelchair-users with motor-skill impairment (ST 27 Sep 2016)
The inclusive playgrounds in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Ghim Moh and the complementary Children in Action programme (ST 17 Jun 2016)
Running Hour A sports co-operative that promotes integration of persons with special needs through running. We have members who are mildly intellectually challenged, physically challenged and visually challenged joining us to keep fit. We welcome anyone passionate about running to join us as running guides.
"Inclusive" art workshop to encourage interaction between children with and without special needs. Run by Superhero Me, a non-governmental organisation that runs art programmes for children (ST 2 Oct 2017).
Free entry for people with disabilities and caregivers to (special exhibitions of) NHB museums (ST 15 April 2018 “Free entry for people with disabilities”)
Gaps and Their Causes
Sports take-up rate among people with disabilities remains low, though they stand to benefit more than able-bodied people by being active(ST 27 Sep 2016)
Reasons why people with disabilities may shun sports:(ST 27 Sep 2016) •Difficulty in getting transport to the sports facilities. •Cost of specialised equipment and transporting them. •Struggles with the basics of daily life that push the thought of exercise into the background. •Depending on volunteers to help out, such as transferring the person with disability from a normal wheelchair to a racing wheelchair. •A tendency to withdraw from society and an unwillingness to leave the house for various reasons. •Logistics. For instance, when a wheelchair racer travels overseas for races, he has to take along a special racing wheelchair, a regular wheelchair for moving around and a commode chair. •There may also be psychological factors such as confidence, self image issues and a self-perceived inability to do sports.
Lack of opportunities to prove themselves ;being overprotective could limit their exposure, hindering their ability to lead a fulfilling and independent life (CNA 21 Sep 2017)
Possible Solutions
There should be regular disability sports sessions in all special education schools and organisations for the disabled (ST 27 Sep 2016)
Collectively refrain from assuming what PWDs can or cannot do, never mind their condition. (CNA 21 Sep 2017)
Need opportunities to give back to society
Existing Resources SPD Youth Development Programme - Trained and mentored youths with disabilities to enable them to champion social causes and give back to the society.
Resource Directory
Voluntary Welfare Organisations
APSN
Down Syndrome Association (Singapore)
http://www.downsyndrome-singapore.org/
founded in 1995 by parents, has close to 1000 members, of which over 300 are persons with Down syndrome Operates a DSA Thriftshop at Telok Blangah Crescent
MINDS
Muscular Dystrophy Association of Singapore (MDAS)
SPD
Bizlink
http://www.bizlink.org.sg/ training and employment for people with disabilities One of Bizlink's biggest businesses is providing cleaning teams to other companies. These teams are made up of able-bodied workers and those with disabilities (ST 1 Oct 2017).
Special education schools SPED
Rainbow Centre
Social Enterprises that provide services for people with disabilities
Olive Tree Development Centre
Social Enterprises or Businesses that hire people with disability
Dignity Kitchen
Personalised Love
https://www.personalisedlove.com/
SEOciety
Social Food Inc
https://www.facebook.com/pg/socialfoodinc/about/
Incorporated in 2013, Social Food Inc. Pte Ltd is an established Halal-certified food caterer that provide people with disabilities with employment training
Started by Sim Sin Sin. See Case Study of Social Food Inc
WISE Enterprise
https://www.wise-enterprise.sg/
Adrenalin
Six of the 25 workers at Adrenalin have disabilities and other special needs. Staff members include two deaf persons, an employee who uses a wheelchair and people recovering from mental illness (ST 1 Oct 2017).
Holiday Inn Singapore
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre hotel in Cavenagh Road - 12 per cent of the more than 200 staff are PWDs, staff adjust to the different ways of communication of some PWD employees, some of whom have intellectual disabilities or autism (ST 1 Oct 2017). .
Han's Group
Han's Group, about 50 employees, or 10 per cent of its workforce, are persons with disabilities (ST 1 Oct 2017).
Disabled People's Organisations
Disabled People's Association
Friends of the Disabled Society
Government Agencies
MSF Disability Division
NCSS Disability Services
SGEnable
Scholarships and Bursaries
Dare to Dream
The scholarship provides special needs persons, who are successful in gaining entry into a diploma programme at the LaSalle College of the Arts, with funding of fees for the full duration of the diploma programme at the College. Dare To Dream
International
World institute on Disability https://wid.org/
References
- ↑ https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-special-needs-children-pre-school-not-given-0
- ↑ https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/more-preschoolers-diagnosed-developmental-issues
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/Disabilities-and-Special-Needs/Documents/Enabling%20Masterplan%203%20(revised%2013%20Jan%202017).pdf
- ↑ https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/International-Conventions/Documents/Singapore%20CRPD%20Report%20-%20final.pdf
- ↑ https://www.sgenable.sg/uploads/EIPIC%20Service%20Matrix.pdf
- ↑ http://lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/Inclusive%20Survey%20Part%202%20-%20Press%20Release%20Lien%20Fdn%20Final%5B1%5D.pdf
- ↑ https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/International-Conventions/Documents/Singapore%20CRPD%20Report%20-%20final.pdf
- ↑ https://www.msf.gov.sg/media-room/Pages/Clarifications-on-EIPIC.aspx
- ↑ http://www.spd.org.sg/upload/SPD%20FY1617%20Annual%20Report.pdf
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). (2017). Issues faced by people with disabilities in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.nvpc.org.sg/resources/report-on-issues-faced-by-people-with-disabilities-in-singapore
- ↑ https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-special-needs-children-pre-school-not-given-0
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Lien Foundation Study on Early Intervention Professionals. http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/LF%20Early%20Intervention%20Survey%20Findings.pdf
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/survey-unveils-challenges-faced-by-professionals-working-alongside-special-needs-children
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/pre-school-takes-in-special-needs-kids-too?xtor=CS3-17
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/sail-playhouse-offers-an-inclusive-preschool-environment
- ↑ National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). (2017). Issues faced by people with disabilities in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.nvpc.org.sg/resources/report-on-issues-faced-by-people-with-disabilities-in-singapore
- ↑ http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/inclusive-pre-school-kindle-garden-set-to-double-its-fees
- ↑ http://lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/Inclusive%20Survey%20Part%202%20-%20Press%20Release%20Lien%20Fdn%20Final%5B1%5D.pdf
- ↑ https://www.sgenable.sg/uploads/ICCP%20Service%20Matrix.pdf
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 http://www.dpa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Incusion-in-Education2.pdf
- ↑ http://www.dpa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Incusion-in-Education2.pdf
- ↑ http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=20071229998.htm
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/more-support-for-allied-educators-help-special-needs-students-10053202
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/professionals-working-with-special-needs-kids-face-burnout-poll
- ↑ https://www.todayonline.com/voices/retain-special-educators-cut-burnout-rate
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-on-the-web/special-education-teachers-must-be-given-enough-support
- ↑ https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-mainstream-schools-children-learning-disabilities-still-face-challenges
- ↑ https://www.moe.gov.sg/careers/special-education-teachers
- ↑ https://www.ncss.gov.sg/NCSS/media/NCSS_SMD/Salary%20Guidelines/FY2018_SocialServiceSector_SalaryGuidelines.pdf
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-on-the-web/special-education-teachers-must-be-given-enough-support
- ↑ National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). (2017). Issues faced by people with disabilities in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.nvpc.org.sg/resources/report-on-issues-faced-by-people-with-disabilities-in-singapore
- ↑ http://www.drryanduffy.com/uploads/3/1/7/2/31724447/duffy__dik_2013.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240280400_Calling_and_Vocation_at_Work http://faculty.som.yale.edu/amywrzesniewski/documents/Jobscareersandcallings.pdf
- ↑ https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-mainstream-schools-children-learning-disabilities-still-face-challenges
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/more-support-for-allied-educators-help-special-needs-students-10053202
- ↑ https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-allied-educator-plays-school-mummy-special-needs-students
- ↑ National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). (2017). Issues faced by people with disabilities in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.nvpc.org.sg/resources/report-on-issues-faced-by-people-with-disabilities-in-singapore
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/moe-doing-more-to-help-disadvantaged-students
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/more-support-for-allied-educators-help-special-needs-students-10053202
- ↑ http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20-%20Inclusive%20Attitudes%20Survey%20Part%201_30May16.pdf
- ↑ https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/International-Conventions/Documents/Singapore%20CRPD%20Report%20-%20final.pdf
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/moe-doing-more-to-help-disadvantaged-students
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/easing-long-wait-at-sped-schools
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/special-education/mainstream-schools
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/Disabilities-and-Special-Needs/Enabling-Masterplan-2012-2016/Pages/Education.aspx
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-funding-help-for-polytechnic-ite-students-with-special-needs
- ↑ http://www.dpa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Incusion-in-Education2.pdf
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20-%20Inclusive%20Attitudes%20Survey%20Part%201_30May16.pdf
- ↑ http://www.dpa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Incusion-in-Education2.pdf
- ↑ 49.0 49.1 National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). (2017). Issues faced by people with disabilities in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.nvpc.org.sg/resources/report-on-issues-faced-by-people-with-disabilities-in-singapore
- ↑ http://www.includ-ed.eu/sites/default/files/documents/e010101.pdf
- ↑ https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/shadow-teachers-help-kids-special-needs
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/partner-schools-widen-gate-of-friendship
- ↑ https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/Disabilities-and-Special-Needs/Enabling-Masterplan-2012-2016/Pages/Education.aspx
- ↑ http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/subsidies-raised-for-poly-ite-students-with-severe-disabilities-9233082
- ↑ http://www.apsn.org.sg/singtel-introduces-cyber-wellness-toolkit-for-special-needs-students/
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/people-with-disabilities-losing-jobs-to-technology
- ↑ http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/scheme-to-help-students-with-special-needs-find-work
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapores-caregiver-crunch
- ↑ https://www.singstat.gov.sg/-/media/files/publications/society/ssnsep11-pg12-14.pdf
- ↑ 60.0 60.1 60.2 https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=lien_reports
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/struggles-of-singapores-ageing-caregivers
- ↑ https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/employer-requirements
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapore-budget-2017-integrating-disabled-into-workforce-and-supporting-caregivers
- ↑ https://www.msf.gov.sg/media-room/Pages/Enhancing-support-for-caregivers-of-persons-with-disabilities.aspx