Difference between revisions of "Disability"

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[[File:20190308 194739 small.jpg|thumb|An audio description device used on the set of ''[http://www.fingerplayers.com/not-in-my-lifetime Not In My Lifetime?]'' which allow blind or vision-impaired audience members to fully enjoy the experience of a live theatre performance.]]
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<br />
  
== The Disability Community Network ==
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==Overview==
* Page to the [[Disability Community Network|'''Disability Community Network''']]
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The information found in these pages is populated by participants of the [[Disability Community Network|'''Disability Community Network''']] and many other individuals who have an interest in Disability issues. Feel free to join the Network's [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/disability-community-network '''Google Group / Forum'''] if you are keen to touch base and contribute.
* Page to our [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/disability-community-network '''Google Group / Forum'''].  
 
  
== Definitions and Scope ==
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This overview provides a synopsis of the current knowledge base. Having considered all the information in the disability pages:
  
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.” [http://app.msf.gov.sg/Portals/0/Files/EM_Chapter1.pdf Enabling Masterplan, MSF]
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1) What are the priority issues that deserve attention
  
[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.]
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2) What are opportunity areas that community or voluntary organizations can already take action on
  
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.  
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3) What knowledge gaps deserve further investigation?[[File:20190308 194739 small.jpg|thumb|An audio description device used on the set of ''[http://www.fingerplayers.com/not-in-my-lifetime Not In My Lifetime?]'' which allow blind or vision-impaired audience members to fully enjoy the experience of a live theatre performance.]]
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===Priority Issues===
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<big>[These are candidate (not finalized) issues to be discussed and prioritized with participants of the DCN, after we share back the whole set of information.]</big>
  
"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." [http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/what-disabled-people-want-a-little-kindness (ST 8 May 2016)]
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*Getting a better understanding of disability and the issues facing the differently-abled
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*<u>Employment rates for PWDs are low</u>, and there are little protections against discrimination.
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**As of a 2019 Ministry of Manpower (MoM) survey, 28.6% or nearly 3 in 10 people with disabilities (PwDs) of working age (between 15 to 64) are employed.<ref>https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/disability-pwds-in-employment-mom-survey-parliament-zaqy-11863568</ref>
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**Many young adults with special needs of disability suddenly left with substantially less government aid or help when they leave special education route in school. Higher functioning individuals may find gainful employment in social enterprises but many are not able to cope when placed in the competitive workplace of most private sector jobs.
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**Pay ceiling for PwDs who cannot physically be present for the full office hour duration
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*Social discrimination/ exclusion that still exists despite about a third of Singaporeans thinking otherwise<ref>http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/Inclusive%20Attitudes%20Survey%20Press%20Release%20Final.pdf</ref>
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**64% of people in Singapore were willing to share public spaces with PwDs but not willing to interact with them. More than a third of Singaporeans have no special needs children in their social circles. And 23% of the remaining two thirds only meet more than once a year. <ref>http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20-%20Inclusive%20Attitudes%20Survey%20Part%201_30May16.pdf</ref>
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**Public buses were only made fully accessible in 2008 and they have largely been an unseen community to the majority of the public, with lack of personal interactions and friendships fueling misconceptions about the PwD community.
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**Exclusion and discrimination from them having relationships, married life and parenthood for many PwDs for a variety of societal misconceptions.<ref>https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/parents-with-disabilities-tackle-misconceptions-raising-families-11729976?cid=h3_referral_inarticlelinks_24082018_cna</ref>
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*While the disability sector has benefited from continuum planning across the life course through the Enabling Masterplans (Early intervention, education, employment, caregiver support etc), new frontiers to go into are community participation (participation of PWDs in the community) and social inclusion.
  
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.” [http://population.sg/key-challenges/#.VuENbpx96M8) Population.sg]
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===Actionable Opportunity Areas===
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<big>[These are a list of ideas and actionable concepts that service providers, community partners and social innovators, can already take on and implement. For ideas that have not yet been fully articulated, see specific segments in each area of need]</big>
  
In Singapore, those with disabilities are estimated to make up 3 per cent of the population or well over 100,000 people.[http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/sports-for-those-with-disabilities (ST 27 Sep 2016)]
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See [[Disability Ideas Bank]] for a compilation of other ideas.
  
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).  
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*[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EmGqD3lr0nS4sIqegVq44Mmiu93q5kNSeUXcxXyp9gI/edit Inclusive Neighbourhoods] (A community inclusion initiative for people with disabilities and their caregivers.The objective is to help community members, partners and local institutions integrate PWDs and their caregivers into the communal life of the residential neighbourhood, where PWDs are supported by the whole community but can also contribute back to it. This will be achieved through an strengths-based community development approach that maps and mobilises the assets of the community. Early stages of being conceptualised. Interested to partner or support? Contact justin.lee@nus.edu.sg)
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*Accessibility Audit Staycations. We get hotels to provide free staycations to caregivers and PWDs, and in exchange they will systematically use and experience all the amenities, make sure they can get around, use the gym, pool, restaurants, and provide an accessibility report (as well as ideas on how to improve). This will help hotels improve their infrastructure and social accommodations to different customers with disabilities, improving their marketability and attractiveness to a niche market that can be quite large and profitable. Eg have ‘quiet buffets’ once a month for autistic diners. Possibly staycation cum bootcamp where PWDs do accessibility audit followed by facilitated session design thinkers/consultants - ideation and design thinking bootcamp over the weekend to come up with ideas to improve accessibility. This idea can be expanded slowly to neighbouring amenities and localities so that over time, each locality has an accessibility rating, so the local trade associations can do something collectively if they want. Eg Orchard Road / Sentosa, Little India etc might pay PWDs to come do accessibility audit and make recommendations. Retailers can also invite. National positioning angle --- Singapore is inclusive destination. There core concept itself requires little to no programme cost, just some coordination. Hotels can do it as part of their CSR. To get this going, need to get a sense of how accessibility audits are done, eg in the UK where they are required by law.
  
To view and download the Enabling Masterplan 2017-2021, go to the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Disabilities and Special Needs page: [https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/Disabilities-and-Special-Needs/Pages/default.aspx (Enabling Masterplan 2017-2021)]
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===Knowledge Gaps===
  
==Specific Sub-Pages / Client Segments==
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*[to insert key knowledge gaps]
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*[to insert key knowledge gaps]
  
Page to [[Adults with autism|Adults with Autism]]
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==Definition of Disability==
  
Page to [[Visual Impairment|Visual Impairment]]
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===How Disability is defined in Singapore===
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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.” [http://app.msf.gov.sg/Portals/0/Files/EM_Chapter1.pdf Enabling Masterplan, MSF] [<u>Clarification</u>: Will it be useful to specify what these mean by grouping different disabilities into these broader categories, eg physical (wheelchair users?) sensory (VI, HI), intellectual and developmental impairments (ASD, Dyslexia?)]
  
Page to [[Hearing Impairment|Hearing Impairment]]
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[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.] [<u>Clarification</u>: May not need to include this point as Lien is likely taking reference from MSF and NCSS, so we only need to take into account those sources unless there are other good reasons to?]  
  
Page to [[Arts and Disability|Arts and Disability]]
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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.
  
Page to [[Intellectual disability|Intellectual Disability]]
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MOE's [https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/special-education/how-do-i-know-if-my-child-has-special-education-needs#common-sen-among-children-in-singapore list of SEN]
  
Page to [[Aphasia]]
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===How Disability is defined elsewhere===
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"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." [http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/what-disabled-people-want-a-little-kindness (ST 8 May 2016)]
  
[[File:Yomex-owo-634531-unsplash.jpg|thumb]]
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[<u>Clarification</u>: The main or only difference between SIngapore's official definition of disability and elsewhere is the inclusion of mental health conditions? ]
  
== Landscape of Needs and Gaps and Desired Outcomes ==
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[<u>Suggestion</u>: Given that there may be disputes to what a useful definition is, possibly insert a link to a Discussion page on the implications of defining Disability differently. DPA has written about this somewhere previously?]
* Click here for ongoing [[Disability/Landscape of Needs and Gaps|'''Landscape of''' '''Needs and Gaps''']] exercise
 
'''Sources'''
 
* 2018: [http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/LF%20Early%20Intervention%20Survey%20Findings.pdf Lien Foundation Study on Early Intervention Professionals]
 
* 2017: [https://www.nvpc.org.sg/resources/report-on-issues-faced-by-people-with-disabilities-in-singapore NVPC Report on Issues Faced By People With Disabilities In Singapore]
 
* 2017: [https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/Disabilities-and-Special-Needs/Documents/Enabling%20Masterplan%203%20(revised%2013%20Jan%202017).pdf Enabling Masterplan (2017-2021)]
 
* 2016: Lien Foundation’s Inclusive Attitudes Survey of the [http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/Inclusive%20Attitudes%20Survey%20Press%20Release%20Final.pdf General Public] and [http://lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/Inclusive%20Survey%20Part%202%20-%20Press%20Release%20Lien%20Fdn%20Final%5b1%5d.pdf Parents of Children with Special Needs]
 
* 2016: [http://www.dpa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Incusion-in-Education2.pdf DPA’s Achieving Inclusion in Education]
 
* 2016: Singapore's [https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/International-Conventions/Pages/UN-Convention-on-the-Rights-of-Persons-with-Disabilities-UNCRPD.aspx Initial Report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities]
 
* 2015: Lien Centre for Social Innovation's [https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=lien_reports People with Physical Disabilities in Singapore: Understanding Disabling Factors in Caregiving, Education, Employment and Finances]
 
* 2011: MOH's [https://www.singstat.gov.sg/-/media/files/publications/society/ssnsep11-pg12-14.pdf Caregiving in Singapore] snippet of the National Health Survey 2010
 
  
===EARLY INTERVENTION===
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=== What are the different types of disabilities?<ref>https://www.sgenable.sg/about-us/our-impact/disability-in-singapore#source-link-2</ref> ===
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'''Physical disabilities''' refers to either a total or partial loss of bodily functions such as the ability to walk, or a total or partial loss of a part of the body. It can result from congenital causes, or acquired from serious illnesses or injury.
  
Migrated to [[Disability/Early Intervention|here]].
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The two main types of '''sensory disability''' are visual impairment and deafness/hard of hearing. There are varying degrees of visual impairment: some people have low vision, others have tunnel vision in which their peripheral vision is affected, while others experience complete blindness. People could also have partial or complete hearing loss.
----
 
  
===EDUCATION===
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'''Intellectual disability''' is mainly established by a person’s intelligence quotient (IQ of 70 or below). It is also a feature of medical conditions such as Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Williams Syndrome.
Migrated to [[Disability/Education|here]].
 
----
 
  
===EMPLOYMENT===
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'''Autism''' is a developmental disability currently with no known causes or cures. Persons with autism typically have problems with social communication and interaction across contexts, and present very rigid and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities.
  
Migrated to [[Disability/Employment|here]].
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==Key Statistics & Figures==
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<big>These are key figures that are relevant for the disability sector at large; for specific stats such as employment rates, please see the respective pages. [<u>Alternatively, we could also do this</u>: cross-link to those statistics in the other pages; see example below]</big>
  
===CAREGIVER SUPPORT===
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===Prevalence rate===
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<big>Synopsis: Various sources put the prevalence rate at about 3% of the population, which means about 100,000 in total, out of which about 10,000 are students</big>.
  
Migrated to [[Disability/Caregiver Support|here]].
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*<u>SG Enable</u>: No definitive 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. [Citation for this?] According to Singapore’s population index, “the number of elderly citizens will triple to 900,000 by 2030.” [http://population.sg/key-challenges/#.VuENbpx96M8) Population.sg]
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===SOCIAL INCLUSION===
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{| class="wikitable"
Migrated to [[Disability/Social Inclusion|here]].
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!Population group
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!Approximate prevalence rate
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|Student population
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|2.1% of student population<ref>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</ref>
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|-
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|18-49 years
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|3.4% of resident population<ref>Source: National Council of Social Service. Based on a random sampling of 2,000 Singapore citizens 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</ref>
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|-
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|50 years and above
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|13.3% of resident population<ref>Source: National Council of Social Service. Based on a random sampling of 2,000 Singapore citizens 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 old age</ref>
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|}
  
----
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**This table provides some estimates on the Prevalence rate of disability in Singapore [https://www.sgenable.sg/about-us/our-impact/disability-in-singapore#source-link-2 (SG Enable)]:
  
===EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION===
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*<u>Straits Times</u>: In Singapore, those with disabilities are estimated to make up '''3 per cent''' of the population or '''well over 100,000 people'''.[http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/sports-for-those-with-disabilities (ST 27 Sep 2016)] [<u>Clarification</u>: Check what official source they are using for these figures, and if it is MSF or NCSS, can delete this]
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*<u>MSF - Enabling Masterplan</u>: Some disability prevalence rates of Singapore citizens with disabilities are available from the Enabling Masterplan 2017-2021. According to the foreword of the [https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/Disabilities-and-Special-Needs/Pages/default.aspx 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). [This means about '''9,660 students''' have special needs?]
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*<u>NCSS</u>: 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).
  
MIND’s keyword signing as total communication
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===Other relevant stats===
  
—�-
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*See [http://wiki.socialcollab.sg/index.php/Disability/Employment#Employment_Rate_of_PWDs employment rates] of PWDs: 5 in 100 employed.
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*[Insert link to other key stats fro other pages; e.g. participation rates in arts,sports etc headline figure here]
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*[Insert link to other key stats; headline figure here]
  
====For mobility and access to transportation====
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==Map of Areas of Need & Key Issues==
  
'''Existing Resources'''
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*<big>Click here for approach we took in this [[Disability/Landscape of Needs and Gaps|'''Landscape of''' '''Needs and Gaps''']] exercise, and how to contribute.</big>
Transportation subsidies:
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*<big>Read this templatised [[Template|guide]] on how to populate the pages</big>
  
Taxi Subsidy Scheme
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<big>Click the links below to go directly to specific areas of interest:</big>
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|[[Disability/Education|<big>'''Education'''</big>]]
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- [https://www.moe.gov.sg/special-educational-needs/ Ministry of Education Special Educational Needs]
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|[[Disability/Employment|<big>'''Employment'''</big>]]
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| rowspan="5" |<big>'''[[Disability/Social Inclusion|Social Inclusion]]'''</big>
  
VWO subsidy scheme
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-[[Arts and Disability|Arts]]
  
Public Transport Concession Scheme for Persons with Disabilities
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-[[Disability Sports|Sports]]
  
Assistive devices for drivers with disabilities [http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/gadgets-for-disabled-drivers-get-green-light (ST 24 Oct 2016)]
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-[[Disability/Sexuality|Sexuality]]
  
Accessible public transportation:
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-Public Acceptance
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|<big>'''[[Disability/Community Participation|Community Participation]]'''</big>
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|<big>'''→'''</big>
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|<big>'''[[Disability/Mobility and Access|Mobility & Access]]'''</big>
  
UberAssist [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/uber-rolls-out-service/2225788.html Channel News Asia report]
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-[http://wiki.socialcollab.sg/index.php/Disability/Mobility_and_Access#Transportation Transportation]
  
Wheelchair accessible taxis see [http://www.taxisingapore.com/wheelchair-transport/ taxisingapore.com] and [https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/public-transport/system-design/enhancing-physical-accessibility-for-all.htm LTA accessibility push]
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-[http://wiki.socialcollab.sg/index.php/Disability/Mobility_and_Access#Access_to_Buildings Access to Buildings]
  
Wheelchair Accessible Buses (About 80% of buses are wheelchair accessible, and LTA aims for 100% coverage by 2020).  
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-[http://wiki.socialcollab.sg/index.php/Disability/Mobility_and_Access#Information_Access Information Access]
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Disabled facilities at MRT stations and in trains (More than 80% of MRT stations have at least two barrier free access routes).
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<big>'''The following is also listed below in alphabetical order:'''</big>
  
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[<u>Note to contributors</u>: The headings here look a little unnecessary here, but it is so that these issues come out in the content page above; to help navigability. We may also add in synopses of each of these issues here, so that readers get a headline view without having to navigate to those pages]
  
Accommodation for drivers with disabilities:
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====Community Participation====
  
Car Park Label Scheme for Persons with Physical Disabilities
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*Click on [[Disability/Community Participation|EMPLOYMENT Link]]
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*Synopsis:
  
SPD provides training for Tower Transit bus drivers how to help commuters with disabilities [http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/bus-drivers-get-tips-on-helping-disabled-commuters (ST 28 Apr 2016)]
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[[File:Yomex-owo-634531-unsplash.jpg|thumb]]
  
'''Gaps and Their Causes'''
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====Detection & Early Intervention====
  
Transportation costs, while subsidised, are still high for lower income PWDs
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*Click on [[Disability/Early Intervention|EARLY INTERVENTION Link]]
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*Synopsis:
  
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.
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====Education====
  
Open prams used by caregivers now allowed on public buses, but not all bus drivers realise this yet [http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/open-prams-on-buses (ST 2 Oct 2016)]
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*Click on [[Disability/Education|EDUCATION Link]]
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*Synopsis:
  
'''Possible Solutions'''
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====Employment====
  
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*Click on [[Disability/Employment|EMPLOYMENT Link]]
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*Synopsis:
  
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====Family & Caregivers====
  
====An accessible work environment====
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*Click on [[Disability/Caregiver Support|CAREGIVERS Link]]
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*Synopsis:
  
'''Existing Resources'''
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====General/ Statistics of PwDs in Singapore====
  
Universal Design
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*Click on [https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=lien_reports PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN SINGAPORE]
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*Click on [https://www.dpa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Singapore-and-UN-CRPD.pdf Rights of PwDs]
  
Assistive Technology Fund
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====Mobility & Access====
  
Open Door Programme
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*Click on [[Disability/Mobility and Access|MOBILITY & ACCESS Link,]] or for specific segments:
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**[http://wiki.socialcollab.sg/index.php/Disability/Mobility_and_Access#Transportation Transportation]
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**[http://wiki.socialcollab.sg/index.php/Disability/Mobility_and_Access#Access_to_Buildings Access to Buildings]
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**[http://wiki.socialcollab.sg/index.php/Disability/Mobility_and_Access#Information_Access Information Access]
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*Synopsis:
  
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====Social Inclusion====
  
'''Gaps and Their Causes'''
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*Click on [[Disability/Social Inclusion|SOCIAL INCLUSION Link,]] or for specific segments:
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**[[Arts and Disability|Arts]]
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**[[Disability Sports|Sports]]
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**[[Disability/Sexuality|Sexuality]]
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**Public Acceptance
 +
*Synopsis:
  
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.
+
==Specific Sub-Pages==
 +
[<u>To Update</u>: Possibly, these specific disability types can be group according to the broader categories in the definition used by MSF: Physical, Sensory, Intellectual etc]
  
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.
+
Physical Disability
  
Sometimes the subsidy is not enough to cover a person’s assistive technology needs over a lifetime.
+
Sensory Disability
  
 +
[[Visual Impairment|Visual Impairment]]
  
'''Possible Solutions'''
+
[[Hearing Impairment|Hearing Impairment]]
  
increase the means testing of Assistive Technology Fund to cover more persons with disabilities from lower-middle income households
+
[[Intellectual disability|Intellectual Disability]]
  
====Access to digital media====
+
Developmental Disability
  
'''Existing Resources'''
+
[[Adults with autism|Adults with Autism]]
  
 +
[<u>To Update</u>: There should be a page on Autism in general instead of Adults with Autism]
  
'''Gaps and Their Causes'''
+
[[Aphasia]]
  
 +
<big>'''Niche issues'''</big>
  
'''Potential Solutions'''
+
[[Arts and Disability|Arts and Disability]]
  
-Web Accessibility Guidelines
+
==Community Groups==
https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/
+
[[Disability Community Network]] - currently facilitated by Justin Lee (IPS), but looking towards community to take over.
  
-Accessibility reviews of the web
+
Disability Research Coalition - facilitated by Lohsnah (NUS) and Vim (MINDS) to faciluitate collaboration amongst researchers interested in disability sector.
https://www.abilitynet.org.uk/
 
  
---
+
Quota Hiring Interest Group - group interested to study the feasibility of quota hiring in Singapore, by comparing quota systems in different countries. See this [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/109DdtJ-GKbGZTrk5nx2nucrdg6iVe6kT/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=111355174097427147097&dls=true comparison chart].
  
====Access to leisure and recreational activities====
+
Inclusive Neighbourhood Initiative - to catalyse local community to  integrate people with disabilities and also opportunities for them to participate in community life and contribute back. AWWA, SGEnable, IPS
  
'''Existing Resources'''
+
[https://accessarts.sg/access-arts-hub-membership-sign Access Arts Hub] - a consortium of individuals and organisations with a shared agenda to make arts more accessible and appealing for persons with disabilities.  
 
+
==Resource Directory==
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 [http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/sports-for-those-with-disabilities (ST 27 Sep 2016)]
 
 
 
The inclusive playgrounds in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Ghim Moh and the complementary Children in Action programme [http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/collective-effort-can-help-the-disabled-lead-dignified-lives (ST 17 Jun 2016)]
 
  
[http://www.runninghour.com/about#partner Running Hour]
+
===Key Document Sources===
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 ([http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/inclusive-art-sessions-draw-kids-together ST 2 Oct 2017]).
+
*2018: [http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/LF%20Early%20Intervention%20Survey%20Findings.pdf Lien Foundation Study on Early Intervention Professionals]
 +
*2017: [https://www.nvpc.org.sg/resources/report-on-issues-faced-by-people-with-disabilities-in-singapore NVPC Report on Issues Faced By People With Disabilities In Singapore]
 +
*2017: [https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/Disabilities-and-Special-Needs/Documents/Enabling%20Masterplan%203%20(revised%2013%20Jan%202017).pdf Enabling Masterplan (2017-2021)]
 +
*2016: Lien Foundation’s Inclusive Attitudes Survey of the [http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/Inclusive%20Attitudes%20Survey%20Press%20Release%20Final.pdf General Public] and [http://lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/Inclusive%20Survey%20Part%202%20-%20Press%20Release%20Lien%20Fdn%20Final%5b1%5d.pdf Parents of Children with Special Needs]
 +
*2016: [http://www.dpa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Incusion-in-Education2.pdf DPA’s Achieving Inclusion in Education]
 +
*2016: Singapore's [https://www.msf.gov.sg/policies/International-Conventions/Pages/UN-Convention-on-the-Rights-of-Persons-with-Disabilities-UNCRPD.aspx Initial Report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities]
 +
*2015: Lien Centre for Social Innovation's [https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=lien_reports People with Physical Disabilities in Singapore: Understanding Disabling Factors in Caregiving, Education, Employment and Finances]
 +
*2011: MOH's [https://www.singstat.gov.sg/-/media/files/publications/society/ssnsep11-pg12-14.pdf Caregiving in Singapore] snippet of the National Health Survey 2010
  
Free entry for people with disabilities and caregivers to (special exhibitions of) NHB museums (ST 15 April 2018 “Free entry for people with disabilities”)
+
===Voluntary or Non-Profit Organisations===
 +
<big>[<u>To insert a synopsis</u>:</big> <big>To give a sketch...How many SSAs in general that provide services across different type of disabilities; How many DPOs.]</big>
  
 +
<big>[<u>To edit</u>: Where possible, we should merely link to existing directories that have already consolidated such information, instead of list them here ourselves, unless those do not exist are are incomplete. Thus, we should try to sense-make the catalogue of information that already exists, and where it does not, then we can catalogue]</big>
  
'''Gaps and Their Causes'''
+
*A good index of weblinks and resources for families with special needs kids in Singapore can be found [https://thenewageparents.com/resources-for-families-with-special-needs-kids-singapore/ here]
 +
*See MOE's [https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/special-education/how-do-i-know-if-my-child-has-special-education-needs#how-else-can-i-get-support-to-learn-about-my-child-sen list of Disability Organisations] parents can refer to.
 +
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_disability_organisations_in_Singapore
  
Sports take-up rate among people with disabilities remains low, though they stand to benefit more than able-bodied people by being active[http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/sports-for-those-with-disabilities (ST 27 Sep 2016)]
 
 
Reasons why people with disabilities may shun sports:[http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/sports-for-those-with-disabilities (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 ([http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/commentary-when-does-a-person-with-a-disability-get-a-chance-to-9226832 CNA 21 Sep 2017])
 
 
'''Possible Solutions'''
 
 
There should be regular disability sports sessions in all special education schools and organisations for the disabled [http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/sports-for-those-with-disabilities (ST 27 Sep 2016)]
 
 
Collectively refrain from assuming what PWDs can or cannot do, never mind their condition.
 
([http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/commentary-when-does-a-person-with-a-disability-get-a-chance-to-9226832 CNA 21 Sep 2017])
 
----
 
 
====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==
 
 
A good index of weblinks and resources for families with special needs kids in Singapore can be found [https://thenewageparents.com/resources-for-families-with-special-needs-kids-singapore/ here]
 
 
===Voluntary Organisations, Non-Profits===
 
 
'''Aphasia SG'''
 
'''Aphasia SG'''
 
[[File:81040999 1498271000330848 5077484275469647872 n.jpg|thumb|Participants at a Chit Chat Cafe by Aphasia SG. Photo credit: [https://www.facebook.com/AphasiaSG/photos/a.1225102520981032/1498270996997515/?type=3&theater Aphasia SG]]]
 
[[File:81040999 1498271000330848 5077484275469647872 n.jpg|thumb|Participants at a Chit Chat Cafe by Aphasia SG. Photo credit: [https://www.facebook.com/AphasiaSG/photos/a.1225102520981032/1498270996997515/?type=3&theater Aphasia SG]]]
Line 261: Line 368:
  
 
http://olive-tree.sg/
 
http://olive-tree.sg/
 +
 +
====='''Telelay'''=====
 +
https://www.facebook.com/telelayservice/
 +
 +
Telelay is an app that enables the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing communities to connect and communicate anytime, anywhere. (to be launched soom)
 +
 +
====='''Digital Dream'''=====
 +
http://digitaldream.com.sg/
 +
 +
Social enterprise that provides digital solutions for non-profits (e.g. simulated environments, augmented reality); allows user created content. In several SPED schools (Chao Yang APSN, AWWA School at Napiri, MINDS Towner Gardens). Mixed Reality Room to help students learn what to wear or prepare if they go swimming etc. AVA Room at MINDS to help them prepare for work. Installation at Enabling Village's Cargeiver's Pod for skills training and experiences. Also collaborating with VSA on art exhibition (with Dawn-Joy Leong).
  
 
===Social Enterprises or Businesses that hire people with disability===
 
===Social Enterprises or Businesses that hire people with disability===
Line 322: Line 439:
 
https://www.fds.org.sg/
 
https://www.fds.org.sg/
  
=== Initiatives ===
+
===Initiatives===
 
NUS [http://news.nus.edu.sg/highlights/giving-children-superpowers?utm_source=newsmailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Giving+children+superpowers Makerthon] organised by Computing, Engineering, Design & Environment.
 
NUS [http://news.nus.edu.sg/highlights/giving-children-superpowers?utm_source=newsmailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Giving+children+superpowers Makerthon] organised by Computing, Engineering, Design & Environment.
  
Line 354: Line 471:
 
https://wid.org/
 
https://wid.org/
  
----
+
===Disability Conferences===
 
 
== Disability Conferences ==
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
| style="width: 15%;" |'''CONFERENCE'''
 
| style="width: 15%;" |'''CONFERENCE'''
Line 387: Line 502:
 
|}
 
|}
  
== References ==
+
==References==
 
<references />
 
<references />

Latest revision as of 09:22, 1 November 2022


Overview

The information found in these pages is populated by participants of the Disability Community Network and many other individuals who have an interest in Disability issues. Feel free to join the Network's Google Group / Forum if you are keen to touch base and contribute.

This overview provides a synopsis of the current knowledge base. Having considered all the information in the disability pages:

1) What are the priority issues that deserve attention

2) What are opportunity areas that community or voluntary organizations can already take action on

3) What knowledge gaps deserve further investigation?

An audio description device used on the set of Not In My Lifetime? which allow blind or vision-impaired audience members to fully enjoy the experience of a live theatre performance.

Priority Issues

[These are candidate (not finalized) issues to be discussed and prioritized with participants of the DCN, after we share back the whole set of information.]

  • Getting a better understanding of disability and the issues facing the differently-abled
  • Employment rates for PWDs are low, and there are little protections against discrimination.
    • As of a 2019 Ministry of Manpower (MoM) survey, 28.6% or nearly 3 in 10 people with disabilities (PwDs) of working age (between 15 to 64) are employed.[1]
    • Many young adults with special needs of disability suddenly left with substantially less government aid or help when they leave special education route in school. Higher functioning individuals may find gainful employment in social enterprises but many are not able to cope when placed in the competitive workplace of most private sector jobs.
    • Pay ceiling for PwDs who cannot physically be present for the full office hour duration
  • Social discrimination/ exclusion that still exists despite about a third of Singaporeans thinking otherwise[2]
    • 64% of people in Singapore were willing to share public spaces with PwDs but not willing to interact with them. More than a third of Singaporeans have no special needs children in their social circles. And 23% of the remaining two thirds only meet more than once a year. [3]
    • Public buses were only made fully accessible in 2008 and they have largely been an unseen community to the majority of the public, with lack of personal interactions and friendships fueling misconceptions about the PwD community.
    • Exclusion and discrimination from them having relationships, married life and parenthood for many PwDs for a variety of societal misconceptions.[4]
  • While the disability sector has benefited from continuum planning across the life course through the Enabling Masterplans (Early intervention, education, employment, caregiver support etc), new frontiers to go into are community participation (participation of PWDs in the community) and social inclusion.

Actionable Opportunity Areas

[These are a list of ideas and actionable concepts that service providers, community partners and social innovators, can already take on and implement. For ideas that have not yet been fully articulated, see specific segments in each area of need]

See Disability Ideas Bank for a compilation of other ideas.

  • Inclusive Neighbourhoods (A community inclusion initiative for people with disabilities and their caregivers.The objective is to help community members, partners and local institutions integrate PWDs and their caregivers into the communal life of the residential neighbourhood, where PWDs are supported by the whole community but can also contribute back to it. This will be achieved through an strengths-based community development approach that maps and mobilises the assets of the community. Early stages of being conceptualised. Interested to partner or support? Contact justin.lee@nus.edu.sg)
  • Accessibility Audit Staycations. We get hotels to provide free staycations to caregivers and PWDs, and in exchange they will systematically use and experience all the amenities, make sure they can get around, use the gym, pool, restaurants, and provide an accessibility report (as well as ideas on how to improve). This will help hotels improve their infrastructure and social accommodations to different customers with disabilities, improving their marketability and attractiveness to a niche market that can be quite large and profitable. Eg have ‘quiet buffets’ once a month for autistic diners. Possibly staycation cum bootcamp where PWDs do accessibility audit followed by facilitated session design thinkers/consultants - ideation and design thinking bootcamp over the weekend to come up with ideas to improve accessibility. This idea can be expanded slowly to neighbouring amenities and localities so that over time, each locality has an accessibility rating, so the local trade associations can do something collectively if they want. Eg Orchard Road / Sentosa, Little India etc might pay PWDs to come do accessibility audit and make recommendations. Retailers can also invite. National positioning angle --- Singapore is inclusive destination. There core concept itself requires little to no programme cost, just some coordination. Hotels can do it as part of their CSR. To get this going, need to get a sense of how accessibility audits are done, eg in the UK where they are required by law.

Knowledge Gaps

  • [to insert key knowledge gaps]
  • [to insert key knowledge gaps]

Definition of Disability

How Disability is defined in Singapore

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 [Clarification: Will it be useful to specify what these mean by grouping different disabilities into these broader categories, eg physical (wheelchair users?) sensory (VI, HI), intellectual and developmental impairments (ASD, Dyslexia?)]

[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.] [Clarification: May not need to include this point as Lien is likely taking reference from MSF and NCSS, so we only need to take into account those sources unless there are other good reasons to?]

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.

MOE's list of SEN:

How Disability is defined elsewhere

"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)

[Clarification: The main or only difference between SIngapore's official definition of disability and elsewhere is the inclusion of mental health conditions? ]

[Suggestion: Given that there may be disputes to what a useful definition is, possibly insert a link to a Discussion page on the implications of defining Disability differently. DPA has written about this somewhere previously?]

What are the different types of disabilities?[5]

Physical disabilities refers to either a total or partial loss of bodily functions such as the ability to walk, or a total or partial loss of a part of the body. It can result from congenital causes, or acquired from serious illnesses or injury.

The two main types of sensory disability are visual impairment and deafness/hard of hearing. There are varying degrees of visual impairment: some people have low vision, others have tunnel vision in which their peripheral vision is affected, while others experience complete blindness. People could also have partial or complete hearing loss.

Intellectual disability is mainly established by a person’s intelligence quotient (IQ of 70 or below). It is also a feature of medical conditions such as Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Williams Syndrome.

Autism is a developmental disability currently with no known causes or cures. Persons with autism typically have problems with social communication and interaction across contexts, and present very rigid and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities.

Key Statistics & Figures

These are key figures that are relevant for the disability sector at large; for specific stats such as employment rates, please see the respective pages. [Alternatively, we could also do this: cross-link to those statistics in the other pages; see example below]

Prevalence rate

Synopsis: Various sources put the prevalence rate at about 3% of the population, which means about 100,000 in total, out of which about 10,000 are students.

  • SG Enable: No definitive 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. [Citation for this?] According to Singapore’s population index, “the number of elderly citizens will triple to 900,000 by 2030.” Population.sg
Population group Approximate prevalence rate
Student population 2.1% of student population[6]
18-49 years 3.4% of resident population[7]
50 years and above 13.3% of resident population[8]
    • This table provides some estimates on the Prevalence rate of disability in Singapore (SG Enable):
  • Straits Times: 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) [Clarification: Check what official source they are using for these figures, and if it is MSF or NCSS, can delete this]
  • MSF - Enabling Masterplan: 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). [This means about 9,660 students have special needs?]
  • NCSS: 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).

Other relevant stats

  • See employment rates of PWDs: 5 in 100 employed.
  • [Insert link to other key stats fro other pages; e.g. participation rates in arts,sports etc headline figure here]
  • [Insert link to other key stats; headline figure here]

Map of Areas of Need & Key Issues

Click the links below to go directly to specific areas of interest:

Detection & Early Intervention
Education

- Ministry of Education Special Educational Needs

Employment Social Inclusion

-Arts

-Sports

-Sexuality

-Public Acceptance

Community Participation
Mobility & Access

-Transportation

-Access to Buildings

-Information Access

Family & Caregivers

The following is also listed below in alphabetical order:

[Note to contributors: The headings here look a little unnecessary here, but it is so that these issues come out in the content page above; to help navigability. We may also add in synopses of each of these issues here, so that readers get a headline view without having to navigate to those pages]

Community Participation

Yomex-owo-634531-unsplash.jpg

Detection & Early Intervention

Education

Employment

Family & Caregivers

General/ Statistics of PwDs in Singapore

Mobility & Access

Social Inclusion

Specific Sub-Pages

[To Update: Possibly, these specific disability types can be group according to the broader categories in the definition used by MSF: Physical, Sensory, Intellectual etc]

Physical Disability

Sensory Disability

Visual Impairment

Hearing Impairment

Intellectual Disability

Developmental Disability

Adults with Autism

[To Update: There should be a page on Autism in general instead of Adults with Autism]

Aphasia

Niche issues

Arts and Disability

Community Groups

Disability Community Network - currently facilitated by Justin Lee (IPS), but looking towards community to take over.

Disability Research Coalition - facilitated by Lohsnah (NUS) and Vim (MINDS) to faciluitate collaboration amongst researchers interested in disability sector.

Quota Hiring Interest Group - group interested to study the feasibility of quota hiring in Singapore, by comparing quota systems in different countries. See this comparison chart.

Inclusive Neighbourhood Initiative - to catalyse local community to integrate people with disabilities and also opportunities for them to participate in community life and contribute back. AWWA, SGEnable, IPS

Access Arts Hub - a consortium of individuals and organisations with a shared agenda to make arts more accessible and appealing for persons with disabilities.

Resource Directory

Key Document Sources

Voluntary or Non-Profit Organisations

[To insert a synopsis: To give a sketch...How many SSAs in general that provide services across different type of disabilities; How many DPOs.]

[To edit: Where possible, we should merely link to existing directories that have already consolidated such information, instead of list them here ourselves, unless those do not exist are are incomplete. Thus, we should try to sense-make the catalogue of information that already exists, and where it does not, then we can catalogue]

Aphasia SG

Participants at a Chit Chat Cafe by Aphasia SG. Photo credit: Aphasia SG

www.aphasia.sg

Organised by a team of speech and language therapists, Aphasia SG is a 100% volunteer-run non-profit organisation whose flagship programme is Chit Chat Cafe, a free monthly “pop-up café” for persons with aphasia (PWA) and their caregivers to interact and enjoy a cup of coffee together in a safe space.

Its other flagship programme is the Aphasia SG Choir, which is conducted by music therapist volunteers and that has weekly evening rehearsals at a central location. 

APSN

http://www.apsn.org.sg/

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

http://www.minds.org.sg/

Muscular Dystrophy Association of Singapore (MDAS)

http://www.mdas.org.sg/

SPD

http://www.spd.org.sg/

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 (SPED) Schools

19 SPED schools as of January 2018: https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/special-education/special-education-schools/list-of-sped-schools

Social Enterprises that provide services for people with disabilities

Olive Tree Development Centre

http://olive-tree.sg/

Telelay

https://www.facebook.com/telelayservice/

Telelay is an app that enables the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing communities to connect and communicate anytime, anywhere. (to be launched soom)

Digital Dream

http://digitaldream.com.sg/

Social enterprise that provides digital solutions for non-profits (e.g. simulated environments, augmented reality); allows user created content. In several SPED schools (Chao Yang APSN, AWWA School at Napiri, MINDS Towner Gardens). Mixed Reality Room to help students learn what to wear or prepare if they go swimming etc. AVA Room at MINDS to help them prepare for work. Installation at Enabling Village's Cargeiver's Pod for skills training and experiences. Also collaborating with VSA on art exhibition (with Dawn-Joy Leong).

Social Enterprises or Businesses that hire people with disability

Crunchy Teeth

http://crunchyteeth.com.sg/

Started by parents of children with special needs - aims to provide baking skills to special needs children and youth, and retails baking goods

Dignity Kitchen

http://dignitykitchen.sg/

Personalised Love

https://www.personalisedlove.com/

SEOciety

http://www.ourseociety.com/

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

http://adrenalin.com.sg/

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).

Foreword Coffee

https://www.forewordcoffee.com/

Trains individuals with special needs to be baristas and frontline service staff at its coffee outlets

Disabled People's Organisations

Disabled People's Association

http://www.dpa.org.sg/

Friends of the Disabled Society

https://www.fds.org.sg/

Initiatives

NUS Makerthon organised by Computing, Engineering, Design & Environment.

Tikkun Olam Makers - Israel based maker movement that has done makerthons for disability sector in Singapore.

Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards

Government Agencies

MSF Disability Division

https://app.msf.gov.sg/About-MSF/Our-People/Divisions-at-MSF/Social-Development-and-Support/Disability-Division

NCSS Disability Services

SGEnable

https://www.sgenable.sg

Owns the i'mable collective, which aims to showcase and market the creative works of persons with disabilities, giving them even more opportunities to hone their skills and sell their craft.

i'mable Collective aims to be the preferred first stop for organisations keen to support the purchase of high quality gifts with a social cause.

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/

Disability Conferences

CONFERENCE LOCATION REMARKS
Having a Say Conference Geelong, Australia Organised by and for people with intellectual disabilities. While the programme isn’t jam packed with information, it’s definitely interesting to learn more about how people with ID raise issues of concerns, and really take part in setting the agenda. Seems fairly prominent within Australia, but not much international reach. Down Syndrome Association brought some of its advocates there last year to share their advocacy programme
Zero Project Vienna, Austria Packed chock-a-block with presentations, sharings, and booths. The theme changes year to year. 2018 was on Accessibility and saw representatives from a whole host of countries sharing more about accessibility (challenges of accessibility). Most interesting were the South American presentations that pretty much shared about how people took issues into their own hands and made spaces in their cities more accessible. The conference is accompanied by innovation booths that feature innovations from all over the world (e.g., a group of people in India who set up a form of landline service for people with disabilities to post and apply for jobs). Really cool stuff. 2019’s theme is on Political Participation.
Global Disability Summit London, UK (2018) Organised by International Disability Alliance. Seems to be the place to meet the who's who in the disability sector globally.
Inclusion International World Congress Birmingham, UK (2018)
Harkin Summit Washington DC, USA (2018) 2018 - Rather US-centric. But great information on employment and employability practices by large organisations.
ASEAN Disability Forums Thailand (2019) Moves around the ASEAN region depending on who the Chairman is.

References

  1. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/disability-pwds-in-employment-mom-survey-parliament-zaqy-11863568
  2. http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/Inclusive%20Attitudes%20Survey%20Press%20Release%20Final.pdf
  3. http://www.lienfoundation.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20-%20Inclusive%20Attitudes%20Survey%20Part%201_30May16.pdf
  4. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/parents-with-disabilities-tackle-misconceptions-raising-families-11729976?cid=h3_referral_inarticlelinks_24082018_cna
  5. https://www.sgenable.sg/about-us/our-impact/disability-in-singapore#source-link-2
  6. 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
  7. Source: National Council of Social Service. Based on a random sampling of 2,000 Singapore citizens 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
  8. Source: National Council of Social Service. Based on a random sampling of 2,000 Singapore citizens 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 old age