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Introduction
The Singapore Government has made the call for Singapore to become an inclusive society. It is said that the maturity of a society is reflected in the way it treats and supports those who are disadvantaged. It is on these premises that the Enabling Masterplan is built upon, focusing on a very special group of people in our country - those with disabilities and who should be supported to reach their full potential and be included as part of Singapore.
The Steering Committee for the Enabling Masterplan was formed in September 2006 to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Singapore and to maximise their potential for independent living. In its Report, the Committee puts forth, for the Government's consideration, recommendations that seek to achieve these aims.
Vision
The Committee envisions an inclusive Singapore where PWDs are given the opportunity to become equal, integral and contributing members of society through effective intervention services and quality education, equal opportunities for PWDs in employment and the opportunity to live with dignity in the community. The people, private and public sectors will work in synergy together with PWDs and their families, making the disability sector an exemplar of the "Many Helping Hands" approach.
Adopting a life stage approach (from birth to adulthood), each chapter of the Report addresses a specific aspect of the needs of PWDs. The following are the desired outcomes:
- Office on Disability
An office on disability that will be given the mandate to pull and optimise resources from various ministries and agencies, and galvanise the people and private sectors to ensure effective outcomes for persons with disabilities.
- Early Intervention and Education for Children with Special Needs
Children with special needs shall receive a quality education that will maximise their potential at home, in the workplace and in the community. A quality early intervention and education programme will lay a strong foundation for the child's adult years and maximise his/her ability to:
- Live independently in the community
- Become gainfully employed
- Engage in lifelong learning
- Possess a quality of life in the areas of socialisation, recreation, leisure and healthcare (this includes quality of care for those with high support needs)
- Contribute to others at home and in the community
- Equalising Opportunities for Employment
PWDs will achieve self reliance through work. They will have equal opportunities for employment. They will be well trained and have market-relevant skills. There will be a robust system of vocational assessment, training and job placement. Vocational, pre-vocational and life skills training will begin in school to enhance their employability.
- Empowering the Family as the First Line of Support - Caregiver Support and Financial Security
Families will continue to be the first line of care and support for persons with disabilities. There will be services, programmes and easy access to information to support families in caregiving.
- Community-Based Services and Residential Care
Persons with disabilities in Singapore will live an independent life with dignity in the community. Institutionalisation will be the last resort. There will be a barrier-free environment, with adequate and critical support services made available for them and their families.
- Sports, Volunteerism and Philanthropy, and Public Education
PWDs will have access to sports for recreation; rehabilitation; and competition. There will be strong volunteer participation and philanthropy in the disability sector. Our society will understand the needs of PWDs, learn to appreciate and accept their differences, and embrace them into mainstream society.
- Manpower Management and Training
The disability sector will be staffed by trained manpower receiving competitive salaries according to their job scope. They will be given opportunities to attend training courses regularly to upgrade themselves. PWDs will receive quality service and care provided by trained manpower.
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