BACKGROUND OF 3RD ENABLING MASTERPLAN

Sir, the latest Enabling Masterplan for persons with disabilities or PWDs will be expiring in 2021.

Since inception, several pieces in the Masterplan have progressed. 2 workgroups were also commissioned – one to look at employment and the other on independent living.

SPD President Ms Chia Yong Yong (a PWD herself) and myself in my volunteering capacity as President of ARC (a parent of a PWD) co-chair the workgroup with Minister of State Mr Sam Tan.

Many Singaporeans especially PWDs and their families are not aware of the progress of the latest Enabling Masterplan.

Can MSF provide an update on the progress of the Masterplan and what has so far been done by the 2 workgroups?

I would also like to focus on 3 other issues which are not covered by the 2 workgroups.

ISSUE 1: ‘LIFE’ OF PWDs AFTER THEIR PARENTS’ ‘DEATH’

One common grievance by families with children with disabilities is the perennial question of “what would happen to my child when I am no longer around?”.

I have heard this at many focus groups for the last 20 years. Their worries range from financial, legal, housing, healthcare and other issues.

In recent years, there are books, portals and even agencies to help families plan for the future. However, if the families are still living with worry and fear, then there is more to be done in this space.

The question ought to be shifted to “What is going to happen in the future when I am gone, and how can I shape it?”.

I urge MSF to look into this perennial concern of “Life after Death” and assemble a team to improve the current state of future planning for families with disabled children.

ISSUE 2: RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

The current options of where adult PWDs can live and be supported appropriately, are too limiting. PWDs are expected to live with their families with whoever relatives are left or in costly residential homes for those with higher support needs and less family support.

The existing models do not cater sufficiently to a continuum of adult PWDs with varying support needs and abilities. Some interesting models like the TOUCH Ubi hostels for PWDs are some of the best kept secrets in the community.

Singapore is unique in itself in the social eco-system. Public housing is the pride of the nation and every Singaporean is encouraged to own a home. Yet, at the same time, taxation on personal income and corporate taxes are low, contributing to lower public spendings on social services especially for adults with disabilities.

I urge MSF to develop our uniquely Singapore continuum of housing and support choices for PWDs depending on :

• Level of family support and financial ability;

• Level of ability of the PWD in independent daily living and work;

• Level of support services needed by the PWD in care supervision, healthcare, daily living and work; and

• Level of government support in each of the choices.

This will empower PWDs and families to make their choices and become part of the solution.

ISSUE 3: COMMUNITY ACCESS AND INCLUSION

Research has shown that although most people in Singapore welcome the idea of an inclusive society, not everyone is willing to or feel comfortable interacting with them.

Both the disability community and the rest of Singapore need to organize ourselves better for better outcomes in community access and inclusion.

Can Government streamline government-linked agencies so that there is less overlap and greater clarity to the public on the ‘who’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ in disability support and inclusion?

Can more ‘mainstream’ services be tapped upon to increase the presence and inclusion of PWDs?

For instance, can the community clubs and the grassroots movement identify PWDs and include them and their families in their midst?

Can a continuum of housing options for PWDs be designed into all new and existing public housing estates so that PWDs can live with the appropriate support there?

Can every government ministry appoint Disability Champions to look out for and include PWDs in both their work and play?