I decided to speak for the Disability Community at this week’s Parliamentary debate on the COVID-19 White Paper. Here’s an extract -if you’re interested, watch video for the full speech

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WHAT CAN WE DO TO BETTER SUPPORT PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES MORE EFFECTIVELY IN FUTURE PANDEMICS?

Firstly, it is essential to ADOPT A UNIVERSAL DESIGN APPROACH so that the vulnerable including the disabled are included upstream. This should happen at the strategic inter-ministerial task force level and at the highest operations level.

The dedicated Centre for Public Health and the Forward Planning Team announced by DPM Wong yesterday must include an arm to look into the key vulnerable groups such as the disabled, the young and the elderly.

It is crucial to recognize that the well-being of the vulnerable cannot be solely delegated to other ministries; and piecemeal, stop-gap measures based on the kindness of others.

The voices of the vulnerable should be designed to be heard at the highest level upstream and not downstream.

Secondly, we need to INCLUDE OUTREACH TO THE DISABLED IN THE MAINSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS CHANNELS such as the TV, newspapers and useful GovTech WhatsApp updates that residents receive daily.

Many individuals are unaware of how to access disability hubs such as SG Enable and there may also be barriers such as language and IT proficiency.

During the pandemic, we have heard of desperate parents who were worried what the quarantine arrangements of their children would be, should they get infected.

For adults with disabilities above the age of 18 who need supervision and escort, many families do not know where to turn to appeal for special needs such as being accompanied by a familiar adult before and during vaccination. Neither is it clear that they have options to be vaccinated either at a centre or at home.

Whenever such cases come to my attention, I had often approached and relied on the kindness of public servants and office bearers such as Senior Parl Sec Rahayu Mahzam to point me in the right direction.

But outreach has to be more systemic and affected parties need to be confident enough to have their needs heard and responded to.

Thirdly, we need to DEVELOP A PLAYBOOK FOR INCLUSIVE PANDEMIC POLICES AND PRACTICES AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL.

Besides involving the government agencies such as MSF and SGE for the disabled, there must be a platform to actively engage and consult with disability agencies and advocates to ensure that the unique need and perspectives of the disabled are highlighted.

We need to tap on mainstream practices wherever possible and communicate clearly and widely. For instance, in matters such as applying for caregiver escort and supervision during vaccination and quarantines. And in offering the younger disabled options such as the public community vaccination centres; mobile home-based vaccinations and even vehicle drive-through centres.

Set up a dedicated Hot Line staffed by human beings that is accessible for the major disability groups and their families.

Identify and learn too from best practices elsewhere.

Allow for flexibility where reasonable at school, work or public places, because not all disabilities and support needs are the same.

• UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUDING THE DISABLED, UPSTREAM, NOT DOWNSTREAM.

• INCLUDE OUTREACH VIA THE MAINSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM.

• DEVELOP A PLAYBOOK FOR INCLUSIVE PANDEMIC POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THE FUTURE.

CONCLUSION

Singapore has done the best it could, under the challenging circumstances brought about by COVID-19.

Like many others, I feel so blessed to be in Singapore for a time such as this.

With hindsight, let us better include the voice of the disabled and their proxies such as their families and advocates, so that we can better support Persons with Disabilities in future pandemics.

Let us work together to ensure that none of them is left behind.

Denise Phua

21 March 2023