On Enabling Masterplan for the Disabled
On Enabling MasterPlan for the Disabled in my 3-minute alloted at MSF’s Committee of Supply budget debate.
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1. NEED FOR A DETAILED UPDATE ON THE PROGRESS OF THE EMP2030
More than half a year has passed since EMP2030 was published. I believe, the rest of the disability community, would like to seek a detailed update from MSF on the progress of the MasterPlan.
One key concern of the sector has always been the lack of sufficient services in the adult disability space.
I seek clarification on what has moved for adults at the 2 ends of the spectrum – adults who are employable; and adults who are not suitable for paid employment and need more care.
The proposed Enabling Business Hub and the Enabling Services Hub have been hailed as the 2 key pilots to address the needs of the 2 categories of adults.
What is the progress to date ?
How many adults with different abilities can benefit?
How will these 2 Hub concepts be scaled in order to cover the many other adults who require the services?
And how will they be funded for sustainability?
2. APPOINT A EMP2030 EXECUTION LEADERSHIP TEAM
We should not wait for a COS to provide updates to the EMP2030. EMP2030 is unique in that it is for a duration of 8 years, versus the shorter 5-year plans of the past.
By 2030, most of the Ministry’s public office holders including Minister and his team would have moved on or transferred. The assumptions underpinning these recommendations would have changed, in view of the rapid pace at which our society, economy and external environment have moved.
I would expect that some of the recommendations may be outdated.
To inject confidence and to ensure the MasterPlan stays updated and relevant, MSF should appoint a EMP2030 EXECUTION LEADERSHIP Team, convene regular sessions, develop and communicate a EMP2030 Dashboard and Accountability Report by the different Recommendation Execution Owners.
3. TAP ON MAINSTREAM SERVICES
Within just 8 months of the release of EMP2030, Government has already made several major announcements in the important aspects of mainstream Singapore.
The HealthierSG movement to instil proactive and preventive healthcare is in place.
MOE has announced its plan to shift education focus from the first 15 years to the next 50 years of one’s life.
MND has announced new BTO ramp up plans and inclusive living for the elderly in the form of Community Service Apartments.
How will MSF ensure the EMP2030 includes and taps on these positive developments?
How can we persuade the rest of Government to adopt a universal design approach to service planning so that the disabled will not be considered, only as an afterthought?
In conclusion, I wish to thank the diligent MSF team for being always on the look out for this special community. You are deeply appreciated.
Denise Phua, 3 March 2023