On Enabling MasterPlan for the Disabled

SPEECH ON ENABLING MASTERPLAN FOR THE DISABLED

By Denise Phua

In a parliamentary adjournment motion I filed in 2020, I advocated for some key changes to better the lives of persons in the disability community. These changes included addressing significant gaps in provisions for living, learning, and working; altering societal perceptions of persons with disabilities (PWDs); ensuring the availability of performance and progress reports; improving the policy-making and service structure for better collaboration among PWDs, families, and disability agencies; and amplifying the voices of PWDs.

I am grateful that many of these calls have been heeded. For instance, updates on the Enabling Masterplan 2030 (EMP2030) are accessible on the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) website, though they require navigating through several pages before one can find them. I call upon MSF to proactively push out these information so that affected stakeholders are assured of progress.

Recognizing the progress made over the years, I propose four areas for further improvement:

Reporting beyond activities: Current EMP2030 reports, primarily activity-based, should also link outputs to outcomes. This approach would offer insights into the health conditions of PWDs, their readiness when they leave formal schooling, caregiver confidence in obtaining information and assistance, and the level of public awareness and acceptance of PWDs. Although challenging, it is crucial for the EMP2030 implementation team to begin this analysis to support further informed contributions from stakeholders.

Relevance of the Plan: With rapid changes in society and technology, the 8-year EMP2030 will become outdated. The Singapore Government for instance has rolled out HealthierSg, community care apartments, new BTO towns, active ageing centres, and SkillsFuture upgrades – many exciting developments that I feel strongly can include the disability community. I earnestly urge MSF to consciously conduct a formal yearly review to update the EMP2030 so that it stays relevant and tap on these important developments.

Unaddressed Gaps: Certain critical areas not covered in EMP2030 need attention, including inclusive insurance, criminal justice, and the inclusion of mental health and neurodiversity conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia – all needed for a comprehensive support system for PWDs.

On inclusive insurance, I am deeply appreciative of the strong support from MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) and the Life Insurance Association. They have collaborated with charities such as the Autism Resource Centre to develop a guide to raise awareness of disabilities and enhance transparency of insurers’ risk assessment approach towards health insurance underwriting. I thank advocates like Wesley Loh; his MP, Chong Kee Hiong and others, for their feedback in this space. There are still significant challenges that need further study. For example, insurance companies often hesitate to cover individuals with disabilities who disclose their medication use, failing to recognize that those who follow their prescribed medication regimens are likely to maintain or even improve their health status.

On criminal justice, I repeat my call for a review by MSF and MinLaw of the Appropriate Adult Scheme to enhance police investigations with more training and including a bigger pool of equipped professional volunteer pool. There is also a pressing need to explore a facility or programme ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) who are incarcerated are placed in appropriate physical facilities and suitable rehabilitation programs.

Funding Models for Essential Services -s my 4th and last point today. The funding model for essential services for adults with disabilities, such as Day Activity Centres and residential homes for those with moderate to severe autism, should be re-evaluated. MSF should seriously look into a hybrid funding model comprising a universal base funding AND means-tested funding quantum to address the core issue of insufficient funding for these services. Reducing fees only for the parents are welcomed but they do not solve the fundamental problem of the need to break even for these essential services by the providers.

I seek MSF’s considered and favourable responses to the 4 points I have raised. And I thank MSF, SG Enable and all who care for your great support.

Community, Disabilities, MP, ParliamentDenise PhuaEnabling MasterPlan, COS 2024, Parliament, Speech