On Disabilities - Living, Working and Learning
Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)
Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng (Jalan Besar): Chairman, I thank our Prime Minister for signalling his support to look into the needs of persons with disabilities (PwDs), especially after formal schooling.
Why does the community especially families, feel such despair, especially post-age 18? The answer lies in the lack of continuity in support systems – what is often termed as the "cliff effect" in the disability sector. Families are left to navigate a fragmented landscape. So, how can we shift families from a place of helplessness to a place of hope?
The solution lies in creating a continuum of support models across living, learning and working – three key pillars of life.
I am pleased that the Ministry has introduced three key initiatives: the Enabling Services Hub, the Enabling Business Hub and the Enabled Living Programme. These programmes aim to make community, employment and living support more accessible to PwDs.
Both the Enabling Services Hub and the Enabling Business Hub have been operational for some time. I urge the MSF to provide some updates on their current status, achievements, challenges and future plans. I also seek MSF to share the progress of the Enabled Living Programme.
Next, the truth is that the needs of adults with disabilities are diverse. Some require intensive round-the-clock care while others need much less support to build independent living skills. This diversity therefore calls for a continuum of support models tailored to individual needs.
On living, one of the most pressing gaps is the lack of long-term residential options for adults with disabilities.
While I applaud MSF's openness to exploring an Enabled Living Programme for those with mild to moderate needs, we must move beyond programme-centric approaches. Instead, we need a spectrum of residential models to suit different archetypes.
On learning, on the learning front, the situation is also equally urgent. When asked about continuing education for PwDs yesterday, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has indicated that MSF and SG Enable will take the lead, citing the diverse and complex needs of this population. While this is understandable, the reality is that many Government-funded Special Education (SPED) students stop learning altogether after leaving school, largely due to that proverbial "cliff effect".
This abrupt decline in structured training opportunities leads to skill loss, reduced independence and increased burdens on families and society. The problem is compounded in a world where technology is rapidly disrupting all our lives. Lifelong learning, therefore, is not a luxury, but a necessity.
I urge the Government to commission a comprehensive study to address this "cliff effect" and consider adopting a top-up funding model for adult learners with special educational needs, closer to the support that they receive pre-age 18. Additionally, I propose the establishment of lifelong learning colleges for major disability groups, partnering with social service agencies that have a proven track record in this space.
On work, why work matters. Work provides dignity, identity, financial independence and purpose. With proper training and support, PwDs can contribute meaningfully to workplaces and society.
Sir, I wish to propose five actions for the Ministry to promote inclusive employment.
One, prioritise reasonable accommodations at work. During the recent Workplace Fairness Bill discussion, I proposed the creation of a job accommodation network – a resource to guide employers in implementing reasonable accommodations and to empower PwDs themselves with self-advocacy skills. This would help them balance their needs with employers' business constraints.
While MOM may have other priorities, I really urge the Ministry to work with its partners to take the lead on this initiative.
Two, extend job placement and job support for PwDs. The current Job Placement and Job Support Programme provides support for only one year. This is not sufficient as PwDs often require long-term assistance to navigate workplace challenges. Stopping support after one year is akin to removing eyeglasses from someone with myopia, leaving them unable to see clearly. Some of these groups really need longer support.
Three, develop a SkillsFuture masterplan for PwDs. In a rapidly changing job market, relevance is key. Jobs that exist today may disappear tomorrow and PwDs must be equipped with the skills to adapt.
Sir, I urge the Government, its Job Placement and Job Support Programme partners and industry leaders to develop a SkillsFuture masterplan for PwDs – a robust framework to help them upskill, reskill and remain competitive.
Four, include sheltered workshops as part of a continuum of employment models. Sheltered workshops hold strong potential as a viable employment model. It is actually less costly than the Day Activity Centres and it offers a more focused and purposeful alternative to Day Activity Centres, which can be costly and lack an emphasis on work. So, more sheltered workshops should be established.
The Ministry should also clarify and communicate the continuum of employment models available to PwDs, their families and other stakeholders so as to enable them to make informed decisions about the most suitable employment model.
Lastly, expand beyond the School-To-Work scheme. While the School-To-Work scheme by MOE for recent SPED school graduates is a good initiative, the earliest SPED graduates and mainstream graduates with special educational needs are often overlooked. I urge the Government to allocate resources to address that gap and ensure that no one is excluded.
Finally, I just want to thank MSF, all its agencies and all its partners as well for their good work. The "cliff effect" is not inevitable. I look forward to serving with you to support the disability community.
Source: https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=budget-2622