 1988: ACD (Advisory council for the disabled) ◦ Those whose prospect of securing, retaining places and advancing in Education and training institutions, employment and recreation as equal members of the community are substantially reduced as a result of physical, sensory, intellectual impairments.  2004: MCYS definition (current definition) ◦ Those whose prospect of securing, retaining places and advancing in Education and training institutions, employment and recreation as equal members of the community are substantially reduced as a result of physical, sensory, intellectual and developmental impairments.

2 apparent approaches:  Medical:  Strength – objective  Weakness – promote the view of PWD as dependent and needing  Socio-functional:  Strength: view PWD as part of economic, environmental and cultural society

The committee endorses the definition as it is ◦ Sufficient rigour in determination ◦ While maintaining socio-functional perspective It is notable that ASD is on the rise.

Prevalence Rate of Persons with Disabilities In Singapore

1. Measuring based on PWD who use government funding  not comprehensive 2. Use stats from other countries  inaccurate due to different definition 3. Sampling of different cohorts over years  not robust 4. Pre-school cohort (0 – 6 years old) data shows that there are about 1400 children diagnosed annually with disabilities (3.2% of annual cohort)  the best we have

 MCYS to conduct a robust study on the Prevalence Rate.  Definition to be reviewed periodically for it to be relevant and up-to-date

 Esther  Mei Fang  Catherine  Anna All right reserved