Enabling Masterplan 2007 – 2011 for the Disability Sector ( Executive Summary ) By: Evelyn Chan, Lim Hui Ting, Lina Gan, Susan Chong, Veronica Lim & Florence Jeremiah

Guess Who Are They? Chairman Prof (Dr) Lee Eng Hin President of Rainbow Centre Advisor Prof Tommy koh Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Introduction Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has made the call for Singapore to become an inclusive society in 2004 People with disabilities (PWD) who need support to reach their full potential need to be included as part of the society

Vision PWDs to become equal, integral and contributing members to society PWDs to be appreciated and respected “Many helping hands” will work together to achieve the Singapore vision

Approach Look into the life stages of PWD when reviewing services and programmes Committee consulted views of PWDs, families, Voluntary, Welfare Organisations (VWOs), professionals and practitioners and employers

Key Recommendations Committee submitted 31 recommendations to MCYS 7 key recommendations:- 1.Office on Disability 2.Early Intervention & education for children with Special needs 3. Employment opportunities 4.Empowering the family as the 1 st line of support 5.Community-based services and residential care 6.Sports, Volunteerism and Public Education 7.Manpower Management

1.Office on Disability Adopt inter-ministry approach (MCYS, MOE, MOH, MOM, NCSS, VWOs and the private sectors) Early intervention, education and employment are critical areas to be addressed 2.Early Intervention & Education Leadership revamp – MOE & MOH to take leadership, MCYS & NCSS to provide social service support Planned and purposeful integration – between mainstream & special school Ensure quality programme and staff & develop a shared framework Key Recommendations

Early Intervention & Education (Continue frm previous page) Systematically assessment should be in place before children are put into either mainstream or specialised settings. Government should review funding of EIPIC services due to high cost of services 3.Employment Opportunities A separate Vocational assessment/JobPlacement programmes for PWDs is recommended Training tie up with NTUC Skilled Devt Institute which can partner with VWOs to fund industry relevant training The Open Door Fund for companies to employ PWDs Key Recommendations

Employment Opportunities (con’t frm previous page) Employers’ Network is recommended 4.Empowering the family as the 1 st line of support Training grant for caregivers Foreign Domestic worker levy concession Provide one-stop service for financial issues 5.Community-based Services and Residential Care More residential options for PWDs who require the necessary help

Key Recommendations 6. Sports, Volunteerism and Public Education Increase the resources allocated SDSC to promote Disability Sports Barrier – Free Accessibility by To hold a year round Disability Awareness Public Education campaign 7.Manpower Management Increase supply of Skilled Manpower

Conclusion The committee has gone from 3P’s to 5p’s approach: 1.People 2.Private 3.Public sector 4.Parents 5.PWD’s »Allow all stakeholders a voice to be heard »To address the challenges faced by PWDs & to fully include them in our society