Persons with disabilities in S’pore have more options now: Tan Chuan-Jin

SINGAPORE — Today, persons with disabilities have more options in Singapore, be it in education, employment, transport or living arrangements within the community, said Minister for Social and Family Development (MSF) Tan Chuan-Jin.

Singapore has “made progress on several fronts” since the launch of the second Enabling Masterplan (EM) in 2012, Mr Tan said in a Facebook post today (Dec 3). He noted that many recommendations of the EM have been implemented, such as the ratification of the UN convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the opening of the Enabling Village where persons with disabilities will get to access resources and employment opportunities within a unique community space.

The EM is the MSF’s five-year national roadmap to integrate persons with disabilities into society where they can be contributing members and maximise their potential. The roadmap is aimed at covering most aspects of their lives, such as providing support from an early stage, taking care of their education and employment opportunities, creating an environment that is accessible for them, and ensuring financial security.

Noting that the 8th ASEAN Para Games opening today coincides with this year’s UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Mr Tan said the spirit of the Games embodies the empowerment of people of all abilities via sports.

“It resonates with the theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities - ‘Inclusion matters: access and empowerment of people of all abilities’.”