COS 2015 Debate: MSF – Adults with Special Needs (MP Png Eng Huat)

By MP for Hougang SMC, Png Eng Huat
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 12 March 2015]

Sir,

The Enabling Masterplan 2012-2016 has identified many issues, goals, and visions to address the needs of persons with special needs and their caregivers as we strive towards making Singapore an inclusive society.

One of the findings in the report addresses the need to fill the notable service gap after persons with special needs leave school at age 18.  Issues brought up include limited vacancies at Day Activity Centres and range of care options to cater for different needs.

The report made an interesting suggestion to open up the many conveniently located eldercare facilities for adults with special needs so as to reduce transport cost, reduce travelling time and to enable these adults to go to the centres on their own if possible since eldercare facilities are conveniently located in the heartlands.

Many of the eldercare facilities especially the senior activity centres have the capacity to do more since the premises are already equipped with elderly and handicap-friendly features.

These neighbourhood facilities can conduct classes and activities for some of these adults with special needs some of whom could be highly functional.

I wish to ask the Minister for an update on this suggestion put forth by the Enabling Masterplan.  How many eldercare facilities have piloted such initiatives and what types of support the ministry is providing to these centres to take on the added role of providing care for adults with special needs.

Sir, I  prefer to use the term “Adults with Special Needs” instead of “Adults with Disabilities” for good reason.

Many years ago, while on on a train overseas, I chanced upon a person on a motorised wheelchair in the same cabin where I was seated.  The person has limited mobility and he was alone.  The conductor came, asked the passenger a few questions, unzipped the person’s waist pouch, took out a note, issued the ticket and put everything including the change back into the person’s pouch.  Do I see a person with disabilities? All I saw that day was an independent person with special needs going about his life living in an inclusive society.