Here you will find information on the social support available for persons with physical disabilities, resources and stories of people going through the same journey.
Therapy & intervention
Rehabilitation and therapy can help persons with physical disabilities manage their conditions with confidence and regain or even improve certain functions. Treatment goals vary from individual to individual. Common forms of rehabilitation include physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Services & programmes
EIPIC is likely the most common programme for children with special needs. Activities at EIPIC centres aim to maximise the child’s developmental growth potential and minimise the development of secondary disabilities.
If your child is not in a programme or school where therapy is already provided, he can still go for therapy sessions offered by other VWOs or private intervention centres. Adults with acquired disabilities can also consider therapy services to overcome challenges they face in mobility, independent living, working and socialising.
Other useful information:
Child & adult care
Day care, residential programmes and other care services are available to support people with physical disabilities. The type of service needed would vary based on the person’s needs and the level of support that his caregiver can provide.
Services & programmes
For caregivers looking for childcare and before- or after-school care, they could consider services such as the Integrated Child Care Programme (ICCP) for pre-schoolers aged 2 to 6, or Special Student Care Centres (SSCCs) for students aged 7 to 18. More information can be found below:
For adults, getting a job is a step towards financial security and participation in society. Other options include sheltered workshops and Day Activity Centres (DACs).
For help at home, foreign domestic workers or home-based care services by VWOs are possible options. More information can be found in the Child & Adult Care section of this website.
But for adults who are unable to get adequate care support at home, residential homes and hostels offer alternative accommodation. More information can be found in the Child & Adult Care section of this website.
Other useful information
Education
Children and youths with disabilities have a few choices in their education pathways – the exact choice would depend on their individual needs and abilities.
Apart from early intervention programmes, pre-schoolers may enrol in inclusive or integrated pre-schools. Education is compulsory up to age 15 in Singapore, so children from age 7 will need to enrol in either Special Education (SPED) schools or mainstream primary schools.
Currently, there is no SPED school dedicated to children with physical disabilities only. However, some SPED schools support students with multiple disabilities, and these will support those with physical disabilities too. Mainstream schools admit students with physical disabilities – they provide additional support such as allied educators and barrier-free access.
Parents can speak to medical professionals, social workers or teachers to seek their recommendations on whether the child should go to a SPED school or mainstream school. The links below also provide useful info.
Service providers:
Other useful information:
There are initiatives to help students with disabilities prepare for working life – whether they’re in SPED schools or in institutes of higher learning (IHLs).
IHL students could check with their school’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Office for work preparation opportunities or consider SG Enable’s IHL Internship and RISE Mentorship programmes to gain real-world working experience and start building their resumes. More information can be found in the Training & Employment section.
People who acquired a physical disability due to accidents or illness may find it tough to get back to their old jobs or prepare for a new career. They could also consider SG Enable’s Hospital-to-Work programme, which offers services including rehabilitation, skills training and employment assistance.
Employment and skills upgrading
Job seekers can check out services and schemes designed to help them secure and hold down a job.
Some organisations provide a suite of services associated with job placement and job support agencies. There are also training courses offered at subsidised rates and customised for persons with disabilities.
Other useful information:
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