SG Enable and the Services Available for Persons with Intellectual disability in Singapore

Abstract

There are an estimated more than 100,000 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Singapore, and these disabilities can include physical, sensory, intellectual disability, and developmental disabilities. The presence of a disability does not only affect the individual themselves but also impacts their caregivers and families significantly. Moreover, the care needs of a PwD often persist throughout their life, and change over the different life stages, leading to various challenges for the PwDs and their families. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) led the development of the Enabling Masterplans (EMP), which are 5-year road maps that serve to guide the development and support of disability-related services in Singapore. In 2013, MSF also established SG Enable as the focal agency that is the first stop for all disability matters in Singapore. SG Enable currently works closely with social service agencies (SSA) and community partners to provide effective and holistic support to PwDs and their caregivers. This article will outline briefly the different types of disabilities, the needs over the life course, and the role of SG Enable in addressing these needs.