New task force set up by Govt to support those with disabilities; Enabling Village opens new space

Others with higher care needs will also require more structured pathways to transition from school to society, he added.

“MSF has been looking at these issues for some time. But it’s really a whole-of-government and, more importantly, a whole-of-society effort. Because it’s not just about what the Government does – it’s also about how all of us, including employers and the community at large, respond,” he said.

SG Enable opened the Enabling Village in Redhill in 2015 to provide those with disabilities a dedicated space where they can live, learn and work alongside their caregivers and the wider community.

The expansion is part of SG Enable’s efforts to strengthen post-18 pathways for people with disabilities and to support their caregivers, the disability agency said.

At Vista, the Independent Living Studio, which is developed with TOUCH Community Services and supported by charity for disabilities SPD, resembles a typical HDB flat and is fitted with smart-home features and assistive technology.

The simulated environment allows users to practise essential daily living skills, undergo hands-on training and even stay overnight as part of structured learning modules.

The Enabling Academy, which offers courses to support employability and learning, will be housed in Vista from now. The academy was opened in 2022 and works with partners across the education, business and social sectors to offer courses.

To help caregivers and those with disabilities plan for long-term support needs early, the Future Care Planning Resource Centre, run by SG Enable, will also operate from the new building. It will tap a network of social service agencies and community partners and serve as a sector hub where caregivers can get help.

Other tenants of the building include CaringSG, which provides caregivers with respite and emotional support, and inclusive singing organisation Voices of Singapore, which will run inclusive choir programmes that welcome participants of all abilities.

Among the many excited faces at the event was Madam Li Shu Yun and her son Allan Cai. Madam Li, 62, has visited the Enabling Village multiple times a month since it first opened in 2015.

Allan, 28, was born with Down syndrome, and attends talks and courses by the Enabling Academy on topics such as art, communications and computer skills.

Madam Li said moves like expanding the Enabling Village sends a good message that more thought and importance is being placed on those who are differently abled.

“When you look at the space, the services, and how everyone is working together – it really makes you feel like the entire society is moving towards inclusion,” the university lecturer added.

PM Wong said Singapore has made strides in changing attitudes and mindsets over the years.

He said that when

, he remembered being at the first parade in 2013 – it was then a small gathering of advocates and supporters. The Purple Parade is an annual gathering in Singapore to raise awareness for those with disabilities. This year’s parade drew more than 15,000 participants.

“We can all take heart in the progress made. But we still have work to do,” said PM Wong.