SINGAPORE: To ease the “post-18 cliff” faced by people with disabilities after graduation, a task force has recommended enhancing work exposure opportunities in special education (SPED) schools and stronger job support.
In a report released on Sunday (Oct 4), the five-member task force said many families worry about this “cliff” – the uncertainty over whether their loved ones will be able to find and keep a job, live independently and remain connected to their communities after leaving school at 18.
“Many caregivers also worried about what would happen when they were no longer able to care for their loved ones. Above all, families wanted the assurance that they would not have to navigate the future alone,” the task force said.
It said more people with disabilities will need employment support as the number of SPED graduates moving into work or further training grows. The employment rate of people with disabilities aged 15 to 64 years rose from 33.6 per cent in 2024 to 34.7 per cent in 2025, according to Ministry of Manpower data.
The proposed measures aim to build students’ work-ready skills, make training more accessible and help them get jobs. The task force also recommended strengthening employment support services and streamlining access to grants.
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