SUPPORT AND ASSURANCE
In announcing the task force, Mr Wong said the government will look holistically at how it can strengthen support and assurance to persons with disabilities and their families across life stages.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Enabling Village, Mr Wong said that many parents are concerned about the post-18 transition for their children. Worries include what comes after special education (SPED) schooling, and if they will be ready for work and independent living.
"We hear these concerns. Under the Enabling Masterplan 2030, we have a series of recommendations that the team is working on to strengthen post-SPED and post-18 support. But there is still more that can be done, because in Singapore, we are never satisfied with the status quo, and we are always looking to improve," he said.
He noted that one key area of priority is to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities, with those graduating from special education schools and institutions of higher learning requiring more support to transition from school to the workplace.
"Our efforts to help them must go beyond the short-term - it is not just about transiting them to their first job, we have to support persons with disabilities and their families across the entire life stage, and journey with them on a continuing basis - to help them upgrade and learn new skills, and to live independently for as long as possible.
"That is how we ensure that they are not just recipients of care, but integral, and dignified contributing members of our society."
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