At SPD’s 60th-anniversary dinner, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized Singapore’s continued efforts to support persons with disabilities and their caregivers.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong marked the 60th anniversary of SPD (formerly known as the Society for Aid to the Paralysed) on October 28, 2024, honoring the organization’s long-standing dedication to improving the lives of persons with disabilities. In his speech, Wong underscored the government’s commitment to building a more inclusive society and highlighted new initiatives aimed at supporting persons with disabilities across life stages.
Reflecting on SPD’s journey, Wong applauded the organization for expanding its services beyond employment support to include educational scholarships, rehabilitative services, and caregiver assistance. He shared the story of Awlia Waafini, a young SPD beneficiary with spina bifida, whose progress exemplifies SPD’s positive impact. “Each story represents a life transformed, a potential unlocked,” said Wong, adding that SPD’s services have benefited countless individuals over its six decades of work.
Looking ahead, Wong outlined three focus areas under the Enabling Masterplan: early support for children with disabilities, smoother transitions into employment for SPED school graduates, and comprehensive assistance for caregivers. To support children with disabilities, he announced plans to increase capacity in early intervention programs, enhance training for special education (SPED) educators, and launch new leadership development initiatives.
Addressing the employment challenges faced by SPED school graduates, Wong pointed out that Singapore aims to raise the employment rate of persons with disabilities from 33% to 40% by 2030. He urged employers to embrace inclusive hiring practices, as this would unlock new opportunities for young adults with disabilities entering the workforce.
For caregivers, Wong acknowledged the pressures of balancing daily care and long-term planning. He mentioned that the government is exploring ways to help caregivers prepare for their loved ones’ future care needs, even as family sizes shrink. These support measures aim to enable persons with disabilities to continue living independently within the community, reducing caregiver stress.
Wong concluded by reminding attendees of the empathy that sparked SPD’s creation in 1964, inspired by Paulette Leanings, who had cerebral palsy. He emphasized that a truly inclusive society requires empathy and active support from every individual and organization, saying, “Together, let us build a society that embraces everyone as respected and valued members.”
SPD’s anniversary dinner was attended by numerous beneficiaries, supporters, and government representatives, all celebrating the strides made toward inclusivity and the promise of a more supportive future for persons with disabilities.
Source – PMO
