The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 50 No. 8 - Persons with Intellectual Disabilities 3

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

Chen Shiling
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 50 No 8 - Persons with Intellectual Disabilities 3
31 July 2024
0377-5305
It is estimated that there are 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 significantly impacts their caregivers and families. 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. In response, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) pioneered 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 for disability and inclusion in Singapore. SG Enable currently works closely with social service agencies (SSAs) and community partners to build a robust ecosystem of support for PwDs and their caregivers, enabling them to live, learn, work, and play in an inclusive society. 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.