Debate on President’s Address: Eric Chua on ‘person-centric’ support for persons with disabilities

Singapore must push ahead in its efforts to implement the Enabling Masterplan 2030 (EMP2030) and forge a more caring and inclusive society, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 19), he stressed the need to support persons with disabilities (PWDs) in a seamless manner. One area is support for those who are above 18 years old. Mr Chua noted that such support is mainly centre-based and places the burden of sourcing for the right services squarely on the shoulders of the PWDs and their caregivers. Hence, if PWDs do not join post-18 centre-based services after their schooling years, they stop receiving the much-needed case management support. Mr Chua stressed the need to shift to a more "person-centric" approach. The Government must also adopt a more continual and holistic approach on their changing support needs throughout their lives. Mr Chua said disability service providers, case managers and befrienders should be empowered to adopt a more "person-centric" approach. He also called for better integration of social health support. One way is to simplify the system to provide more coordinated and holistic home-based services for those who need them. The Government could also look into how its financial assistance schemes can be more integrated for adults with disabilities, especially across the health and social sectors.