Society for the Physically Disabled changes its name to SPD

Beneficiaries of the Society for the Physically Disabled playing a modified hockey game in 2013. -- PHOTO: ST FILE
Beneficiaries of the Society for the Physically Disabled playing a modified hockey game in 2013. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - The Society for the Physically Disabled has renamed itself SPD to better reflect how it helps people with different kinds of disabilities.

Its president Chia Yong Yong said in a statement on Wednesday: "After years of building our range of expertise for people with physical disabilities, we realised our services could benefit people of other disabilities as well, and we began offering our services to them a few years ago."

The society decided to take advantage of its 50th anniversary this year (2014) to change its name.

The new name also removes the stigma of disabilities for those receiving care and support from the SPD, it said.

The society has also adopted a new logo.

Established in 1964, it started out providing employment to people who had difficulty finding jobs due to their disabilities.

It now helps close to 4,700 people through about 20 programmes and services including rehabilitation, day care, vocational training, education and early intervention.

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