Forum: Inclusion begins with simple, everyday interactions

We refer to Ms Theresa Tan’s commentary, “A blind man told me not to pity him. Instead, empathise” (Sept 21).

We thank Ms Tan for stepping into the shoes of a blind person through Dialogue in the Dark by Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and for sharing her reflections in The Straits Times. Her piece reminds us that persons with disabilities do not need our pity but, rather, our empathy: the openness to understand the barriers they face, and the commitment to foster a more inclusive society. 

As the focal agency for disability inclusion, SG Enable encourages all Singaporeans to embrace persons with disabilities as friends, colleagues and fellow citizens who, like all of us, cherish human connection, friendship and meaningful opportunities to contribute. Inclusion often begins with simple, everyday interactions – a conversation at work, or a smile or greeting along the corridor or at the bus stop. 

Guided by the Public Education Standing Committee led by Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Social and Family Development, and Mr Adrian Tan, founder of Ad Planet, SG Enable has launched the “Would You Care?” campaign under our i’mable public education initiative.

The campaign portrays everyday scenarios and features seven individuals across five disability types as they share their lived experiences and show what inclusion means in daily life. At the heart of the campaign is a simple but powerful question: Would you care to look beyond first impressions and see the persons with disabilities as who they are – people with talents, passions, and stories of their own?

Since 2024, SG Enable has also launched two calls for proposals for individuals and organisations to support projects that aim to shift mindsets, change behaviours and inspire others to advocate for inclusion, and to co-create these with persons with disabilities. Our goal is to empower the community to build a more caring and inclusive Singapore. 

Inclusion is a journey we walk together to make Singapore a home where everyone belongs. Join us in this journey at imable.sg.  

Lee May Gee
Chief Executive Officer
SG Enable