Forum: Many helping hands to support persons with disabilities in lifelong learning
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We thank Mr Wesley Loh for sharing his learning journey and giving constructive suggestions (More SkillsFuture support for people with disabilities an equitable measure, May 18).
We are glad that Mr Loh made use of the SG Enable Training Grant – which funds 95 per cent of eligible course fees – for Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) programmes.
SG Enable, with support from SkillsFuture Singapore, established the training grant scheme, administered through the Enabling Academy, to lower financial barriers and create greater access to training opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Over 2,000 PWDs have benefited from the enhanced training grant for training in vocational skills, independent living and work skills. More than 550 PWDs have also been placed into the workforce after completing structured training programmes.
We also note that Mr Loh has activated his SkillsFuture Credit to offset the remaining 5 per cent out-of-pocket course fee. While there are no plans for additional SkillsFuture Credit top-ups, we agree with Mr Loh on the importance of investing in the skills and development of persons with disabilities to support their social participation and inclusion. We will continually review our policies to ensure adequate support for persons with disabilities to not just upskill, but also access meaningful job opportunities.
Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) is grateful that Mr Loh has benefited from our courses. We have developed and curated practical, skill-based programmes spanning key domains such as work skills, leadership, digital literacy, and independent living. We value the voices and lived experiences of individuals and have engaged suitable autistic adult trainers in co-delivering some of our programmes.
We will continue to expand our programmes to support evolving needs and create meaningful opportunities for individuals to contribute to the empowerment and lifelong learning of our community.
Through a many helping hands approach, we will work collectively to help more persons with disabilities participate in society and contribute meaningfully to Singapore.
Nirmala Palaysamy
Director, Enabling Academy
SG Enable
Jacelyn Lim
Executive Director
Autism Resource Centre (Singapore)
Peggy Lim
Director, Public Engagement Division
SkillsFuture Singapore
