Forum: Housing plea for younger adults with disabilities

I was heartened to hear Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announce in his National Day Rally speech that more Community Care Apartments (CCAs) would be built over the coming years to benefit seniors aged 65 and above (“

Age Well Neighbourhoods will help improve seniors’ access to healthcare, social activities

”, Aug 18).

However, the eligibility criteria excludes younger adults with severe disabilities like myself, who require round-the-clock support to live with dignity.

I am turning 30 soon and live with muscular dystrophy, a progressive condition that has left me unable to perform all six activities of daily living, including washing, dressing, feeding and toileting.

I recently received a letter from the Central Provident Fund Board informing me that I will be enrolled in CareShield Life when I turn 30.

Given my pre-existing severe disability, I will receive monthly payouts for as long as I have severe disability, which is the case for my medical condition.

If the Government recognises, through CareShield Life, that people with pre-existing severe disability should receive lifelong support, then housing policy should also reflect this reality.

CCAs offer accessible design, on-site emergency assistance, and community services that are just as relevant for younger adults with lifelong disabilities as they are for seniors. Like other young Singaporeans, I would like to get married and live with my partner on my own one day, rather than depend on my family for housing arrangements.

I urge the Government to expand CCA eligibility to Singaporeans aged 30 and above who are already covered under CareShield Life and meet the definition of severe disability.

This would ensure equitable access to dignified housing for persons with disabilities (PWDs), while making full use of an existing scheme designed to support independent living. Such a move would complement the Age Well Neighbourhoods initiative, by enabling younger PWDs to age well in their communities too.

Singapore’s ageing population rightly deserves robust support, but we must also remember younger citizens who live with permanent severe disability from birth or childhood. Extending CCA eligibility would close this gap and give us the chance to age well in place, alongside our fellow Singaporeans.

Shalom Lim Ern Rong