Forum: Task force working on strengthening employment support for persons with disabilities

We thank Thamilselvan Narayanasamy for his letter “Goodwill cannot be the backbone of an inclusive employment system” (Aug 14). 

We agree that inclusive employment must go beyond helping persons with disabilities enter the workforce. It is equally important that they are supported to integrate well, contribute meaningfully and grow in their roles. This requires supportive organisational workplace cultures, where supervisors and colleagues are equipped to work alongside persons with disabilities.  

Meaningful employment can build confidence,  purpose and a sense of belonging, as persons with disabilities contribute their skills and strengths. Workplaces benefit too, by drawing on a wider range of abilities and perspectives.  

The public service is committed to supporting the employment of persons with disabilities to take on meaningful jobs aligned with their abilities. We do this by building on the national support available to all employers. This includes posting suitable job opportunities on SG Enable’s job portal, and tapping the Open Door Programme administered by SG Enable to improve disability awareness and knowledge, support job redesign and accommodation where needed, and provide flexible work arrangements where the nature of the job allows.

Building a truly inclusive employment landscape requires collective effort across employers, co-workers, community partners and individuals. The Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities is reviewing how existing support can be further strengthened to enable meaningful employment in a changing employment landscape. It will share its recommendations later in 2026. 

We hope more employers and co-workers will step forward to open doors and create workplaces where persons with disabilities are supported to contribute, belong and thrive. 

Stephanie Sim  

Director, Enabling Division  
Ministry of Social and Family Development