Definition of "Disability" for Social Policies
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the official definition of disability in social policies, raised by Ms Anthea Ong who inquired about its alignment with international standards and the exclusion of mental health conditions. Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee stated that the definition, established in 2004, focuses on physical, intellectual, sensory, and developmental impairments that hinder socio-functional participation. He clarified that mental health conditions are addressed through recovery-focused frameworks like the National Mental Health Blueprint rather than disability schemes to facilitate reintegration. Support includes specialized employment assistance via Workforce Singapore and the Institute of Mental Health, as well as peer support specialist programmes. The Minister emphasized that the Government remains committed to reviewing these policies under the Enabling Masterplan to ensure their continued efficacy and reach.
Transcript
51 Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the official definition of "disability" used in our social policies; (b) how does this definition compare to the definition under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments); (c) when was our definition stipulated, and whether it is time for a review; and (d) what is the reason for mental disorders to be excluded from this definition of disability for social support and employment schemes.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Enabling Masterplans define "persons with disability" as those with substantially reduced prospects of securing, retaining places and advancing in education and training institutions, employment and recreation, due to physical, intellectual, and sensory impairments, as well as developmental needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder. This definition was endorsed in 2004 by the first Enabling Masterplan Steering Committee, comprising representatives1 of the disability sector, the private sector and the public sector. Our disability schemes and services are guided by this definition.
In determining if an individual's conditions fall within the disability criteria, medical assessments and examinations of the socio-functional limitations faced by persons with disability are done by medical professionals or suitable non-medical professionals such as therapists. The Steering Committee in 2004 assessed that the medical diagnosis ensured rigour in determining what constituted a disability, while the socio-functional examination ensured that economic, environmental and cultural barriers were also taken into account.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities does not explicitly define which conditions constitute a disability, but notes that persons with disability include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
In line with the Convention, disability schemes and services in Singapore are designed to facilitate the participation of individuals with hearing impairment and visual impairment conditions, physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder – a type of mental disorder, as well as children with developmental needs, in areas such as education, transport, employment, training, recreation and care, such that they are recognised, empowered and given every opportunity to be integral and contributing members of society.
Disability schemes and services do not comprehensively target individuals with mental health conditions as the Government's support for this group is focused on their recovery and reintegration into society. The Government has adopted a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach in this regard. Through the National Mental Health Blueprint and the Community Mental Health Masterplan, the Ministry of Health has enhanced mental health promotion and upstream prevention; improved early detection, intervention, and disease management; and adopted a collective front to better integrate health, social and community support.
Jobseekers with mental health conditions who require employment assistance can approach the Job Club under the Institute of Mental Health, as well as the Singapore Anglican Community Services’ Employment Support Services. They can also tap on the employment support programmes under Workforce Singapore's Adapt and Grow initiative. The Institute of Mental Health and NCSS have also developed a Peer Support Specialist programme where persons in recovery can be trained and employed as Peer Support Specialists to provide support to other persons with mental health conditions. In addition, the Health Promotion Board provides management training workshops that equip managers and HR personnel with the skills to foster a supportive workplace environment, recognise common mental health issues, and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
While our current policies and definitions have served us well thus far, the Government will continue to review the reach and efficacy of our policies and services as we work with the disability sector to strengthen support for persons with disability under the Enabling Masterplan.