Expanding Definition of Disability to Include Those with Certifiable Mental Health Conditions
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns expanding the definition of disability for programmes like SG Enable’s Open Door to include certifiable mental health conditions, as raised by Mr Ong Hua Han. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that while both are protected characteristics, they require distinct support systems tailored to their specific recovery and coping needs. He noted that the Ministry of Health leads a comprehensive approach focusing on early detection, upstream prevention, and the expansion of community support services. Individuals requiring employment assistance can approach specialized agencies such as the Institute of Mental Health’s Job Club, the Singapore Association for Mental Health, and the Singapore Anglican Community Services. These organizations provide targeted resources, including job placement, post-employment follow-up, and training in conflict resolution and stress management.
Transcript
59 Mr Ong Hua Han asked the Minister for Social and Family Development when will the definition of disability for access to programmes, such as Open Door under SG Enable, be expanded to include those with certifiable mental health conditions, in order to align the protected characteristic of mental health in the upcoming workplace fairness legislation.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Both disability and mental health conditions are protected characteristics in the upcoming workplace fairness legislation because they are some of the more commonly reported forms of workplace discrimination. However, persons with disabilities and persons with mental health conditions receive different types of employment support that cater to their different needs.
The support for individuals with mental health conditions is focused on their recovery and helping them to cope with their conditions. The Government has a comprehensive approach to support persons with mental health conditions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been working with various agencies to promote mental health and upstream prevention; improved early detection, intervention and management; and expand health, social and community support services. Persons with mental health conditions who require employment assistance can approach the Job Club under the Institute of Mental Health, the Singapore Association for Mental Health and the Singapore Anglican Community Services. These organisations provide support, such as job placement, post-employment follow-up and training in conflict resolution and stress management.