Inclusion of Mental and Intellectual Disabilities in Employment-related Programmes for Persons with Disabilities
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether mental and intellectual disabilities are excluded from employment-related programmes like the Open Door Programme (ODP) and Enabling Employment Credit (EEC). Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng clarified that intellectual and developmental impairments, including autism, are covered by these schemes, with the EEC providing wage offsets of up to 30%. Individuals with other mental health conditions receive customised support, job matching, and training through specialised agencies such as the Institute of Mental Health and the Singapore Association for Mental Health. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng highlighted that support is tailored to individual needs because the spectrum of mental health conditions varies over time. Finally, the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being is currently developing recommendations to further enhance employability and reduce stigma for these individuals.
Transcript
52 Dr Shahira Abdullah asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether mental and intellectual disabilities are excluded from employment-related programmes such as the Open Door Programme and Enabling Employment Credit; and (b) if so, why.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Open Door Programme (ODP) and Enabling Employment Credit (EEC) provide employment-related support to persons with disabilities. Under the Enabling Masterplans, persons with disabilities refer to those with physical, sensory, intellectual and developmental impairments. This includes persons with intellectual disability and persons with autism. The ODP, which is administered by SG Enable with support from Workforce Singapore, provides job placement and job support services for these individuals and their employers. The EEC provides employers with wage offsets of up to 30% for each Singaporean with disability earning below $4,000 per month that they hire.
Jobseekers and employees with mental health conditions beyond intellectual disability and autism can tap on pre-employment training, job matching and post-placement support provided by agencies including the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore Association for Mental Health, and Singapore Anglican Community Services.
There is a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. With proper treatment and care, some people with mental health conditions can function normally at work. However, others may require special support and work arrangements, and the needs could vary over time for each case. The support is thus customised to address the specific needs and challenges of such individuals.
The Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being has been set up to look at how the Government, our partners and society can strengthen support for persons with mental health conditions. This includes reducing stigma on persons with mental health conditions, raising their access to counselling and treatment, as well as improving employment and employability of those who are deemed job-ready. The proposals are being discussed. We will share the recommendations with the public when ready.