SG Enable Partnering Organisations to Modify Work Environments to Support Employees with Special Needs

31 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether SG Enable has plans to partner companies and organisations with calm work environments that better suit special-needs individuals and enable them to work well.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: SG Enable and its partners work closely with employers and persons with disabilities to place each individual in a supportive work environment. SG Enable administers the Open Door Programme (ODP), which provides customised job placement and job support from trained job coaches. The job coaches advise employers on how they can create accessible work environments and make reasonable job accommodations to enable employees with disabilities to perform their roles effectively and work well with co-workers. Employers can also tap on the Job Redesign Grant under the ODP to modify workplaces, such as the inclusion of calm rooms.

SG Enable also offers a range of courses under its High Impact Retention and Employment Workshop Series. These courses help employers learn how to create safe work environments and positive behavioural support strategies to manage challenging behaviours that their employees with disabilities may display.

MSF and SG Enable are also working with businesses and disability social service agencies to develop Enabling Business Hubs (EBHs), to provide inclusive work environments for persons with disabilities who require customised support. The hubs will be equipped with shared facilities and services to assist persons with disabilities in their employment journey, including onsite job coach support, training rooms and calm rooms. The first EBH pilot is expected to start operations in 2023.