Disability-related news from Singapore: Mar & Apr 2007

Some useful references to articles published in March & April 2007.

1) Car park label scheme for disabled to be revised on 1 Apr
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia. Posted: 29 March 2007 0048 hrs

Come 1 April, the Car Park Label Scheme (CPLS) for the disabled will be revised. The eligibility criteria will be relaxed so as to allow more people to apply for the label. Under the scheme, label holders can park at designated lots that are wider than normal lots.

With the revisions, caregivers who are not family members can qualify for a Class 2 label. Eligibility will also be extended to vehicles registered with Voluntary Welfare Organisations. Class 2 label holders can also park at the lots for an hour, giving them more time to help their disabled passengers.

Full article here.

2) Trailing in the business of hearts: S’pore behind Taipei and Hong Kong in social enterprise sector
By Lee U-Wen, TODAYonline. Singapore News. Weekend, March 31, 2007

SINGAPORE may be the world’s fifth most competitive economy according to the World Economic Forum, but it still lags behind in nurturing businesses that provide jobs or training for the marginalised in society.

… MentalCare Connect in Hong Kong stood out for its success to provide jobs for the handicapped and mentally disabled. The start-up runs convenience stores, household goods shops and other businesses. In one of its projects, HK$700,000 (S$136,000) in Government grants were used to open four shops, employing about 70 workers, 10 of whom used to be on welfare. By employing them, the company saved the government about HK$500,000 a year in welfare payments.

Over in Taipei, residents are making a conscious effort to patronise the Syinlu Foundation Gas Station, the majority of its staff being physically and mentally challenged.

… being studied by the newly formed social enterprise committee, headed by incoming Spring Singapore chairman Philip Yeo. The committee is firming up its recommendations and will announce them by the year-end.

Full article here.

3) Easy access facilities completed in six precincts by Hong Kah Town Council
By Wong Mun Wai, Channel NewsAsia. Posted: 01 April 2007 2253 hrs

The Hong Kah Town Council has completed a project to provide easier access to the elderly and disabled in six precincts under its management.

The facilities, including titles on footpaths, leveling of curbs and signs pointing to barrier-free access, are not just for the elderly and disabled, but for all residents such as parents with prams.

Full article here.

4) Trusteeship scheme for kids with intellectual disability taking shape
By Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia. Posted: 14 April 2007 1747 hrs

Parents with intellectually-disabled kids can soon be better assured of long-term security for their children. Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) now have a new home, called MINDSville@Napiri, which integrates four services within a S$13-million building…

…Dr Balakrishnan said: “The other thing that’s been gestating over the last two years is the Trusteeship Scheme. I’m sorry that we’re not able to announce confirmed details of it. But I want to assure all of you that the various pieces of the jigsaw are falling into place.

“We should be able to assure parents that we can help you and your families look into the long-term security of your children as they grow old, as they become adults and as family circumstances change.”

Full article here.