Inclusion of Mental and Intellectual Disabilities in Employment-related Programmes for Persons with Disabilities

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.

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.