Debated in Parliament on 29 Jan 2016.
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB can include the construction of portable/fixed ramps at main entrances of HDB flats that have more than a single step as part of the Enhancement for Active Seniors funding package/scheme.
Madam, the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme offers a set of standard and cost-effective items to make the flat more elder-friendly. These items include ramps for single-step entrances. For flats with more than a one-step difference, there are technical, space as well as configuration challenges to building a standard ramp. These challenges are not insurmountable, but they require customised solutions to fit the various flat configurations and resident needs.
And this is why our approach is to let flat owners identify and choose their preferred solutions from among the wide range of commercially available options in the market. What HDB does then is to work with the relevant agencies and the Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) to assist those who need help in implementing these solutions. And for those who need help with financial assistance, they can also seek assistance from ComCare, SG Enable, as well as various VWOs.
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