In the first half of 2027, the government will consolidate existing employer grants into a single Enabling Employment Grant, which will help defray costs incurred by employers in areas such as in redesigning jobs and training.
“This will make support easier to access and broaden the range of items the grant can be used for,” Mr Ong said.
He also urged more companies to hire people with disabilities.
“We must make inclusive hiring the norm, not the exception; everyone’s business, not the initiative of a few; and common industry practice, not something that rests on goodwill alone.”
He highlighted companies such as United Overseas Bank and Marina Bay Sands, which have made adjustments to their workplaces to better support employees with disabilities, and smaller businesses such as Reta Social Enterprise and jewellery business Eden and Elie as examples of employers providing work opportunities for people with disabilities.
“With the right job design, training and support, persons with disabilities can do meaningful work and make a real contribution,” he added.
EXPANDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Beyond employment, the government is also expanding community services to better support people with disabilities as their needs change over time.
Another 2,300 places will be added at day activity centres and sheltered workshops by 2030, bringing the capacity to 5,800 places.
“This should hopefully bring down waiting times,” Mr Ong said.
Day activity centres and sheltered workshops are community-based facilities in Singapore that support adults with disabilities aged 18 and above, helping them build independence, engage in daily activities, and transition toward vocational options.
