Enable Masterplan 2007-2011

I was invited to work on the disabled issues pertaining to Disabled Sports and Volunteerism with the disabled. I am glad to know that the recommendations which I have brought up has been published and has already been circulated to the public.
Enabling Masterplan 2007-2011

Secondly, the Deaf Boleh committee has some concern about the ENABLE Fund. The current practice is that if the companies want to hire disabled, the companies must ensure that they MUST hire the minimum of 4 disabled people. It will be difficult for the companies to obtain the funds even if they are willing to give chance to the disabled people. We felt that it could be counterproductive and therefore, they suggested that it is best to do away with the criteria. Instead of abiding the minimum of 4 criteria, the companies can hire 1 disabled and they are still qualified to tap on the ENABLE Fund.

So, I conveyed their concern to the one of the Steering Committee members to do away with the minimum of 4 disabled people. See the newspaper articile extracts from CNA.

Companies adopt ways to help disabled workers fit in
By Satish Cheney, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 13 February 2007 1936 hrs

SINGAPORE: Better job opportunities for the disabled is part of the masterplan for the disability sector for the next five years.

It has even been recommended that funding be extended to companies that employ just one disabled person.

Currently, the Enable Fund offers grants to firms employing at least four disabled persons.

One of these workers is 32-year-old Priscilla Wong, who was born deaf and mute.

Despite her disabilities, she has been groomed to be a production line leader to help disabled workers joining the company, Natural Cool Holdings.

She said a case of low-self esteem often discourages disabled people from seeking employment.

"Chances of getting a job are hard these days. But also, many disabled people have low confidence and feel inferior. I was simple-minded during my school days, but now I have accepted the reality of my environment. I am a little bit happy here," said Ms Wong.

Natural Cool Holdings, which produces electrical switch gears, currently employs five disabled workers who earn the same salary and benefits as other employees.

It is currently tapping into the Enable Fund to train existing workers to cope with disabled workers.

But the company said it is not hiring them out of pity, but because it has trouble finding enough manpower to work on its production lines.

It also suggested another way to encourage companies to hire disabled people.

"Instead of funding, I think the tax rebate method will be better for the company. As long as the workers work well and the company grows, we may not even need the funding," said Steven Chen, CEO.

The company will be taking in three more disabled workers next week and said it is keeping its doors open to others keen for a job. - CNA/so