Funding for inclusive hiring and gig employment are among the strategies aimed at assisting 4,500 individuals with disabilities in securing jobs by 2030, as revealed under the Enabling Masterplan 2030 on Monday (Sep 16). The Enabling Masterplan 2030 serves as a national blueprint for collaboration between the government and the community in supporting individuals with disabilities.
According to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), “With these recommendations, an additional 4,500 people with disabilities are expected to be placed into employment by 2030.” The employment rate for individuals with disabilities aged 15 to 64 has shown an increase from 28.2% in 2018/2019 to 32.7% in 2022/2023, with Singapore aiming to raise this figure to 40% by 2030.
Under this masterplan, two task forces were established in 2022 to focus on promoting inclusive employment practices and enhancing community living for individuals with disabilities. These task forces, consisting of representatives from various sectors, released their recommendations after extensive consultations with employers, people with disabilities, caregivers, job coaches, and social service agencies.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua emphasized the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities, stating, “Two specific areas we can do so are in advancing the participation of (people) with disabilities in employment as well as in providing more living options within the community.” He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to building a more inclusive Singapore by supporting the key recommendations provided by the task forces.
One of the key recommendations detailed in the report by the Taskforce on Promoting Inclusive Employment Practices highlighted that “many employers do not hire people with disabilities because they are not aware of the benefits of inclusive hiring or have limited knowledge and in-house capabilities to do so.” The task force emphasized the need to support employers in tapping into the talent pool of individuals with disabilities and creating inclusive workplaces to facilitate their contribution effectively.
Additionally, the task force proposed the placement of individuals with disabilities seeking employment in short-term assignments or gig jobs, stating that these roles can act as a stepping stone for individuals to re-enter the workforce. The government aims to place 200 individuals with disabilities in gig jobs annually by 2026 and support 70% of them to continue engaging in gig work or transition to formal employment within six months.
Moreover, job coaches play a pivotal role in supporting the employment of individuals with disabilities; however, the task force highlighted the necessity for a standard competency framework and baseline training for job coaches to adapt to evolving job opportunities and demands. To address this gap, SG Enable, the main agency for disability and inclusion in Singapore, launched the Job Coach Career Map, outlining the skills, competencies, and career progression pathways for job coaches.
On the front of community living for individuals with disabilities, a pilot initiative called Enabling Living Programme was recommended by the Taskforce on Community Living for Persons with Disabilities. This program aims to allow individuals with disabilities with low to moderate support needs to continue living independently in the community, emphasizing the importance of person- and family-centered planning frameworks to activate timely support across various life stages.
