Learn about the different causes

Seniors

Children, Youth & Family

Environment

Health

Special needs

Many families face stigma and judgment, limiting their participation in community life. Every individual deserves to live a life without judgement and insensitive treatment. By educating ourselves and fostering empathy, we can help build a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

70% of PWIDs in our community are not employed

Volunteer giving a person with special needs a ‘high five’.

Insensitive treatment

1 in 3 parents of children with special needs reported hearing insensitive remarks made by adults and other children about their child.

4 in 10 parents felt that their child should be spending more time in the community, but about one-third of this group then said that the feeling of being judged hinders them from spending more time in public places and community spaces.

Person with special needs engaging in a writing activity.

Low employment rate

It was estimated that there were around 32,000 PwDs of working age of between 15 – 64. Of these, 30.1% are employed.

It means that about 70% are not employed. Most of them cited poor health or disability as the main reason for not being in the labour force.

Need for inclusivity

A survey by the Lien Foundation in 2016 found that while 7 out of 10 Singaporeans support the idea of inclusion, only 3 in 10 agree that Singapore is an inclusive society for children with special needs.

Additionally, only 1 in 10 Singaporeans expressed confidence in interacting with children with special needs. It is important to educate ourselves and take that step in interacting with individuals with special needs to foster a more compassionate and inclusive community.