SMU’s inaugural glue conference, Building a Culture of Inclusion within Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL), marked an important milestone for the university.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between SMU and the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD), to collaborate on developing and promoting best practices for the inclusion of persons with disabilities within the university and beyond.

Held on 7 February 2014, the conference, which attracted over 150 representatives from the government, social service sectors, IHLs and SMU Community, brought together scholars and thought leaders to share their valuable insights on various aspects of diversity and inclusion in IHLs.

In his welcome address, SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer noted that SMU is Singapore’s first educational institution to initiate a diversity and inclusion function over a year ago. “We believe that no deserving student, staff or faculty should be denied access or opportunities at SMU on the basis of their physical, social, economic, cultural attributes or backgrounds,” he added.

On the MOU, President De Meyer said, “This MOU with SPD is a statement of intent, for both organisations to work on integrating services that will benefit our students, staff and faculty. It signifies a first step towards – what we believe – will be a long and meaningful journey. I am confident that the partnership between SPD and SMU will yield fruitful results and positive long-term impact.”

Representing SPD, Ms Chia Yong Yong, the non-profit organisation's president, shared her personal story of how, through the help of her family, friends, teachers and principals, she overcame the challenges of being confined  in a wheelchair whilst studying for a law degree at the National University of Singapore. “It is only with our commitment that true inclusion can actualise,” she said.

Guest of Honour Ms Sim Ann, Minister of State for Education and Communications and Information, delivered the Opening Address. She noted that building an inclusive culture is an ongoing effort. "I am happy to see more and more discussions on inclusion within institutes of higher learning taking place.” Such initiatives, she said, will benefit not just SMU, but also, make society more aware and compassionate.

Dr Earl Avery, Special Assistant to the President and Ombudsman at Bentley University (USA), spoke about how to ignite individual and organisational transformation, outlining the business case for embracing diversity.

“Businesses are realising that they must reflect the global workforce,” he said. IHLs must prepare students to work with others unlike themselves to prepare for a diverse, multicultural work environment. Research has additionally shown that diversity ignites creativity, innovation and effectiveness.

While higher costs may arise from providing training and infrastructure to support inclusion, Dr Avery contended that exclusionary practices are no better: there are legal costs, and many opportunity costs, such as the loss of accreditation and funding – and worst of all, the loss of good talent.

[SMU undergraduates Marcus Leong and AliciaTeng presented their paper ‘Disability in Meritocracy: Exploring Singapore’s Education System.]

Mr Marcus Leong and Ms Alicia Teng, both undergraduates at SMU, presented their paper on how disability is accommodated in Singapore’s meritocratic education system. While policies describe universal access to education and a compassionate brand of meritocracy, the reality is a dual education system, with mainstream schools and special education schools.

Even as Singapore had ratified the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the speakers noted that apathy has to be tackled, through a sustained dialogue to create increased awareness and understanding across society. Our laws have to evolve too, they added.

Ms Mary Quirke, representing Ireland’s Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD), described the progress made in her country, which has seen participation for disabled students in IHL rise significantly.

Legislative changes and policy shifts saw the allocation of national funding for infrastructure, and educational institutions were obliged to accommodate students with disabilities. Her organisation adopted a collaborative approach, engaging key government departments, education personnel and employers to promote diversity and inclusion, providing training on universal design and helping these groups to be “disability-confident”.

[(Right to Left): Mr Royson Poh, moderator of panel discussion; Mr Ephraim Lin; Mr Chong Kwek Bin, and Ms Wong Ailing. The lady on the extreme left was a sign language interpreter from SADEAF.]

A panel discussion ‘When I was in school…’ rounded off the conference. Mr Royson Poh, who heads advocacy and outreach at SPD, led the discussion, while Mr Chong Kwek Bin from the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, Mr Ephraim Lin, a wheelchair-bound SMU graduate, and Ms Wong Ailing from the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADEAF), shared their personal experiences in Singapore’s education system and the challenges that remained.

The panellists noted that measures, including clear communications, equality policies, and creating a single contact point for the disabled at IHLs, were important. Disabled students need to know what assistance will be available, while taking the initiative to get support from faculty, staff and fellow classmates.

Mr Ephraim Lin, who is currently an Onboarding Analyst with UBS, said the conference and signing of the MOU were a huge first step towards bridging the gap between persons with disabilities and IHLs. “It is encouraging to see SMU continuing its pioneering efforts to provide equal learning opportunities for persons with disabilities, and striving to be the industry leader in the IHL sector to develop, implement and promote best practices for the inclusion of persons with disabilities within its work and learning environment.”

[Featured photo: Signing the MOU were SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer (left) and SPD President Ms Chia Yong Yong (right), and witnessed by Ms Sim Ann (centre), Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Education.]