More can be done to encourage hiring of disabled people

According to the People with Physical Disabilities in Singapore study conducted by SMU’s Lien Centre for Social Innovation, it was found that factors such as support networks, employers who carve out roles based on employee skills and strengths, workplace modifications to accommodate employee needs, and flexible work arrangements contribute to positive experiences for employees with disabilities. Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD) Executive Director Abhimanyau Pal responded to the forum letter, ‘Firms fulfil social responsibility in hiring of disabled’ published on July 22, stating that “besides encouraging more firms to hire persons with disabilities, it is also important to develop an inclusive mindset and support network within and throughout the organisation”. He pointed out that other employment models such as partnerships with social enterprises and voluntary welfare organisations can also help to create employment opportunities for the disabled. He added that the Government could take the lead in hiring more persons with disabilities to encourage more businesses to follow suit.