Singapore aspires to be a society that is inclusive, gracious and that offers equal opportunity to all citizens. However, not all is fair when it comes to policies and programmes for the physically and intellectually disabled and other special needs children and adults. 

As the Committee deliberates strategies and policies to make Singapore an even better society than she is today, it is important that no segment of the population, including special needs Singaporeans, are excluded in their agenda.   

A petition to the committee spearheading the National Conversation may help to bring to greater attention the plight of special needs Singaporeans, who mostly cannot speak for themselves. As parents, care-givers, relatives, social workers and a people with a conscience and sympathy for the disabled, we can. 

A petition is NOT a protest. As the dictionary defines it, it is a formal written request, especially one signed by many people, appealing to authority in some cause. 

Issues facing special needs citizens and their families such as the following, which are by no means comprehensive, should ordinarily be raised in the national conversation:  

1) Should the compulsory education policy be revised to include the disabled and other special needs persons? In excluding such segments in this policy, is it an abdication of responsibility by the government? 

2) Should the government take the lead in institutionalised education and care for the disabled, while the Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) play a complementary role as the social sector partner?

3) Should fees in special schools mirror that of normal schools?

4) Do we have sufficient special education teachers and specialists? Are they fairly rewarded and recognised? Are their career development opportunities similar to that of their counterparts in normal schools? 

5) Should the disabled be given life-long transport concessions, a benefit which is already in force with deserving segments such as senior citizens and school-going students?

6) Should parents and care-givers of the disabled be extended more tax relief, recognising the immense financial and emotional costs involved in caring for this segment?

7) In a household with a special needs family member, can the tax relief for the employment of a domestic helper be provided to the working father in situations where the mother is forced to stay home because of challenging circumstances?

8) Can the government, via CPF or other agencies, provide a health insurance safety net for all disabled Singaporeans? Most parents would be willing to pay an additional premium for the peace of mind that their special needs dependents have medical coverage.  

9) In addition to special schools, can the government consider more robust adult care and adult education programmes for special needs persons, as options are currently very limited? 

Government-led institutionalised services for special needs Singaporeans will achieve economies of scale, quality of services and consistency in standards. More importantly, they will help the disabled realise their potential and provide their families much needed financial and emotional relief.  

These are merely questions and thoughts pertaining to the plight of special needs Singaporeans. The committee should reach out to more parents and care-givers as well as social workers, volunteers, doctors, specialists and special school teachers who can provide a wealth of ideas based on their intimate knowledge and experience with this segment. 

All Singaporeans share a similar aspiration -- we want a Singapore which is more inclusive, gracious and egalitarian to all citizens, both the able-bodied and the disabled. Your support will be helpful.

Here's an article with my views that was published in Singapore's TODAY newspaper on September 21. http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC120920-0000133/Are-the-intellectually-disabled-lesser-citizens?