$4m kitty to help those with disabilities learn to live independently

$600,000 from Temasek Foundation's fund allocated to scheme for those with autism

- Chin Soo Fang

Senior Correspondent Fear of fire and heat deters Mr Choo Jun Wei from cooking at home, but the 28-year-old made scrambled eggs for breakfast at the Flourish for Life centre in Ang Mo Kio on Sept 6.

The warehouse assistant is one of five participants with autism undergoing a three-day, stay-in training programme to equip themselves with independent living skills such as preparing simple meals and doing laundry. The programme started on Sept 5.

"This is like a show-flat," he said of the stay-in studios, which are furnished like a home. "It's like I am living independently, and I have learnt how to do household chores properly." The Temasek Foundation - Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) Supported Living and Training Programme was launched by the foundation and the centre in partnership with The Purple Parade Limited (TPPL) on Sept 6.

TPPL is a not-for-profit charity that aims to bring about greater inclusiveness and recognition of the abilities of the disability community in Singapore.

The foundation will be setting aside $4 million over three years to help persons with disabilities aged 18 and above to build capabilities in independent living, healthier living and lifelong learning.

The sum will be managed by TPPL in its new role as a regrantor.

About $600,000 has been allocated for the new programme.

Regranting is a process by which an organisation distributes funds to non-profits or community groups to carry out specific projects to extend reach and social impact.