Jobs, support, assistive technology: Masterplan tackles issues

Some caregivers especially welcome better access to help for people with disabilities

- Shermaine Ang

Madam Faraliza Zainal’s biggest worry for her son, who has autism and tuberous sclerosis – non-cancerous tumours – is his epileptic fits. Feeling anxious or tired can trigger 22-year-old Ashraf’s epilepsy, and it does not help matters that “he is a worrier”, she said.

Her concerns were heard in the latest iteration of the disability road map launched yesterday.

The Enabling Masterplan 2030 includes a target of 40 per cent employment for people with disabilities, up from the current 30.1 per cent, by having more inclusive employers and other forms of employment.

It also includes Enabling Services Hubs, or centres to support people with disabilities in the neighbourhood, and a new task force to come up with other community living models.

Madam Faraliza, 51, said: “These are good plans, but their impact will depend on how they are rolled out.” She gave the example of how her son needs support when his epilepsy strikes, as well as sensors to notify helpers when it happens.