Singapore has come a long way in becoming a more inclusive and caring society. Society, including those with disabilities and special needs, is well supported through various initiatives. The article delves into inclusivity in Singapore, and the progress Singapore has made through the years. Associate Professor Eugene Tan from Singapore Management University (SMU) shared that Singapore is now in a better position as compared to a decade ago, however, the aim must be to become more inclusive every year, not just in terms of infrastructure, but more importantly in terms of values, norms, and attitudes. Jalan Besar GRC Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah, said that as an educator for the past 20 years, he has witnessed for himself how schools have now become more inclusive compared to a decade ago. To foster inclusiveness from an early age, social service agency, AWWA, started Kindle Garden – an inclusive pre-school for children of all abilities which was the first here in 2016.
Ms Ng Lee Lee, Director, Disability and Inclusion, AWWA shared that the children have the opportunity to interact and work with different personalities and needs every day, thus helping to hone the ability to contribute effectively to different group dynamics. By seeing and appreciating peers for their strengths and themselves as individuals, these children are more likely to shape tomorrow with a belief in integration, and subsequently, contribute to a strong social compact.
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