The Enabling Masterplan 3 that was announced on 20 December 2016 highlighted key features in their plan of Improving the Quality of Life of the Special Needs, Supporting Caregivers, Building the Community and further Fostering an Inclusive Society.

With Singapore being an aging population, it is forecasted that there will be a significant number of the ageing population of People with Special Needs (mainly people with intellectual disabilities). At APSN, we continue to look out for ways to provide support for our beneficiaries who have gone through the APSN pathway through our ALUMNI services. We are aware that there is a lack of support for the Caregivers. We agree that that more can be looked into with regards to Caregivers support especially in cases where the caregivers are no longer around. Other than financial and care planning, there are also marital and parental issues that people with special needs face and there is no central place where they can reach out for support. APSN would like to be part of the thought process and would ask the EM3 committee to consider the issues that we think are important. We at APSN would want to undertake and spearhead research in the areas mentioned.

This is the time where VWOs can strengthen our capabilities and work together to provide a stronger safety net for the special needs community. The Government should assist the social sector to better improve branding and positioning so as to attract more competent and better talents. All these factors will contribute in us effectively working towards an inclusive society, building an enabled community and enriching lives which APSN holds firm to.