After graduating from a special education school, special needs are expected to obtain more complete support through a new skill development program, master the ability to live independently, and continue to learn.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development will begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with a three-year inclusive life skills development program with a specific shelter studio and day activity center. The purpose of the plan is to help special adults master social, emotional management and professional skills, so that special needs with higher auxiliary needs can continue to participate in lifelong learning and improve the quality of life.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development and Senior Deputy Governance of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth announced the plan on Monday (March 10) while debating the Ministry of Social and Family Development's expenditure budget on the Congressional Appropriations Committee, and the authorities will release more details in the future.

He said that through the Inclusive Life Skills Development Program, special needs will be able to obtain support through a one-stop service model and master independent living, communication, social emotional management and other skills.

Two pilot projects help people with disabilities participate in independent community life

In addition to this program, the Ministry of Social and Family Development will launch the Enabled Living Programme and Home Support Programme this year as planned, so that disabled and special needs people can continue to live in the community without having to stay in welfare homes such as the Home of the Disabled.

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The Inclusive Community Living Program is launched in the second half of this year. Special needs can live in rental flats in four pilot areas and obtain daily life services, including life and social skills training. The plan is expected to benefit 250 people for low-income special needs with low-to-moderate auxiliary needs and no housing for their own homes. They can rent a rental flat from the authorities, and staff will come to follow up every day to coordinate the services they need.

The home assistance program, which will be piloted next year, will help those who already have a house, or those who live with elderly parents, provide them with door-to-door services, which is expected to benefit 250 people. Staff will come to follow up on the situation and guide special needs to master the ability to take care of themselves and plan future life arrangements so that they can continue to live independently in the community.

In terms of special education schools, the School-to-Work Programme will be expanded, and by 2030, the number of special-needed students that can participate will double to 90 each year. This workplace training program, led by the Singapore Assistance Agency for the Disabled Persons with Disabilities (SG Enable, referred to as Xinhuili), provides internships and job opportunities for special-needed students.