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Julia Wong, Singapore Institute of Technology, SingaporeAbstract
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are among the world’s most marginalised groups due to systemic barriers such as stigma, discrimination and inaccessible environments. The 2007 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Singapore in 2013, aims to protect the rights and dignity of PWDs. This study examines how PWDs have been represented in Singapore’s policy discourse through an analysis of parliamentary speeches spanning six decades (1965–2024) after Singapore became independent in 1965. All speeches that addressed issues related to PWDs and their caregivers were thematically analysed. Five key policy themes emerged: (1) employment, (2) education, (3) accessibility, (4) healthcare and (5) assistive technology. While PWDs were mentioned as early as the first decade from 1965, active advocacy only began between 1995 and 2004, a period marked by Singapore’s economic success. During this time, education and accessibility were key concerns, although the progress of special education lagged behind mainstream education. Employment was the most frequently discussed theme overall, with most of the discourse occurring in the most recent decade (2015–2024), following Singapore’s ratification of the Convention. Notably, employment policies shifted from a charity-based model to one focused on systemic skills integration. Assistive technology also gained prominence during this period. Healthcare discussions centred on financial support and the promotion of preventive practices. These findings reflect a gradual progression in the state’s treatment of disability issues. Ongoing efforts are needed to address structural inequalities and ensure more inclusive and equitable policy development for PWDs.
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