Mr Choy Siew Kai, Vice President of St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital Board;
Mr Lee Chew Chiat, Chairman of St. Andrew’s Autism Centre Management Committee;
Ms Denise Phua, Mayor
Distinguished guests, partners and friends from SAAC;
Dedicated staff, volunteers and participants,
- A very good morning to everyone.
- A very big thank you to everyone joining us today. It is very heartening to see persons with autism, their families and caregivers, volunteers, and members of the community as well as our partners from all walks of life gathered here this morning.
- Like what Bernard shared earlier, today’s event was oversubscribed, which reflects the strong community (support) and interest from members of society. This speaks volumes of the heart that we have as one people. I hope this continues to grow in the months and years ahead.
- We may come from different backgrounds but today’s (event) represents how we are united by the belief that everyone, every person, deserves to be seen for who they are, valued for what they can contribute, and empowered to lead a life with dignity and purpose.
- This is why today’s theme, “Know My Story. Walk With Me.” is so meaningful. Embracing persons with disabilities begins with taking the time to know the person – not just the diagnosis – and to understand their strengths, their interests and their aspirations.
Supporting persons with disabilities and autism across the lifespan
- As Chairperson of the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities, my team and I have heard firsthand from many families and caregivers about their hopes for their loved ones and what they hope to achieve, and their concerns for the future. They’ve told me that they wish to see their loved ones lead meaningful lives, participate just like all of us in our communities, and be accepted at every stage of life. I am sure many of you here today are here because you share this very same aspiration and hope.
- As Prime Minister spoke last week at the National Day Rally, the Government is committed to supporting persons with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and realise their potential, be it from smoother school-to-work transitions, providing more employment opportunities, greater access to care or greater community support. When the report come out in weeks to come, we hope to provide assurance to persons with disabilities and their caregivers and families that they are certainly not walking alone. We will want to walk with you through every stage of life, providing you greater support and greater assurance throughout.
- Just like what we see at the exhibitions here that span across the six stages of life, we will want to do something more at each stage and I hope we can do it together with all of you.
A shared responsibility - We need to do it together as one society, as one community. Building a community that embraces and empowers persons with disabilities cannot be just be the work of the Government. It takes strong partnership across the community. St. Andrew’s Autism Centre, for example, has been a valued partner in this journey in supporting persons with disabilities through its Day Activity Centres and the Adult Disability Home, and more recently through the Enabled Living Programme pilot, which seeks to support persons with disabilities to live independently or at least semi-independently in the community.
- Just as importantly, persons with disabilities, their families, caregivers and advocates all have an important voice. By sharing your experiences and perspectives, you play a part to help us better understand and appreciate where the gaps can be strengthened, challenge assumptions, and build greater understanding and greater acceptance across society.
- As a society, we have made progress. But I think there is still more we can do. Ultimately, a society that truly embraces our persons with disabilities is shaped by the individual choices that we make every day, choices that make a difference. May it be employers who recognise potential and deliberately create opportunities, and neighbours and communities who are able to make room so that all of us can live, play, work and belong in the same place.
- That is why I am very encouraged to see so many of you here today. Your presence sends a powerful signal to everyone that we care, and we can all make a difference.
- In a few moments, we will take part in the silent ovation. It may be a simple gesture, but it carries a powerful message: a collective pledge that we see you, we value you, and we want to walk with all of you.
- To the staff and volunteers at SAAC, and to the caregivers, families and friends who support persons with autism every day, I thank you. Your commitment makes a real difference, not only to the individuals and families you support, but also to the kind of society we want to build together and the Singapore we want to see become.
- As we set off this morning, let us remember that this walk is not the end, and our endeavours does not end at the finish line. Let us carry this spirit with us beyond today – in the choices that that we make, every single day, and the ways in which we support each other.
- Together let us build a Singapore where every person is valued, can pursue their aspirations, and truly belong. Now are you ready to walk?
- Thank you, I wish you a wonderful morning and a pleasant walk ahead.