Limited training options for people with disabilities

Groups say more can be done to make course materials accessible, remove physical barriers

- Syarafana Shafeeq

Although steps have been taken in recent years to make training courses more inclusive, disability agencies say more can be done as people with disabilities still face barriers and limited options for training.

The topic of learning and skills training was pushed into the spotlight after Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced during Budget 2024 that all Singaporeans aged 40 and above will be given a $4,000 top-up of SkillsFuture credits.

The credits can be used for courses. There are currently more than 30,000 training courses on SkillsFuture Singapore's (SSG) portal.

People with disabilities can take courses from the catalogue funded by SSG, but options may be limited, disability groups told ST.

In 2023, there were 50 SSGfunded courses customised for people with disabilities, in areas like food and beverage, administration, and hotel and accommodation. This was up from 10 in 2014.

One major move to ensure people with disabilities have better access to learning opportunities was the launch in 2022 of the Enabling Academy, which offers courses targeted specifically at the group.

The academy is run by SG Enable, which has made available more than 760 training courses for people with disabilities since it was set up in 2013.

While the academy's effort is notable, those with disabilities should have better access to the wider SkillsFuture system, said a spokesman for the Disabled People's Association (DPA).

A misconception exists that considerable resources are needed to tailor or modify courses to accommodate this group, which may be why some training providers are hesitant to take the step, said Mr Abhimanyau Pal, chief executive of disability agency SPD.

Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing told Parliament in April that since 2014, eight training providers have drawn on SG Enable's Capability Development Grant.