Investigation

UWCSEA Partners

A playlist of 12 videos, starting with a TED Talk by Matthew Williams, a young sportsman with an intellectual disability.

This film (90 mins. long) "charts the life-story of Richard, a young man with a complex disability since birth. The film provides intimate and poignant insights into his parents' determined quest to establish a quality life for their son and for themselves."

Photojournalist Dan Habib chronicles his family's efforts to include Samuel, who has cerebral palsy, in every facet of their lives. The film honestly portrays his family's hopes and struggles, as well as the experiences of four other individuals with disabilities and their families.

“A roadmap for Singapore to build a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities are empowered and enabled to realise their true potential”

The results of a 2016 survey by the National Council of Social Services. Lots of user-friendly infographics.

A very accessible handbook explaining how the UN Convention applies to Singapore.

Information on types of disabilities, preferred terminology and how to remove the barriers that can prevent people for achieving their full potential.

Government schemes appear to be encouraging employers to take on more workers with disabilities. The majority work in "community, social and personal services, food services, administrative and support services and manufacturing".

"4,000 children were diagnosed with special developmental needs every year in 2015 and this number is likely to go up." (Singapore statistics)

A great poster campaign by NCSS to help remove social stigma and persuade Singaporeans to see people for their true worth.

Use this interactive Straits Times feature to learn about "a distinct language that embodies the cultural identity of the Deaf community in Singapore".

"The Lien Centre for Social Innovation (LCSI) conducted a study on people with physical disabilities. This study explores the challenges that this community faces in various stages and spheres of life, and includes interviews with 100 respondents." 

Report by the Lien Centre for Social Innovation

(A film about students with disabilities fighting for inclusion in US public schools. Inspiring.

The Straits Times celebrates the strengths and abilities of seven persons with disabilities in their respective areas of work.

"Narrated by Oprah Winfrey, the film chronicles the life of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a young Ghanaian man born with a severely deformed right leg, who today, against incalculable odds, is opening minds, hearts and doors-and effecting social and political change throughout his country."

"Over the course of two and a half years, CERTAIN PROOF follows the lives of Kayla, Josh and Colin, three children with cerebral palsy. Despite multiple disabilities, they fight to prove that they are able to learn and deserve to be taught." (60 mins.) 

Social attitudes to people with autism in Singapore. Actor/director Adrian Pang shares what he has learned.

Learn about the challenges facing the parents of children with autism in Singapore.

Other videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s4-MKUCRNM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffVzuKDTFqE

Chester, a 17-year-old Singaporean, and his mother reflect on his experience of the world as a person with autism. A talented artist, he now studies Communication at Singapore Polytechnic.

A film focusing on children, parents and teachers involved in a theatrical and musical program in the UAE designed for children on the Autism spectrum.

Informative video by Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA)

A guide to communicating effectively with someone who has an intellectual disability — "how to speak well and listen well, to help communicate and build a positive relationship".

"Adre, Emma, and Julian are in public school autism programs in California. This engaging film documents their lives at home and at school, and profiles the valiant efforts of their parents and teachers to help them reach their maximum potential."

Sharing her experience growing up with an autistic sister, disability inclusion advocate Meghan Hussey argues that our path to an inclusive future starts with an attitude check.

A deliberately thought-provoking BBC documentary. Would the world really be better if we could eliminate Down Syndrome? (See a long article on the same topic here.)

A short Australian film in which people ask questions they would normally be too embarrassed to ask.

Jamie is empathetic, funny and loves music, food and clowns. But he has Down’s syndrome and is close to nonverbal. In this animated film, Jamie’s family discuss the challenges and blessings of having Jamie in their lives.

Singaporeans with Down Syndrome answer questions from members of the public.