Society for the Physically Disabled

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Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

Ability Enterprise

Do trainees have to pay a fee to receive training under the Ability Enterprise?
- Trainees are not required to pay training fees at the Ability Enterprise. Trainees receive an allowance ranging from $100 to $180 (depending on work performance) given as a motivational tool to enhance performance as well as a provision for daily needs.

Assistive Technology

What takes place in an Assistive Technology assessment?
- An Assistive Technology (AT) assessment is done by a team of professional staff comprising occupational therapists and IT specialists specially trained in AT. The team will review the applicant’s ability to perform certain tasks identified as difficult. The following steps may take place:
  An interview will be held with the applicant to assess current needs and methods of doing the identified task
  AT professionals will visit the home⁄school⁄workplace to better understand the applicant’s situation
  Depending on the applicant’s needs, tests will be conducted to assess the applicant’s ability to perform the identified task
  Some AT devices may be issued to the applicant for trial to assess the suitability. Upon completion of the assessment, the AT professionals will advise the applicant on suitable AT devices, if any
  The applicant may be given a choice to loan the prescribed AT device for trial
  Training may be conducted for the applicant for the use of complex AT devices when necessary
Can clients buy AT device without going through AT assessment?
- An AT assessment helps clients determine what is most beneficial to them. By having a proper assessment, clients can understand their needs better, and find that a small adjustment to their environment or computer may be all they need.
Can clients buy an AT device listed on the SPD website?
- The SPD ATC does assessment, evaluation and training relating to AT. The ATC does not sell AT devices. However, we can help refer you to a few vendors dealing in AT devices from whom you can make a direct purchase.
Can SPD help clients get an AT device they need but cannot afford?
- Upon verification of your need, the SPD ATC can help you apply to the National Council of Social Service’s Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) which provides financial assistance for the purchase of AT devices for people with physical disabilities attending mainstream education and employment. More information about the ATF can be obtained at the website www.ncss.gov.sg
Where can I find support or maintenance services for AT devices in Singapore?
- Most AT devices are currently imported. Unfortunately, support and maintenance services of these AT devices are not available locally.

Children & Youth

How soon is the SPD education grant issued after application?
- Application for the Education Programme award is open from August of each year till end October of the same year. Successful applicants will receive their awards in the form of a cheque during an awards presentation ceremony held at the beginning of the next academic year. Students pursuing courses in the ITE, Polytechnic or University will receive their awards in two instalments corresponding to their two academic semesters. SPD will notify them of the date to collect their 2nd instalment. Students enrolling for full–time study in the ITE, Polytechnic, Junior College or University must first submit a copy of their admission acceptance letter.

Day Activity Centre

What are the charges for clients at the Day Activity Centre?
- Charges vary and subsidies are given depending on their household income. Clients are assessed by the social worker using means testing.
  
  Lunch and tea breaks are provided free of charge at SPD’s cafeteria for beneficiaries under the Day Activity Centre. Those attending other programmes pay for their own meals at the cafeteria. Muslim beneficiaries are encouraged to bring their own food as the cafeteria serves non–Halal food. Parents and caregivers of beneficiaries at the Sheltered Workshop can also apply for lunch passes for their child⁄ward so that they can leave SPD to have their meals outside.

Funding and Donations

How much does SPD need in order to operate and how are the funds raised?
- SPD’s operating budget is in the region of $6 million. SPD receives funding from the government for its services and also raises about $2.5 million from the public to complement government funding.
  
  SPD raises funds from corporate, community groups, schools and individuals. Fundraising activities include special events, donation box drive, direct mail appeals, STAR Programme (for regular donors) and partnerships with companies, schools and organisations. Public fundraising is sometimes in conjunction with our Public Education exercise, where we educate the public about SPD as well.
How much funds go to the clients and how are the funds used?
- Over 81% of the funds raised from the public benefit the client through the various programmes and services encompassing day care, training, employment, rehabilitation, assistive technology, social service and financial assistance.
  
  Our professional and direct service staff make up close to 81% of our workforce. They include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, assistive technology specialists, training officers and social workers. The remaining staff provide indirect service such as HR, IT, office admin, finance and fundraising support. By and large, we follow NCSS’ human resource practices and salary guidelines for VWOs.
Who decides how SPD’s funds are used and how is it decided?
- The SPD Board of Management, supported by SPD management will determine how general donations are used. They will deliberate and decide on the optimisation of resources through the annual budget exercise and monthly review of service outcomes and financial performance of SPD. For designated donations, donors will specify how to use the funds.
  
  The programmes and services offered by SPD are guided by current and projected service needs of the physically disabled community. Strategic plans, both medium and short term, are drawn up and reviewed periodically to ensure that resources are allocated to fill the service needs and gaps.
Can I get tax exemption for my donation to SPD?
- SPD is an approved Institution of a Public Character (IPC) and can issue tax–deductible receipts. Only outright donations that do not provide a material benefit to the donor are tax-deductible. However, as a concession, certain donations made to IPCs on or after 1 May 2006 will be deemed to be pure donations even if there is a benefit given in return for the donation, as long as the benefits have no commercial value. Please refer to IRAS website www.iras.gov.sg for more details on which donations are tax–deductible.

General

Does SPD give financial assistance?
- SPD offers financial assistance for education to students with physical disabilities studying in mainstream schools or those with physically disabled parent(s), in the form of bursaries. Apart from this, social workers will also help clients tap on various financial assistance schemes (e.g. for the purchase of mobility aids, assistive devices, taxi subsidy) available in the community. Should clients face financial difficulties in their daily living expenses, they can apply to receive monthly food rations under the Groceries for Charity scheme or School Pocket Money Fund. Clients are also given subsidies to attend our programmes and services, depending on their household income and affordability.
I know of someone who is physically disabled whom I would like to introduce to SPD. What should I do?
- Both of you are welcome to visit the SPD Ability Centre and meet our team of professional staff. We will be pleased to discuss and plan a suitable rehabilitative programme for your friend. You may contact our Social Services department at 6579 0752 or e-mail information@spd.org.sg for more information.
Can SPD find a job for someone who is physically disabled?
- SPD does not offer job placement services. We run a Sheltered Workshop where physically disabled adults receive vocational training to prepare them for open employment. Trainees under the Sheltered Workshop receive a nominal allowance.
How do the clients qualify to receive subsidies for the programmes?
- Clients are assessed by the social worker using means testing, which uses household income as criteria for qualifying for subsidies.
  
  SPD does not offer job placement services. We run a Sheltered Workshop where physically disabled adults can receive vocational training to prepare them for open employment. Under the Sheltered Workshop, these trainees will receive a nominal allowance.

Governance

How are board members selected and elected?
- Our Board of Management is made up of volunteers who give of their time and expertise for the benefit of people with physical disabilities. They are elected to the Board at the Annual General Meeting and serve for a period of two years before a new Board is elected. All Board Members are not paid any remuneration or director’s fees. Nominees are voted by SPD members, and the nomination committee comprises of 3 SPD members not standing for election.
What are the roles of the board members?
- The Board is to ensure that competent managers are hired to carry out policies, programmes, procedures and activities to fulfill the mission and objectives of SPD. They ensure that resources are allocated in the most optimal manner. They also contribute in terms of ideas and expertise and specific members. For instance, the Honorary Treasurer and Assistant Honorary Treasurer are entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the financial management of SPD.

IT Training

What is special about SPD’s IT Training Program?
- The IA Centre is set up to provide IT training across disability types, including physical disability, sensory impairments and developmental disabilities. Unlike programmes run at regular computer training centres, the programmes here are customised such that they are shorter so that trainees do not have to sit for long hours in class. However, content is not compromised, and clients still learn as much as they would as in a commercial course. SPD conducts basic to advanced IT courses to suit people of different levels of competency.
  
  We plan a course path for trainees so they can progress from basic to advance level whenever possible.
  
  The Computer Labs in the IA Centre are specially equipped with a wide range of assistive technology devices and software for those who may need them to attend classes. Facilities are disabled–friendly with accessibility features to cater to trainees of different disabilities.
  
  With strong government support, we are able to provide IT courses at affordable rates.
Can SPD help clients find a job after the IT Training?
- Trainees with a motivation for greater independence and have a desire to seek employment can join the IT Apprenticeship Programme which provide on-the-job training for people with disabilities through scenario-based training modules, commercial projects as well as internship opportunities with organisation. Upon completing the IT Apprenticeship Programme, SPD will work in close collaboration with SNEF and Bizlink to provide job matching and secure employment opportunities for our trainees.

Rehabilitation

How often are therapy sessions held for clients of the Rehabilitation Centre and how long is each session?
- Our team of therapists conducts an initial assessment for all patients before commencing therapy in order to determine the appropriate number and duration of sessions.This would normally be between one to two hours. Half–day programmes are also available.
Are therapy sessions offered on weekends?
- The Rehabilitation Centre is opened on Mondays to Fridays, 8.00 am to 5.30 pm. Request for therapy outside of these hours may be considered on a case–by–case basis.

Specialised Case Management Programme

Do I have to pay for SCMP services?
- SCMP services are currently free of charge.
How do I register for SCMP services? What are the criteria to fulfill for admission to SCMP?
- You can register for SCMP services through referrals from voluntary welfare organisations (VWO), family service centres, nursing homes, hospitals or community organisations. We also welcome walk-ins at the SPD Ability Centre. We do not have any admission criteria for SCMP and we welcome anyone with physical disabilities and their caregivers or family members.
What are the programmes/activities available under SCMP?
- We provide counseling and organise outings, workshops, seminars, talks and events for our clients and their family members.
Will you make house calls or do we have to go to a specific centre?
- Our social workers will make an initial home visit to understand more about your situation and offer services that are suitable to your needs. Subsequently, the mode of contact will be based on the agreement between the assigned social worker and you.
What are the differences between SCMP and other social services provided by VWOs for people with disabilities?
- SPD's SCMP aims to provide early intervention to people with disabilities. We provide social support and services for physically challenged clients and their family members through the coordination and brokering of resources at SPD and the various community services.

SPD@Tampines EIPIC

What is the eligibility criteria for the Early Intervention Services for Infants and Young Children (EIPIC)?
- Any child up to 72 months, who is developmentally delayed or who has an established condition which has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay, is eligible for EIPIC.
Who can refer a child?
- Referrals via Disability Information and Referral Centre (DIRC) are preferred. Parents, family members, doctors, nurses, childcare workers, social workers, or anyone who is in contact and has a concern about the child's development can refer too. The child's parents and/or medical professionals will always be contacted for permission first before any action is taken.
How do I refer a child?
- Contact our social workers at SPD@Tampines to refer a child. Please provide basic information such as the child's name and date of birth, the family's address and telephone number, as well as the reason you are concerned. You may also contact the Disability Information and Referral Centre (DIRC) or Child Development Unit (CDU).
Who will contact the family?
- Social workers from SPD@Tampines and/or the Trans-disciplinary Initial Planning Process (TIPP) team will contact the family. A social worker will make an appointment to visit the family at home or another location of their preference. During this visit, the family may talk with the social worker about concerns, and ask questions about their child's development. They will be asked to share information about the child's health and medical history. The social worker and the family may decide if a more detailed evaluation of the child's development is needed.
What kinds of early intervention supports and services are available?
- SPD@Tampines, with its trans-disciplinary team, provides more intensive direct interventions. Our services include
  Educational Services
  
  Occupational Therapy Services
  
  Speech & Language Therapy Services
  
  Physiotherapy Services
  
  Psychological Services
  
  Social Work Services
  
  Arrangements can be made for Assistive Technology and other support services where necessary.
What will early intervention supports and services cost me?
- Even though EIPIC is not a government funded programme, SPD@Tampines is committed to support children from low income families by raising funds through public and corporate sponsorship. Service fees are within the affordable range of $250 to $900 per month.
  Subsidies and grants are available on a case-to-case basis for needy clients. Please call us at 6587 7611 for more information about the subsidies.
How long can a child stay in early intervention?
- A child may stay enrolled in EIPIC until he/she is 72 months old or until he/she no longer needs early intervention. A trans-disciplinary review of the child would be done every six months. When the child nears discharge from the programme, social workers and others who have worked with him/her will talk to the family/caregiver about transition to other programmes. That may include continuing therapy programme for children or a referral to other schools.
What if my child is attending an early intervention programme at another centre and I would like to register him at SPD@Tampines?
- You can still enroll your child at SPD@Tampines EIPIC after informing the current service provider. Please consult our social worker for details.

Volunteering

Are there any special skills or requirements needed for volunteering at SPD?
- Anyone can volunteer, regardless of age, income level, employment and marital status. We welcome individual or group⁄family volunteers. We try to match volunteers with their preferences, skills and experiences, and where possible, we help volunteers to develop them. Some roles require specialised knowledge, but many can be carried out with only a little guidance and plenty of enthusiasm.
How much time are volunteers expected to give?
- The time volunteers give in service at SPD depends largely on the time they can spare. A typical volunteer spends two or three hours per visit, once or twice a week.
How can I help?
- We have volunteering opportunities to suit different people, depending on skills and interest. You may visit http://www.spd.org.sg/volunteers/opportunities.html for more information.