WHO WE ARE

SPD is a local charity set up to help people with disabilities of all ages to maximise their potential and integrate them into mainstream society.

Through over 20 programmes that encompass early intervention, therapy, vocational training, assistive technology, day care, as well as educational, employment and social service support, we serve people with physical, sensory and learning needs.

Founded in 1964 by a group of Rotarians, we were known as Society for Aid to the Paralysed (SAP). In the earlier years, SAP provided employment opportunities at its sheltered workshop to people with disabilities who had difficulties seeking open employment. We were renamed Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD) in May 1998 and subsequently to just SPD in July 2014 to better reflect the work that we do – serving people beyond physical disabilities.

SERVING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SINCE 1964

To build an inclusive community where everyone is a part of it, not apart from it.

SPD is committed to working in partnership with people with disabilities to develop their potential to the fullest so they can be self-reliant and independent.

  • Commitment
    We are compassionate and dedicated to our mission, vision and the people we serve by anchoring our work and decisions to our cause.
  • Professionalism
    We serve and perform our role with integrity and excellence, guided by moral ethics and principles in areas of our training. Our stakeholders see us as trustworthy partners.
  • Partnership
    We strive to work towards a common goal with all stakeholders. We believe that collective effort can bring about greater impact and add value to all stakeholders.
  • Openness
    We welcome diversity of ideas and views. We exchange information, ideas and constructive feedback clearly with respect, humility, care and sensibility for the benefit of the organisation and the people we serve.
  • Agility
    We can reflect, adapt, change quickly, and succeed in a rapidly changing, ambiguous, turbulent environment by embracing a mindset of continuous life-long learning, curiosity and discovery.

Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potential

We strive to maximise abilities and unlock the potential of people with disabilities in the following ways:

  • Being a centre of excellence
    Providing quality services to enable people with disabilities to be independent and integrated with the community.
  • Promoting inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities
    Working towards more inclusiveness and accessibility with a vision of enabling every person with disabilities to participate in all life domains.
  • Technology
    Unlocking the potential of our clients through technology.
  • Providing vocational training and employment
    With the aim of promoting inclusion and participation in the workplace.
  • Rehabilitation
    Establishing partnerships towards independence.
  • Supporting children and youth
    Providing an early start for a better tomorrow for children and youth with disabilities.
  • Developing a committed professional team with core expertise
    Achieve outstanding service outcomes for people with disabilities.

SPD was originally established to serve people with physical disabilities. However, we have in the course of the last 50 years extended our scope to serve those with other disabilities as well.  Therefore, we updated our corporate identity during our 50th anniversary to give a strong and clear statement to clients, supporters and caregivers that SPD is an organisation for people with pan disabilities in Singapore.

What does the logo represent?

The intersecting ‘P’ and ‘D’ symbolises partnership, it reflects our Mission of being committed to working in partnerships with people with disabilities to develop their potential to the fullest so that they can be self-reliant and independent.

The logo is presented in green and orange as these colours reflect key qualities that we embrace.

The Green alludes to the nurturing environment that we provide. It also suggests growth and development, and how we aim to help our clients achieve progress through various programmes and initiatives.

The Orange represents care, warmth and compassion, which underpins our Mission. It captures the essence of hope and serves to instil confidence in people with disabilities and encourage them to approach life with optimism. It also expresses vitality and energy, to inspire positivity and vibrancy.

WHAT WE ACHIEVED TOGETHER LAST YEAR

1,687 children & youth supported in early intervention and education

158 jobseekers with disabilities placed in open employment

305 persons with disabilities trained for employment

6,267 individuals supported by 104 therapists in 72 programmes in the community

595 individuals supported at SPD Rehabilitation Centres

249 clients served in day activity and day care programmes

254 lives enriched through assistive technology

1,893 caregivers and educators empowered

15,000 individuals reached through our public education efforts

8,575 man hours contributed by 230 individuals and 37 institutions

*figures from FY2021/2022

GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY

SPD is registered with the Registry of Societies on 27 November 1964, under the Registration No. ROS 100/64 WEL. We are also registered with the Commissioner of Charities as a charity under the Charities Act on 28 June 1984, under the Registration No. 0064.

We adhere to the guidelines set out by National Council of Social Services (NCSS) for all their charities. We report regularly to NCSS as well as the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and work with both organisations, ensuring that we are accountable to all whom we serve.

Our Board of Management is made up of volunteers who give of their time and expertise for the benefit of people with disabilities. They are elected to the Board 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.

SPD’s policies and practices exclusively serve our mission of supporting persons with disabilities.  SPD does not and has not participated in any activities that are political in nature.