Print this page 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 disabilities.
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 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.
We are committed to our clients and mission. We place integrity with compassion as a key virtue and we strive to be professional in our service delivery.
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.
As a person-centred organisation, we are committed to service quality through:
- Professionalism
We serve with integrity and strive to excel in our work. - Partnership
We listen and work together with you to strive for a favourable experience. - Compassion
We strive to see your point of view to achieve better care and understanding of your circumstances. - Respect
We value your dignity, privacy and needs.
WHAT WE ACHIEVED TOGETHER LAST YEAR
95 therapists deployed to smaller VWOs and served 4750 persons with disabilities
Respite for 280 families while their loved ones were cared for at SPD
public education efforts reached out to over 17000 individuals
1176 children and youths supported in early intervention and education
214 people with disabilities found jobs
344 training places provided for job seekers with disabilities
479 received therapy at our rehabilitation centres
299 lives enriched through assistive technology
1656 caregivers empowered
$4.9 million raised
4320 volunteers donated 21069 man hours
*figures from FY2017/2018
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.
LATEST MILESTONES
