In conjunction with Social Workers’ Day, SPD senior social worker Angela Chung lets us in on the role social workers play in the disability community as well as trends facing the sector. 

In recent years, the disability sector has undergone a major transformation. There are new service developments to address emerging needs, enhanced employment opportunities for jobseekers with disabilities, better accessibility in public transport and amenities as well as greater disability awareness among members of the public.  

The uniqueness of social work practice in the disability sector is that we are emplaced in multi-disciplinary or trans-disciplinary teams to carry out intervention plans. The goals of case management in the disability sector are to empower our clients and their caregivers to live independent and dignified lives in the community and to maximise their potential to the fullest.  

To achieve this, social workers adopt a strength-based lens to identify and magnify clients’ assets, resources and resiliencies rather than focusing on their deficits and deficiencies. Amongst the multiple roles that social workers play, the role of an advocate is a prominent one. This sees us championing for inclusion and equal participation in different aspects of community living such as in mainstream schools, public spaces, and open employment.  

As a social worker in the disability sector for the past 20 years, I am privileged to journey with many clients and caregivers through casework and support group engagement. They are my true teachers who informed my practice and taught me what resilience is. Despite acquiring devastating permanent physical disabilities, many of our clients show us that they could eventually transcend their difficult circumstances to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.  

One client who has left an indelible impression on me is 59-year-old Mdm Angelyn Tan Sok. Despite having stroke at the prime age of 34, the former pre-school teacher and an amateur artist picked up watercolour painting when she realised that it would be very tough for her to return to a teaching job. Over the years, some of her paintings were selected for SPD greeting cards designs. She is working on developing a strong social media presence for her watercolour paintings to capture a wider audience both locally and internationally. Indeed, the adage rings true, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. Angelyn has demonstrated resilience and fortitude in her post-stroke recovery journey to inspire others. 

As the population ages in the coming years, social workers have to look at how to help adults with disabilities to age well and independently in the community and residential settings. Similarly, we would also need to support the growing concerns of ageing caregivers caring for their adult children with disabilities. As we ride this silver wave, may we, social workers rise to collaborate with other sectors to fortify and strengthen the social service safety net to better support these ageing needs.