An enthusiastic wave of purple swept into Suntec City on 5 November as some 10,000 people turned up at the Purple Parade all dressed to the occasion. Into its fourth year, the event presents an opportunity for the disabled community to spread the message of inclusion and promote greater understanding of issues that people with special needs face and to push for greater integration of people with disabilities into mainstream society.

This year, SPD partnered with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to form the “Plucky P” contingent at the Purple Parade. ‘Plucky’ for having or showing determined courage in the face of difficulties, over 20 SPD clients and trainees came together painted with purple eye masks, reminiscent of Pixar Animation Studios’ The Incredibles, to show their support for people with special needs. Alongside them were 50 Hewlett Packard Enterprise staff volunteers and 20 SPD staff.

SPD President Ms Chia Yong Yong (above, front row, second from left) was happy with the relocation of the parade from Hong Lim Park, where it has been organised in the previous years, to Suntec City: “The relocation of The Purple Parade to a bigger arena is a reflection of our progress to a more inclusive nation, and how more Singaporeans have become aware of the disabled community. However, whether in our individual or collective consciousness, we have not reached a sufficient level of awareness to appreciate that a person is not disabled by his medical condition, but by his internal inhibitions, external inhibitions and barriers. Therefore it is our duty as a community to continue with education and efforts that encourage interaction between those with special needs and those without.”

SPD Sheltered Workshop trainee Joel Wong (above, second from right) was beaming with joy after the parade, he said “I really liked the whole parade experience! I also enjoyed going around the stalls at the end of the parade, the items there are so interesting!”

We take this opportunity to also thank the staff from Hewlett Packard Enterprise for walking with us at this very special event.