SINGAPORE, 14 November 2024 – Technology can uplift persons with disabilities, but inclusive mindsets play an important role in setting the foundation of a caring society that welcomes people of all abilities. This is the central message of SPD’s annual public education campaign, UNLABEL 2024, which is launched today.

Aimed at dispelling stereotypical views of people with disabilities and to promote their inclusion in the community, the theme this year “Imagining Better Tomorrows, Together” encourages the community to unite in building a brighter future for persons with disabilities through technology and an inclusive mindset. This also aligns with SPD’s 60^th anniversary, celebrating the organisation’s past achievements and contributions to the disability space while inspiring further efforts to empower persons with disabilities or with disabling conditions within the community.

SPD chief executive officer, Mr Abhimanyau Pal, said: “2024 marks six decades of SPD supporting people with disabilities and those developing disabilities. Through UNLABEL, we hope to reflect on the progress that we have collectively made as a society and to spark conversations to inspire every citizen to play their part in building a more inclusive society. We envision a future where enhanced accessibility and innovative technologies further empower those with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives.”

One of the faces of UNLABEL this year is 23-year-old Mr Matthew Ng. Diagnosed with dystonic cerebral palsy since young, the condition affects his gait and fine motor skills, and he struggles with writing. Even though Mr Ng started learning to type in kindergarten, having to write mathematical equations when he progressed in school became a huge challenge.

“Communicating quickly and ensuring that my scribe understood my instructions clearly was an uphill task. This made exams more time-consuming and difficult for me,” said Mr Ng. Technology such as smart AI notes-taking devices can help those with dexterity challenges learn better, by reading brainwaves, capturing thoughts, and transcribing them into printed forms.

Mdm Nur Madiah Hidayah Lim Othman is a strong, independent 43-year-old with a radiant smile, contagious laugh and an adventurous spirit. She was born without limbs, and has boneless appendages instead of arms. Over time, she has expertly adapted and uses them to perform everyday tasks, such as eating and typing on her phone.

Mdm Madiah replies on smart home technology, set up with the help from SPD’s Specialised Assistive Technology Centre, to navigate her home and manage tasks such as controlling lights and more. “I try to be as independent as possible and commute safely by travelling on routes that I am familiar with. However, accidents do happen, and I remember falling out of my wheelchair on two occasions when I tried to board the train alone. A futuristic technology like a hoverpod will help me move around more seamlessly and avoid obstacles that are easily overlooked!” said Mdm Madiah.

64-year-old Mdm Tang Lai Mui lives with low vision in her right eye and blindness in her left. She uses a white cane to guide her in her commute to work and to move around in the community independently.

Closely spaced traffic lights or those without audio signals make it difficult for her to determine when it is safe to cross the road, posing significant risks to her personal safety. “A white cane with sensors that can detect obstacles will make navigation easier in challenging weather,” says Mdm Tang.

Leveraging technology to overcome accessibility barriers can empower those with disabilities and give them a greater sense of independence and confidence as they move through the world.

SPD has once again partnered creative agency Societal, and photographer Mr Toh Xing Jie from Ugly Carrot Studio to launch “UNLABEL” ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) which falls on 3 December.

“It’s been our privilege to work with SPD once again – especially in such an auspicious year. And their theme to mark 60 years of serving people with disabilities in Singapore, “Celebrating Yesterday, Imagining Tomorrow” was actually a very inspiring brief to work with from a creative point of view. We look forward to supporting SPD again as they continue their good work,” said Mr Kevin Geeves, Societal’s creative director and founder.

With the support of SMRT Corporation Ltd, posters of the campaign have been installed at four SMRT train stations, specifically Dhoby Ghaut, Somerset, Bras Basah and Raffles Place, and in-train panels along Circle Line and North-South Line and bus stops from 14 November to 11 December 2024. Public can learn more about the campaign by visiting the website http://www.spd.org.sg/unlabel or scan the QR code on the posters.

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