DISABLED PERSONS(Figures)

DISABLED PERSONS

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(Figures): **

8.

Dr Chong Weng Chiew asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports if he will provide (i) the total number of disabled persons in Singapore; and (ii) a breakdown of this number by age groups, types of disability, gender, causes of disability, education levels, employment status and annual salaries.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Total number of disabled persons in Singapore

There is no national data on the number of persons with disabilities in the population. MCYS has an ongoing study on persons with disability to better understand their level of functionality, and factors that affect their performance and capacity. This study would yield relevant information on how we can better assist persons with disabilities to integrate in society. As the study is in progress, the results are not yet available.

Profile of persons with disabilities

Types of disabilities

There are generally four broad categories of disabilities:

- Physical Disabilities

- Sensory Impairment

- Intellectual Disabilities (IQ<70)

- Developmental Delays and Disabilities, eg, autism, dyslexia.

Gender

Persons with disabilities come from both genders.

Age group

Persons with disabilities span across all age groups.

Column: 2393

Causes of disability

Disability can result from many reasons, including genetic origins, diseases and illnesses, and accidents. We do not have data on the proportion of the various types of disabilities due to different causes.

Education levels

There is no national data on the highest educational attainment of persons with disabilities. The ongoing MCYS survey on persons with disabilities mentioned earlier will provide more data of the respondents' education levels when it is completed.

Employment Status and Annual Salaries

Bizlink, the central job placement agency for persons with disabilities, had placed 759 persons * in open employment since 2003. The salary range is between $700 and $1,000 per month. Currently, there are also about 1,200 persons ** with disabilities in sheltered employment.

• Data provided by Bizlink.

** Data provided by Bizlink.