Inclusion in Singapore: a social model analysis of disability policy

Abstract

A rhetoric of inclusion and increased social spending within a global context of austerity cuts has dominated disability policies in Singapore today. However, there is a lack of academic works that take a critical disability studies view towards the analysis of disability in Singapore. This work aims to address this gap by adopting a critical social model-led analysis of disability policies in Singapore. The article examines the rhetoric of inclusion, how disability is defined and its implementation through various policies in Singapore. It will examine the underpinnings of disability in Singapore today and its impact on the lives of disabled people.

Keywords:

• Inclusion
• social model
• Singapore
• welfare state
• disability

Acknowledgements

This work arises from the author’s dissertation submitted for a Master of Arts in Disability Studies at the University of Leeds and would not have been possible without the funding provided by the Chevening Scholarship Programme and SG Enable. The academic support provided by supervisor Mark Priestley as well as other lecturers in the programme, namely Colin Barnes, Alison Sheldon and Alan Roulstone, were also essential to the completion of this work.

Notes

1. While both Masterplans are unique in the recommendations they offer, as a whole they tend to be similar in terms of vision and overall direction because they sought to provide targeted assistance to disabled people so as to improve their lives. As such, in this article references will be made to the specific Masterplan where the recommendation was made. However when things are generic and appear in both Masterplans, the article will refer to the government roadmap as simply the Enabling Masterplan.