Facilitating integration of persons with Down syndrome

Mr R Sivanandam, DSA Chairman

Mr Gopalan Nair, World Down Syndrome Day Organising Chairperson

Dr Balbir Singh, DSA Founding Chairman and Advisor,

1. May I start by congratulating all of you, for 25 years of service in Singapore. The association is long lasting because of strong leadership and vision. You have demonstrated both, including your good service to Singapore. The Down Syndrome Association aims to bridge the gap between those who are differently abled, as Mr Siva said earlier. These are very meaningful initiatives that I want to commend you for, and hope you continue to do this for many years to come.

2. It is my pleasure to join you in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2021. This date has a special significance, as Down syndrome results from three copies of chromosome 21. Hence, we mark World Down Syndrome Day on the 21st day of the third month every year.

3. The theme this year is “Connect”.

   a. It is very simple, but very powerful in meaning. This is especially so in the context of COVID-19, which has unprecedentedly disrupted our lives. It has made connection a lot more difficult, and in some cases even impossible.

   b. But of course, us as Singaporeans from all walks of life, have shown our adaptability and resilience. We have come together as a country, to combat COVID-19. We have stood tall and made ourselves better. Today's event is testimony to that, that we are able to come together, sit in the same room and celebrate together. We want to look forward as well, to see what we can do, how we can forge forward and what other boundaries can we break.

To recognise and celebrate our persons with Down syndrome

4. Singapore has taken significant steps in recognising and celebrating persons with Down syndrome in our community. This has been an effort helmed by DSA, and increasingly many others in the community who have come together to share this vision as well.

5. In 2007, Singapore launched a national plan that aimed to meaningfully engage our persons with disabilities, and enhance their quality of life through integration and inclusion.

   a. We are now on our third instalment of the Enabling Masterplan, a five-year roadmap that will take Singapore further in our journey to be a more caring and inclusive society.

   b. A home where Singaporeans of all abilities and backgrounds, including persons with Down syndrome, can achieve their potential, and contribute fully as strong and integral members of society.

   c. This calls for support and action of the community at large. This can't be done alone. This is a whole-of-society effort, including employers, community organisations, as well as persons with disabilities and their caregivers.

Facilitating integration of persons with Down syndrome

6. As Mr Sivan mentioned just now, DSA is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Over the years, DSA has worked closely with government agencies and partners to raise public awareness of Down syndrome. This is important to facilitate the integration of persons with Down syndrome in our society, whose effort is as much owned by persons with Down syndrome, as people in society.

   a. For example, DSA has nurtured over 800 beneficiaries through its programmes and services in the past year, including more than 300 members with Down syndrome.

   b. In particular, DSA's Integration Facilitation Support Programme (IFSP) has enabled children to develop positive attitudes and understanding towards their peers with special needs, for them to better assimilate into mainstream schools. I think this is important, because our children sometimes just don't know how to respond in that situation. It is not their fault as they have not been in such a scenario before, but they need to know and be handheld in the process.

   c. Let me share more about Alyssa, a Primary 5 student at Opera Estate Primary School. She takes a while to warm up to new people. Frankly, all of us do. But she has a loving personality once you get to know her.

   d. Initially, Alyssa's school mates did not mingle with her that much. They did not do that out of malice, but it was because they did not know how to reach out to her and get along with her.

   e. Through the programme, Alyssa's school mates got to learn more about interacting with persons with Down syndrome, and better understood the challenges they faced. At the same time, Alyssa's confidence was boosted, and her social skills improved.

   f. As a result, Alyssa has been invited to play dates with her school mates, which is a comforting sign of social acceptance and progress towards a more caring, inclusive and kind-hearted society in Singapore.

7. Recognising the importance for their learners to stay connected amid the pandemic, DSA also took the initiative to conduct checks on their well-being in a safe manner.

   a. They offered online learning and home-based activities to support their development within the comfort of their homes.

   b. This encouraged caregivers to take on a more active role in steering their child to learn through technology, and to strengthen family bonds.

   c. Again, what I have outlined is no different from any other child in this situation.

Growing the Singapore Cares movement – every action counts

8. All of us can play our part to make Singapore a more caring and inclusive society. No effort is too small, every action counts and it all adds up to one big whole.

9. At the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, we encourage and support all Singaporeans in growing the SG Cares movement, to build an endearing home with a culture of compassion and care.

10. Our persons with Down syndrome need our active participation to make Singapore a safe and supportive home for them. It is not about organising dialogues, seminars or writing theories, it is about the lived experiences. People get along and integrate well with them because they feel that bond.

    a. We can share our experiences and knowledge about Down syndrome, to help others better understand the genetic condition and challenges that persons with Down syndrome face. This fosters greater awareness and encourage greater inclusivity.

    b. We can also support the education and training of persons with Down syndrome, to create more relevant opportunities in nurturing their abilities and make sure they do not lose out in terms of realising their aspirations or potentials.

    c. We must also remain cohesive as a community, and provide the strong confidence that we will leave no one behind. I think this is what will make it special for all persons with special needs, to feel that they have a place in our society.

Conclusion

11. American professor and author Brené Brown once said, “Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”

12. Indeed, let us take a moment to connect with one another, with people around us, and with Singaporeans of all abilities.

13. I hope this event will allow us to reinforce and recommit ourselves to providing persons with Down syndrome a conducive home for their development, empowerment and independence. They are very much a part of Singapore, and a part of our society. Thank you, and congratulations once again to DSA! I wish all of you a good weekend ahead.