Disabled People’s Association (DPA) was proud once again to participate in the Purple Parade on 5 November 2016. The Purple Parade is the largest movement in Singapore that supports inclusion, and celebrates the abilities of persons with special needs. For the past three years, the event had been held at Hong Lim Park. This time, Purple Parade made its way to the heart of the city as thousands gathered at Suntec City to celebrate abilities and support inclusion. More than 10,000 people dressed in purple, despite the rain, to show their support.
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the guest of honour at the event. DPA President, Mr Nicholas Aw Wee Chong, and DPA Executive Director, Dr Marissa Lee Medjeral-Mills, and other DPA Board members, members, volunteers and staff came together with Cognizant Technology Solutions Asia Pacific Pte Ltd to enthusiastically take part in the Purple Parade.
DPA’s Patron Ms Low Yen Ling , Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education & Ministry of Trade and Industry and Mayor of South West CDC, was also was present to support the Purple Parade.
DPA was one of the 46 contingents that made up the parade. This is third time that DPA team is participating in the Purple Parade. Our contingent members wore Purple T-shirts and held specially designed DPA purple fans. DPA’s theme for this Purple Parade was ‘Walk the Talk on Inclusion’ and volunteers held placards related to this theme.
Having the Purple Parade in the city district was a grand event with lively stalls, exhibitions and spectacular performances showcasing the talents and abilities of people with disabilities from all walks of life. DPA member, Margaret See, displayed her splendid dancing skills as she performed a wheelchair dance with her team.
Displaying the inclusive spirit of the event, a Sign Language Interpreter was on the stage to communicate live updates to people with hearing impairments.
DPA’s contingent had 60 participants and included people with and without disabilties to highlight the inclusive nature of this event. People from different walks of life come together to show support, advocating for society that supports people with disabilities by taking practical and individal steps to walk the talk on inclusion.
DPA is especially happy that Purple Parade Guest of Honor, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, took the time to talk to our members and take a picture with the DPA team. DPA also managed to take a photo with the driving force behind the Purple Parade, Member of Parliament Ms Denise Phua. To see these photos and many more of the DPA team, please visit DPA’s Facebook album of the Purple Parade 2016.
DPA thanks its members, volunteers and volunteers from Cognizant for joining our Purple Parade contingent. DPA extends our warmest congratulations to the Purple Parade organisers for continuing and growing this move towards a more inclusive Singapore. Upholding our mission to be the voice of persons with disabilities, DPA looks forward to take part in and support the Purple Parade in 2017.
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