On June 3, 2016, the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) launched their first multi-year public education campaign designed to raise awareness about how to interact with persons with disabilities and be more inclusive. DPA is a partner in this campaign.
The campaign was shaped by findings from a series of surveys last year by NCSS that polled a total of 3,500 people, including caregivers of those disabilities. Findings revealed that six in 10 people with disabilities do not feel that they are socially included, accepted or given opportunities to achieve their potential. Singapore has made much progress in building accessible infrastructure, but attitudes remain a barrier to those with disabilities. Thus, this campaign is especially apt.
As a partner in this campaign, DPA will be manning the campaign website and offering disability awareness talks to interested parties. The website features local stories of everyday persons with disabilities with abilities and hobbies relatable to you and me. The aim is to encourage the public to see persons with disabilities for who they are, instead of the disability they have. It also provides tips for interaction. In addition, DPA conducts free disability awareness talks to raise awareness about the various abilities and needs of persons with disabilities. Thus far, DPA has conducted two workshops for NCSS and four talks for organisations such as the BCA Academy and Singapore Children Society. DPA hopes that this campaign takes us one step closer to a more inclusive mindset.
Visit the campaign website: www.seethetrueme.sg
