Accessibility Gaps Hamper Disability Inclusion in Singapore

A nationwide survey conducted by Singapore Management University (SMU) in 2025 has uncovered significant gaps in Singapore's efforts to include persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the workforce. Despite widespread goodwill, both PWDs and the general public rate the country's employment policies as only moderately effective, with little improvement expected by 2030.

The study found that accessibility, especially digital accessibility, is the weakest link in inclusion efforts. More than half of PWDs rated workplace accessibility below 50%, with technology scoring the lowest. The public was even more critical, with 6 in 10 rating tech accessibility as the biggest obstacle to genuine participation.

The survey also revealed a striking lack of awareness about government and employer support schemes. 8 in 10 PWDs were unaware of training programs for employability, and 2 in 3 did not know about hiring grants. Even among those in hiring roles, fewer than one in two had heard of these initiatives.

While job satisfaction among PWDs is reasonably high, their perceived ability to support themselves financially falls significantly below public expectations. This disconnect highlights how positive sentiment has yet to translate into tangible empowerment and economic independence.

The study's authors emphasize that mindset shifts alone are not enough to drive meaningful inclusion. Sustainable progress requires addressing accessibility gaps, improving awareness of support schemes, and providing practical tools and incentives for employers to actively hire and retain PWDs.