Certis partners charity SPD to help empower persons with disabilities

Singapore

LOO Poh Thye is a 53-year-old stroke survivor, and J P Thanumadhya is a 27-year-old with physical disability. Both of them joined Certis' integrated quarantine operations services as call centre operators in July this year, working four days a week on a 12-hour shift.

Their job is to call persons under quarantine due to the Covid-19 outbreak and to check on their health and well-being. The operators also help to assist these people with matters such as getting medical assistance.

Mr Loo and Ms Thanumadhya are in these roles, thanks to a new partnership between security services provider Certis and local disability-focused charity SPD, which was announced on Wednesday. The partnership is part of Certis' ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive society that supports persons with disabilities. Certis is also donating S$20,000 to support SPD to help it cope with the challenges posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The new initiative with SPD is called Breaking Barriers. In a news release, Certis said the aim is to "inspire hope and positivity across the community" by empowering and engaging persons with disabilities through suitable employment opportunities and engagement activities.

Building an inclusive society

"Breaking Barriers also seeks to enrich the knowledge and competencies of Certis security officers in engaging and communicating with persons with disabilities through disability awareness training sessions," Certis said.

Certis senior vice-president and head of group human resources, corporate planning, group communications and marketing Tan Toi Chia said: "Through the Breaking Barriers initiative, we seek to continue to make a positive impact in the community by spreading hope and cheer to help those in need, and building an inclusive society. In the spirit of volunteerism, our employees are also as committed to join the programme and uplift the well-being of those under the care of SPD."

SPD chief executive Abhimanyau Pal noted that charities have always relied on the support of corporates and individuals to carry out their mission.

"We are grateful for and encouraged by the multifaceted support offered by Certis, especially in this current economic climate. We hope to see more companies like Certis coming forward to help ensure that persons with special needs in our community continue to be supported and are cared for during this tough time," he said.