Minds, SMRT sign MOU to uplift, engage persons with intellectual disabilities

THE Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (Minds) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Saturday (Apr 6) with public transport operator SMRT to create more opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs) in employment and their day-to-day life.

Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth as well as Social and Family Development, said: “(The) MOU is a testament to the commitment of both organisations towards creating an even more accessible and inclusive environment for PWIDs in Singapore.”

Minds has been working with PWIDs for at least 60 years, operating more than 30 schools, centres and services in Singapore and serving more than 7,500 clients and caregivers.

Under the MOU, the social service agency and SMRT will collaborate on hiring PWIDs; providing accessible transport services for Minds’ clients; advocating and raising awareness of PWIDs at MRT stations and bus interchanges; using wayfinding applications and signs to ensure smooth travel; and encouraging SMRT employees to volunteer with Minds.

The two agencies will leverage each other’s networks to foster a more inclusive community. Kelvin Koh, chief executive of Minds, said they will explore finding a “sustainable transport solution for PWIDs who need to travel on public transport”. 

The collaboration began in 2021, with experiential learning journeys for PWIDs to navigate public transport spaces. This helped PWIDs become more independent in their day-to-day living, which the agencies aim to continue with the MOU. 

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“That is part of our entire effort to grow and nurture PWIDs to have the confidence to take public transport to be independent travellers, which goes a long way in terms of enhancing (their) quality of life,” said Koh. “Our desire is to advocate for PWIDs’ independent living (and) inclusiveness in society.”

Minds and SMRT also trained SMRT employees to assist PWIDs in taking public transport. 

Koh said he hopes this MOU will encourage other corporates to work alongside similar agencies to foster a more inclusive society. “Studies have shown that if you are able to help (PWIDs) live in the community, their quality of life improves.”

Ngien Hoon Ping, group chief executive of SMRT, said: “We look forward to deepening collaborations with like-minded organisations like Minds, as well as exploring new initiatives to uplift and bring positive impact to the communities we serve.”

Art as an avenue for inclusivity

The MOU was signed at the Inclusive Arts Festival, which kicked off this year’s Colour Socks Parade – Minds’ signature fundraising campaign. It returned for its third edition on Saturday, shining a spotlight on the artistic talents of PWIDs.

Held at The Plaza @ National Library, the Inclusive Arts Festival showcased a display of artwork, craft and performances by Minds’ clients. Various workshops – covering photo-frame decoration, bookmark crafting, terrarium making and introductory key word sign learning – were held to allow interaction between visitors and PWIDs.

Koh said: “We want to highlight PWIDs’ aspirations and show how their gifts and talents can play a part to strengthen social cohesion in the community.”

Nur Rulhuda Hosni, a Minds training officer at Woodlands Employment Development Centre, said clients engage in art because it “provides them with a sense of belonging”. They also become more independent at home, since they follow a routine while attending Minds’ centres.

“It’s endearing to see the client’s confidence to take up more challenging tasks, as well as improve their skill sets,” she added.

Art has become more than just a way to keep busy for Minds’ clients – it helps them express themselves.

Sim Meng Suan, who is unable to communicate verbally, found her voice through art. She expresses her emotions through drawings, finding inspiration from her surroundings and pop culture.

Since joining Minds, Sim has also been able to assist her training officer with different kinds of tasks and projects, and does drawings for commissioned work. Her artwork was displayed at the Shaping Hearts 2023 exhibition and the Woodlands Comic Connect MRT Mural.

Liu Sze Sze, another Minds client, was encouraged by her training officer to turn her sketches into paintings. Her artwork was also displayed at the exhibition, with one piece auctioned off for S$8,000.

The Paint-a-Tile initiative was also launched at the Inclusive Arts Festival. From Apr 1 to Jun 30, participants can donate S$50 and receive a white tile. They can paint and return it to Minds, which will use the tiles to form a wall mural to be displayed at Minds’ centres and schools.

The donations will support programmes and services for PWIDs and their families.