Y organisations launch initiative to help PWDs live more independently
The Y+ programmes offer alternatives beyond traditional centre-based options
SINGAPORE’s three “Y” organisations – the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Singapore, Metropolitan YMCA and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Singapore – came together for the first time to launch a community engagement initiative called Y+ to support persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their caregivers.
The initiative comprises three pilot programmes: Y Crops @ Metropolitan YMCA, Y Wellness Weave @ YWCA, and Y Dance @ YMCA of Singapore. In partnership with SG Enable, Y+ provides alternative activities beyond traditional centre-based options, particularly for PWDs who have ended their formal schooling around the age of 18.
Ku Geok Boon, chief executive of SG Enable, said: “When a child is about to graduate, caregivers are thinking about what’s next, (which) tends to be the more traditional offerings such as day activity centres, or sheltered workshops, or looking for employment or training opportunities. These are good options, but they should not be the only options.”
These facilities may also be “inadequate or insufficient to support the graduating number of students”, said Wu Mei Ling, general secretary and chief executive of YMCA of Singapore.
Y+ will also help PWDs live independently and engage meaningfully with the community.
A spokesperson from Metropolitan YMCA said, in addition to providing “unique forms of engagement”: “These programmes add the most value, especially in terms of empowering PWDs and restoring dignity. You’re giving them opportunities to learn and be self-reliant.”
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Pilot programmes
Denise Phua, mayor of Central Singapore District and Member of Parliament of Jalan Besar GRC, was guest of honour at the Y+ launch on Friday (Jun 7). She said: “Through Y Dance, Y Wellness Weave and Y Crops, you not only enhance the lives of the participants in learning and social participation – you also provide respite opportunities for the caregivers.”
Y Crops allows PWDs to engage in sustainable farming practices at Metropolitan YMCA’s organic hydroponic vegetable farm, where they can seed and harvest vegetables. The farm currently has 10 racks for growing vegetables, and aims to increase production capacity to 30 racks by 2030.
The farm will also serve as a training centre for PWDs and provide them with employment opportunities. In 2023, Metropolitan YMCA received a farming licence from Singapore Food Agency to sell the produce for consumption.
Isaac Thomas Komatt is a PWD who has been working with Metropolitan YMCA for the past four months. He gained the relevant skills needed to train other PWDs, and is now leading Y Crops. He said the farming process is therapeutic, and an “important process for PWDs to regulate themselves to remain calm”.
Another therapeutic activity that is part of Y+ is Y Wellness Weave, which provides PWDs and caregivers respite through weaving. Each session is facilitated by YWCA’s beneficiary mothers, who come from marginalised backgrounds.
The programme helps PWDs and their caregivers build their capabilities so that they can sell their crafts, thereby accessing another avenue for income.
Meanwhile, Y Dance gives PWDs a platform for social interaction and self-expression through dance.
The Metropolitan YMCA spokesperson said these pilot programmes are just starting points for the Y+ initiative, and the organisations hope to “expand to even more innovative platforms” in the long term.
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