To multiply social impact in the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) sector, Temasek Foundation is partnering The Purple Parade Limited (TPPL) to start a $4 million regranting tool to build capabilities and expand capacity to meet the diverse needs of PwDs aged 18 years old and above.

The “post-18 cliff effect” remains an issue. This situation takes place when students on the autism spectrum turn 18 and graduate from special education schools, services drop off sharply and there is limited support for their needs.

More can be done to support this group. This is why Temasek Foundation will be setting aside $4 million over three years to work jointly with TPPL to support groups that run programmes targeted for PwDs, aged 18 and above, on three key areas: (i) Independent Living; (ii) Healthier Living; and (iii) Lifelong Learning.

First Initiative Under TPPL’s New Mandate to Sustain, Scale & Deepen Community Efforts

The launch of Temasek Foundation – Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) Supported Living and Training (SLT) Programme marks the first initiative under this partnership. It will be managed under TPPL in its new role as a regrantor, where around $600,000 has been allocated for this programme.

In brief, regranting is the process by which a grant maker distributes funds to other organisations, such as non-profits or community groups, to carry out specific projects or initiatives to extend reach and social impact.

This new TF-ARC(S) SLT training initiative for adults, of ages 18 and above, on the autism spectrum with low to moderate support needs in Singapore aims to support them in community living through independent living skills training. It will provide individuals and their caregivers with autism-focused, structured and real-life training in areas such as self-management, home management and community participation.

Ms Denise Phua, President of ARC(S), said, “We are grateful for the commitment and support of partners like Temasek Foundation and The Purple Parade Ltd, in enabling us to develop services for the autism community. While much progress has been made to support the autism community, there are still significant gaps in the provisions for adults on the autism spectrum. There is an urgent need to expand the range of services and support across the lifespan to meet the needs of the diverse profiles of adults on the spectrum. Through the TF-ARC(S) Supported Living and Training Programme, we hope to empower more individuals on the autism spectrum to lead quality lives in the community. It is our belief that this eventually can be adapted for other persons with disabilities, beyond autism.”

The TF-ARC(S) SLT Programme is part of ARC(S)’s life skills training series, Flourish For Life, which was established with support from Autism Association (Singapore). Under Flourish For Life, ARC(S) will continue to progressively develop and expand its services to address the pivotal needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. These initiatives include a playbook to support life planning and care planning for the future, as well as more lifelong learning opportunities.

Ms Rachel Ong, Chairperson of TPPL, said, “TPPL’s mission remains constant: to champion inclusion and celebrate the abilities of people with special needs. With Temasek Foundation’s partnership in regranting, we will identify and support impactful programmes that empower persons with disabilities to lead dignified and meaningful lives. We are delighted to work with ARC(S) to advance its efforts in uplifting the special needs community, as our pilot programme.”

Ms Woon Saet Nyoon, Head of Community Networks and Partnerships at Temasek Foundation, said, “Temasek Foundation has been evolving its nurturing model to build capabilities of community organisations and expand a wider support system for the vulnerable groups. Using this regranting model, it leverages TPPL’s deep knowledge to build this network and strengthen the PwDs ecosystem. Temasek Foundation is heartened to be a catalyst for the inaugural pilot programme to enable post-18 PwDs to live independently through support and training.”

Equipping Adults on the Autism Spectrum with Independent Living Skills 

Three adults on the autism spectrum attended a three-day pilot run of an immersive stay-in course that ARC(S) conducted in June this year. During the course, the adults on the autism spectrum engaged in hands-on learning, interactive workshops and collaborative activities to develop foundational independent living skills, such as preparing simple meals, organising their rooms and doing laundry.

Mdm Loh, a parent of one of the adults on the autism spectrum who attended the course, shared that her son is now more independent in his daily routines. She said, “Previously, our helper did everything for my son. After the course, he has become more independent. He now prepares his breakfast every morning, does his own laundry and cleans his room. We are hopeful that he will continue to build his independence, so that when we are no longer around, he can live and take care of himself independently.”

Mr Bob Lee, a parent of an individual on the autism spectrum said, “As parents of an only child on the autism spectrum, we always worry if he will be able to live independently when we both pass on. With this new programme, we hope that he can get real-life training to prepare him for independent living within the community. We hope that there will be more of such programmes in different parts of Singapore and that other residents will embrace them as part of the community.”

Ms Denise Phua added, “With training and support, individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive in living, learning and working. We have seen this testified through our work. We look forward to partnering more individuals on the autism spectrum and their caregivers in acquiring independent living skills and supporting them in community living.”

Adults on the autism spectrum and caregivers keen to find out more about the independent living skills courses can find out more at ARC(S)’s website: www.autism.org.sg.