9 January 2023
In Singapore the needs and opportunities for people with disabilities are being taken seriously and virtual learning courses are occurring for all those in both the government and non-government sectors, including commerce and industry, something I am yet to see taking place in the Solomon Islands.
The virtual learning courses are made available on line and consist of a programme structured along the following lines, and I quote.
Quote.
Course Outline
1. MODULE ONE- Understanding the types of disabilities
* Hearing impairment
* Physical impairment
* Intellectual impairment
* Visual impairment
2. MODULE TWO-How to work with person with hearing impairment
* What is hearing impairment
* How to communicate with them
* Hiring process and consideration
* Support for them on the job
3. MODULE THREE- How to work with person with physical impairment
* What is physical impairment
* How to communicate with them
* Hiring process and consideration
* Support for them on the job
4. MODULE FOUR- How to work with person with intellectual impairment
* What is intellectual impairment
* How to communicate with them
* Hiring process and consideration
* Support for them on the job
5. MODULE FIVE- How to work with person with visual impairment
* What is visual impairment
How to communicate with them
Hiring process and consideration
Support for them on the job.
End of quote.
Source - Adventist Group.
Comment
As the business world becomes increasingly aware of the values and potentials that a diverse workforce can bring, hiring individuals with disabilities is becoming increasingly important and common.
This will not only create a more inclusive culture, it can also lead to a wider range of perspectives and ideas, which will drive innovation and success. Since each person is unique and has their own specific goals and needs. You will need to be equipped with the etiquette in working with various unique disabilities.
The Singapore designed courses are formulated so employers and managers will gain the confidence and skillset as working professionals in engaging with persons with disabilities (PwD). They will also be equipped with a fundamental grasp of various disabilities and disability etiquette. Employers interested in hiring PwD will gain the ability to streamline the hiring procedure and effectively aid in integrating and retaining workers with disabilities.
Prosthetic limbs (or artificial limbs) much needed by former patients having had a leg removed by surgery at the National Referral Hospital in the SI after having develped diabetes, reportedly up to 400 or more awaiting a prosthetic limb, and more each month as such surgery is claimed to see about 6 such surgical leg removals each week.
In summary, the Singapore course outline is clearly designed to both understand the degree and nature of disabilities of people in Singapore and how they can be helped and supported in their life and in their work.
Can it be said the same is being done in the Solomon Islands, or even being considered?
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
