- What are sheltered workshops?
- What are the admission criteria?
- How do I apply for placement in a sheltered workshop?
- What documents do I need to submit?
- Where can I go to apply for placement in a sheltered workshop?
- What is CEL's role in the application process?
- How does the referral process work?
- What are the fees for sheltered workshops?
- Are there any government subsidies that I can tap on?
- How do I calculate my monthly per capita income?
- Can I apply for 2 or more sheltered workshops simultaneously?
- Can I reapply if I have previously withdrawn my application or rejected an offer to a sheltered workshop?
- Where can I find information on sheltered workshops, such as location, contact details, etc?
- What is the difference between sheltered workshops and Day Activity Centres?
- Which VWOs have sheltered workshops?
1. What are sheltered workshops?
Sheltered workshops provide employment and vocational training for persons with moderate to severe disabilities, so that they may acquire basic job skills such as packaging and assembly through sub-contract work. Trainees earn an allowance and are presented with opportunities to gain work experience at a real client company, thus improving their future employment prospects.
2. What are the admission criteria?
The individual must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident aged 18 to 55. He/she should be diagnosed with developmental, intellectual, sensory, or physical disabilities, or a combination of two or more disabilities. The disabilities should be congenital. However, persons with acquired disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
3. How do I apply for placement in a sheltered workshop?
The application should preferably be submitted by a professional (e.g. doctor, social worker, case manager, therapist, etc) using the
referral form provided by the Centre for Enabled Living (CEL) and accompanied by the necessary supporting documents.
4. What documents do I need submit?
Besides the referral form, you also need to submit the medical report, psychological report and social report.
5. Where can I go to apply for a placement in a sheltered workshop?
You may approach a hospital, voluntary welfare organisation (VWO), family service centre (FSC), community development council (CDC), or contact CEL directly.
6. What is CEL’s role in the application process?
CEL is the referring agency that receives and processes all applications to sheltered workshops, and disseminates the applications to service providers.
7. How does the referral process work?
CEL will assess the referrals received by checking whether the applicant has exhausted all avenues of community-based services before resorting to placement in a sheltered workshop; the applicant meets the eligibility criteria; the application form has been properly completed and accompanied with the necessary supporting documents.
If the above has been met, CEL will send the referral to the sheltered workshop. The sheltered workshop will then arrange for an interview with the applicant to determine he is suitable for their service/programme. The workshop might also initiate a trial admission to see if the applicant is able to adapt to the environment at the workshop.
8. What are the fees for sheltered workshops?
There are no fees for joining a sheltered workshop. At sheltered workshops, clients earn an allowance for the work done.
9. Are there any government subsidies that I can tap on?
You can tap on a government subsidy which is based on per capita income and a 3-tier subsidy model. You may choose to undergo a financial assessment or be means-tested to determine the level of government subsidy that you are eligible for, if any.
10. How do I calculate my monthly per capita income?
Your monthly per capita income is derived by dividing the total gross income of your immediate family members by the total number of immediate family members and eligible dependents.
11. Can I apply for 2 or more sheltered workshops simultaneously?
No, you can only apply to one sheltered workshop and be on one waiting list at one time.
12. Can I reapply if I have previously withdrawn my application or rejected an offer to a sheltered workshop?
You may reapply, but you will have to go through the application process again.
13. Where can I find information on sheltered workshops, such as locations, contact details, etc?
The information can be found in the Disability Service Locator.
14. What is the difference between sheltered workshops and Day Activity Centres?
Day Activity Centres (DACs) provide activities and services to better equip persons with disabilities seeking to maximise their independence. This involves imparting to them the necessary skills for their transition to workshop employment. DACs cater to persons aged 18 and above who are unable to take up open employment or attend sheltered workshops. They also provide a form of respite for caregivers during working hours.
Programmes at DACs involve activities that promote the development of cognitive, social, communication, language and motor skills. The centres also provide physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
15. Which VWOs have sheltered workshops?
- APSN Centre for Adults
- MINDS IDEA Employment Development Centre
- MINDS Woodlands Employment Development Centre
- SIA MINDS Employment Development Centre
- Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore - Goodwill, Rehabilitation and Occupational Workshop (GROW)
- Society for the Physically Disabled
- Society of Moral Charities (Visually Handicapped)