Towards a unified program of rehabilitation for those with psychiatric disabilities in Singapore

This paper sets out in detail how the Singapore Anglican Welfare Council (SAWC) has worked from its charter vision to a number of interlocking strategies and programs in the rehabilitation of those with psychiatric disabilities in Singapore. While the pathway toward a holistic and integrated model of rehabilitation may seem, in the body of this paper, to be almost rational-comprehensive in formulation, it has emerged from ongoing diagnosis and assessment of societal needs, and of the needs of those with psychiatric disabilities. It began simply from a compassionate vision but enlarged significantly as the writer continued in a doctor of business and administration program, to sharpen perceptions, purpose change within, and to collaborate with other agencies, both government and private. To facilitate the journey through this paper, the writer speaks of various continua of education and training, of growing the needed employment opportunities for the disabled, and of offering graduated housing and living skills opportunities. In reality, each initiative generated another and fed off one another. But the goal of all the activities described in this paper seems to have emerged as offering a graduated independence to those with psychiatric disabilities at their own choice and pace. They have taught the writer to listen, consult and to act in concert with them.