Improving employability of the disabled
Bizlink Centre Singapore has been improving the employability of people with disabilities (PWDs), and linking them up with employers, since 1985.
The non-profit organisation’s commitment to help PWDs enter the workforce stems from its mission help disabled people lead independent lives while maintaining dignity. It also helps PWDs integrate better with the mainstream society.
The Bizlink team works with over 500 PWDs – including the needy and elderly – annually and is assisted by a small group of volunteers.
Programmes to suit various needs
The organisation runs five social-based programmes and seven social enterprises that prepare the disabled for the workforce. The social enterprises -- such as Bizlink Cleaning Services and Bizlink Packing & Fulfillment -- provide services such as cleaning (of offices, for example) , data entry and packing. One company produces gifts and cards which can be bought online.
The programmes are designed to help the PWDs explore their job interests, provide relevant training and help link them up with potential employers.
For example, Bizlink matched Toh Yong Hong, 26, a graduate from The Vocational School for the Handicapped (VSH), with an employer who initially took him in for a temporary position in warehousing work. Toh, who is intellectually disabled, then went through assessments and training with Bizlink after which the employer decided to give him a full-time position.
In his testimonial, he said that he is happy and satisfied that he is gainfully employed.
Bizlink told Yahoo! Singapore that it has also begun a pilot project called Day Activity Centre Plus or DAC+. The centre provides care for the disabled and engages them in work therapy and social acitivities as well.
Sarah M. Shakun -- her husband Richard Koh, 57, is semi-paralysed due to a mild stroke a few years ago — gave positive remarks about the centre.
“The trainers are very helpful and patient with Richard, and allow him to learn things at his own pace, without any pressure, yet at the same time making sure that he is meaningfully engaged at all times,” she said in a written testimonial provided by Bizlink.
Koh participated in informative learning programmes, which helped him practice his reading and writing — these are activities he had not done in a long time.
The former sales manager is paralysed throughout the left side of his body.
Sustaining Bizlink
Bizlink programmes are funded using income earned from fundraising events and grants from the Ministry of Community Development, now known as Ministry of Social and Family Development, which first initiated Bizlink in 1985, and the Community Chest of Singapore.
Bizlink depends on these grants and donations for the continuity of its good work. It also requires volunteer help.
To assist, please apply as a volunteer through application forms found on the website.
The beneficiary and Voluntary Welfare Organisation featured in this article has been assisted by the National Council of Social Service and Community Chest
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