Information for the Disabled

• See also AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Children with Disabilities in Singapore

Support & Information

The Disabled People's Association (DPA) of Singapore is responsible for research and providing resources, information and support on all matters affecting disabled people in Singapore:  transport, equipment, employment, entertainment, shopping and independent living. It runs assistance schemes for people and their families.

The DPA website has detailed, up-to-date information relevant to the disabled in Singapore (hearing, visual, physical, intellectual disablilities as well as autism and those with multiple disabilities). It links to many facilities for education, family support, accommodation, rehabilitation and more.

Access to Public Buildings

The Code on Barrier-Free Accessibility in Buildings was first published in 1990 by the Building Control Division of the Public Works Department. Under the Code all new buildings must not only be designed to be more disabled-friendly but must also cater to the needs of the future growing population.

Access Singapore is a book, published by the National Council of Social Service, which provides a guide to accessible places for the physically disabled. It has a list of public places and buildings that are accessible to people with disabilities and features the main areas in Singapore that the general public would visit.

• This information is also available online, on the DPA website: Click here

Copies of Access Singapore can be obtained free from:

• National Council of Social Service
  At: 11 Penang Lane, Singapore 238485,
  Tel: 6336 1544
  Fax: 6336 7729

Public Transport

The Mass Rapid Transit system (MRT) stations at Changi Airport, Dover, Novena, Outram, Somerset and Tampines have facilities for the disabled.

Public buses are not accessible to people in wheelchairs, but there are two taxi companies which provide taxis for wheelchair users.

Taxis

Two Singapore taxi companies can offer facilities for wheelchairs and other disabled passengers.

• TransIsland Taxis Pte Ltd. (Please note that two days advance booking is required)
  Tel: 6481 6648
  Fax: 6482 3842
• CityCab Pte Ltd
  Tel: 6452 5252
  Fax: 6552 7112

Airport Shuttle Service

The MaxiCab airport shuttle service has wheelchair access and luggage room and offers a scheduled service to most of the hotels within the city (except hotels on Sentosa and Le Meridien Changi). Alighting points are flexible and destinations within the Central Business District include MRT stations.

Bookings can be made at the airport shuttle counters, or with the hotel concierge. Payment is made direct to the driver.

The shuttle operates from 09:00 to 23:00 at intervals of 30 minutes during off-peak hours (09:00 to 18:00) and 15 minute intervals during peak hours (18:00 to 23:00).

• For a current timetable: Click here
• For more information, call CityCab
  Tel: 6553 3880
  Website

The Handicap Welfare Association

The Handicap Welfare Association (HWA) also provides transport services. They operate vans fitted with hydraulic lifts. Advance booking is required.

Manual wheelchairs and hydraulic lifts are available from the HWA.

• Handicap Welfare Association (HWA)
  At: 16 Whampoa Drive, Singapore 327725
  Tel: 6254 3006
  Fax: 6253 77375

Disabled Parking

Class 1 and Class 2 Parking Labels are available to people with disabilities and people who may be responsible for transporting them.

• Class 1 Parking Labels: for disabled drivers
• Class 2 Parking Labels: for family members and care givers of disabled people

The car sticker is available to people forced to use wheelchairs, crutches, walking frame/stick or prosthesis for mobility. The label is for their use only, in HDB and URA carparks.

The Car Park Label Scheme (for persons with physical disabilities) has been administered by the Centre for Enabled Living (CEL) from 2 January 2009. 

All applications for new labels and renewals should be sent as follows:

• Centre for Enabled Living (CEL): Assists people with disabilities (including the frail elderly) as part of a national care network
  At: the Social Service Hub at Tiong Bahru
  298 Tiong Bahru Road
  #03-01 Central Plaza
  Singapore 168730
  Open: Monday to Friday 08:30-17:30
  Tel: 6593 6437
  Fax: 6270 7024
  e-mail
  Website

Members of the Handicap Welfare Association (HWA) can get their parking labels through that organisation.

Leisure Facilities

For a complete guide to disabled access facilities see the CEL Accessibility and Transport. 

Sentosa Island

This resort and leisure island has some provisions in place for the physically handicapped. Arrangements can be made for people with disabilities to be driven in.

• For information see the New Asia website or contact the Sentosa Customer Service Department
  Tel: 6279 1720

Zoo and Bird Park

Both the Singapore Zoo (including the Night Safari which is located right next to the zoo) and the Jurong Bird Park have facilities for the physically handicapped. Call ahead to make sure of availability.

• Singapore Zoo
  At: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
  Tel: 6269 3411/12
  Website
• Jurong BirdPark
  At: 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925
  Tel: 6265 0022 3411/12.
  Website
• Night Safari
  At: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
  Tel: 6269 3411/12
  Website 

Further Information

• Disabled People's Association
  At: #04-77 German Centre, 25 International Business Park, Singapore 609916
  Tel: 6899 1220
  e-mail
  Website
• The Handicap Welfare Association
  At:16 Whampoa Drive, Singapore 327725
  Tel: 6254 3006
  Fax: 6253 77375
  Website