OPEN DOOR Fund

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The OPEN DOOR Fund is set up by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS); supported by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA); and administered by the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF).

The OPEN DOOR Fund recognizes the costs involved in the employment of persons with disabilities and provides a means for companies to defray these costs to enhance the employability of this group of workers.

Launched in May 2007, the OPEN DOOR Fund provides a comprehensive package of incentives to support companies' initiatives to implement job redesign, workplace modification, training and integration programmes for persons with disabilities.

Companies can seek funding to subsidies the following components:

• Redesign of Job Scope/Process:
  Redesign the job scope or process, such as breaking up the work process into smaller components to make it more suitable for persons with disabilities.
• Workplace Modification:
  Make building modifications and install equipment at the workplace to make the environment more accessible.
• Training Programmes:
  Develop training methods and materials, such as using pictorial or video aids, to facilitate effective training.
• Integration Programmes:
  Organize orientation briefings/programmes and training for company supervisors and co-workers on how to effectively interact and communicate with persons with disabilities.

 

The OPEN DOOR Fund can be subsidise:

• Up to 30% funding of actual cost of IPR (Intellectual Property and Rights) such as licensing and royalties;
• Up to 70% funding of salaries of company staff engaged in the job redesign and consultancies paid to third parties;
• Up to 90% funding of actual cost of leasing (up to 12 months) or purchase cost of equipment and building modifications;
• Up to 90% funding for the training cost of persons with disabilities (including internal and external training) and the basic salary cost while the persons with disabilities undergoes training; and
• Up to 90% funding for other items such as mentorship, engagement of job coaches or other adjustment programmes to integrate the persons with disabilities into the company.

 

For more information on OPEN DOOR Fund, you may contact SNEF at:

Tel: +65 6827 6827
Fax: +65 6737 7587
E-mail: opendoor@snef.org.sg
Website: http://www.sgemployers.com