Leading by Example and Championing an Inclusive Society with SG Enable

Alister Ong, a pioneer iChamp (Inclusion Champion), is a living testament to the potential of persons with disabilities. Born with cerebral palsy, Alister has been a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, championing an inclusive society that recognises the strengths and abilities of every individual, including those with disabilities.

“An inclusive society is one that celebrates and harnesses the value of every individual, giving a sense of belonging and dignity. When we come together with empathy and care, we can create a society with a heart - one that is truly inclusive and welcoming for all,” said Alister, who is also the Vice Chair of The Purple Parade, a movement that aims to promote awareness and support for persons with disabilities.

His journey has been greatly supported by SG Enable, the focal agency for the disability sector in Singapore. Through SG Enable's initiatives such as the RISE Mentorship programme, CV Clinics, disability awareness talks, and focus group discussions on inclusive employment and public transport infrastructure, he has shared his knowledge and expertise, promoting greater understanding and acceptance of differences.

“I am grateful to SG Enable for their unwavering guidance and assistance. They helped me to explore different employment opportunities that leverage my strengths and enabled me to give back to society in meaningful ways. With their support, I hope to empower the next generation of persons with disabilities to achieve their dreams and make positive contributions to society,” said Alister.

He was enthusiastic when SG Enable launched the iChamp initiative - volunteers with disabilities who champion disability inclusion and include all winners of the Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards - in 2020. The initiative empowers persons with disabilities to co-create and co-produce solutions that enable lives. He explained, "This initiative emphasises that persons with disabilities have unique strengths and skill sets to contribute to society. It brings our involvement to a higher level, not just as recipients, but as active contributors to creating a more inclusive Singapore."

As an iChamp, his role is to help change the hearts and mindsets of people by facilitating a better understanding of persons with disabilities. He elaborated, “It is important to help everyone to see that persons with disabilities have talents and can meaningfully contribute to society. To advance disability inclusion, every one of us can play a part. For instance, taking steps to raise awareness and bridge conversations on disability inclusion can forge greater connections among one another.”

Alister's journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, advocacy, and support, every individual has the potential to create positive change and make a meaningful impact on society.

If you are a person with a disability and interested in becoming an iChamp, write to us today!  You can also follow us on LinkedIn and/or Facebook to show your support.