Research and Innovation

When research meets purpose, meaningful change follows. At MINDS, every insight and innovation enriches the lives of persons with intellectual disability (ID). Through research-based practices, our work improves understanding, caregiving, policies, and advocacy. From assistive technology to curriculum design, we refine services to meet evolving needs, fostering awareness, autonomy and inclusion.

Overview

At MINDS, research drives our mission to better support each person with ID that we serve. We apply insights to enhance our programmes, innovate solutions and ensure that no one is left behind.

Our research is not confined to table-top research; it is hands-on and practical, designed to help us identify what works, where to improve and how we can better support families and persons with ID in their daily life. Innovation plays a key role. Whether through new teaching methods, improved support systems, or technology that promotes independence, our focus is always person-centred.

We work closely with schools, hospitals, government agencies, and international partners such as CIDER, a UK research centre, to explore ways to improve learning and quality of life for our clients. Through our collaboration with the Institute of Mental Health and KK Women's and Children's Hospital, we led the investigation into the use of smartwatches to help persons with ID and epilepsy monitor their seizures more effectively.

Through such partnerships, we are developing more personalised resources for families and caregivers, building a better future for all.

Applied Research

Focused on enhancing the design, evaluation and adaptation of programmes in real-world settings

Building Capability through Applied Research

Translating findings into tools and frameworks for disability professionals

Promoting Lifelong Learning through Evidence-Based Practices

Committed to improving the quality of life for persons with ID and the communities that support them

Applied Research

We conduct studies that directly shape how persons with ID are supported across our services. A key example is our fitness assessment and performance norming project, which draws on real-time observation of our students at MINDS Special Education (SPED) schools. Traditional fitness benchmarks are designed for the general population, making them less relevant for students with special needs. This project helps us create more accurate, appropriate fitness targets. These insights can help shape our Physical Education curriculum, enabling educators to set personalised and achievable goals for every special learner. Applied research like this goes beyond academic journals. It comes alive in classrooms, homes and communities. Backed by MINDS Institute and carried out alongside frontline teams, our work ensures that every insight delivers real, person-centred impact.
Reach Out To Us On Research Collaboration

Innovation Through Assistive Technology

Technology can be a powerful equaliser. MINDS is committed to investing in solutions that enrich lives, promote independence and strengthen connections for persons with ID and their caregivers. In a joint effort to harness innovation for the benefit of the ID community, we are proud to renew our Memorandum of Understanding with Dell Technologies, leveraging hackathon and mentorship programmes to encourage youths to co-develop solutions that enhance the lives of persons with ID.

SportTogether

Developed by polytechnic students, SportTogether is an inclusive mobile app that empowers persons with ID to participate in community sports organised by MINDS-registered volunteers. With safety features such as GPS tracking and real-time caregiver notifications, the app supports independent decision-making while providing peace of mind. Showcased at Dell’s InnovateFest 2023, the app promotes active community engagement and enhances quality of life by creating accessible sporting opportunities.

Social Compass

This browser-based tool teaches healthy social etiquette through interactive, gamified scenarios. Using AI, videos and real-life simulations, MINDS staff tailor and assign scenarios to meet the unique needs of each person with ID, enabling users to practise navigating various workplaces and community settings. These innovations offer calm, practical support that promotes independent living, meaningful employment and social inclusion.

Study and Research Insights

At MINDS, we believe research should make life easier to understand, not more complicated. That is why we translate key research findings into simple, practical insights for caregivers, professionals and anyone supporting persons with ID.

One of our social inclusion studies tracks the state of social inclusion in Singapore and the overall perception of persons with ID among Singapore residents. The study found that 75% of the respondents have never interacted with a person with ID. While public transport was seen to be the most inclusive, leisure spaces were perceived to be less welcoming. The findings highlight an urgent need for public education, with caregivers, educators and communities playing a crucial role in fostering opportunities that encourage positive interactions.

More Findings and Insights

These findings inform the way we design our support services and develop ID resources for families and caregivers, ensuring they are well-informed, inclusive and practical.

Evaluating the effectiveness of support programmes for siblings of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Singapore over a five-year period

We evaluated a sibling support programme over five years to assess its impact. While it demonstrated positive outcomes, the evaluation also revealed opportunities to better address the emotional and informational needs of siblings.

What this means for you:
As a sibling of persons with ID, you can access sustainable support and a network that understands your unique role and concerns. 

Find Support Here

Our study revealed that participants receiving “active support” in day services demonstrated higher engagement with staff and fewer repetitive behaviours compared to those without the support.

What this means for you:
A more interactive, person-focused approach helps adults with ID feel more connected and involved in their daily lives. Learn how we can support your loved one here.

Adult Learning Support

We examined the adoption of Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) among professionals in Singapore. The findings show that restrictive practices remain more common and PBS has yet to be widely adopted within the disability sector.

What this means for you:
Greater training and awareness are needed to promote empowering, non-restrictive approaches.

See How We Do It Here

We have developed the CPC tool to assess the vocational readiness of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Early results indicate that it effectively matches individuals with the appropriate support level for successful employment.

What this means for you:
A clearer understanding of strengths and needs helps create better job matches, leading to more fulfilling work experiences.

Explore Career Options For Your Loved One Here

This study looked at the experiences of ageing caregivers supporting adults with ID in employment services. The findings show that caregivers most often seek social interaction and emotional support, while key concerns for their adult children include activities of daily living skills and functional academics.

What this means for you:
If you are an older caregiver, planning ahead for care and daily routines can offer peace of mind, ensuring your loved one continues to thrive even when you are no longer the primary support.

Learn How To Plan Ahead Here