SAVH InSight · 2018. 11. 8. · buddy system, partnering our staunch volunteers with our VH...

SAVH InSightCONTENTS

Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped47 Toa Payoh Rise, Singapore 298104 Tel: (+65) 6251-4331 | Fax: (+65) 6253-7191Email: [email protected]: www.savh.org.sg

MCI (P) 037/05/2018 | Issue 1/2018 | Sep 2018

President’s Foreword P3

General Announcements P4

FUND RAISING / PRFlag Day 2018 P7

Run for Good Coffee/Heart2Climb Collaboration with SAVH P9

BCA-SCAL Collaboration Project 2017 P10

Christmas Bazaar at Church of the Good Shepherd P12

Compass One Charity Bazaar P14

Baxter’s CSR with the Visually Handicapped P15

True Colours Village Festival Celebration P16

FEATURESAthletes’ Appreciation Night P18

A Ray of Hope Still Shines Through P20

New Enterprise - Skills Training Centre P22

新加坡视障人士协会培训中心 P23

Fourth Friendly Karaoke Competition P24

第4届卡拉友谊竟赛 P25

SPORTS / HEALTHExercises to Strengthen Eye Muscles P26

Word Search P28

INTERNSHIPReflections of an Intern P30

At Touch Art Studio@SAVH, visually handicapped clients produce an assortment of handicraft items using their refined

sense of touch with the guidance of sighted volunteers.

We are able to customise the handicraft items according to your specifications for any special occasions. Your purchase

will benefit the visually handicapped persons who receive the net proceeds from the sale of the handicraft items.

Allow us to share with you our full range of handicraft items on our website and gift ideas. Please contact Touch Art at 62514331 Ext 167 or

email to [email protected] regarding any enquiries or orders.

SAVH Insight | Issue 1/2018 P3

Forewordby President, SAVH

Dear Donors, Members, Clients, Volunteers, Staff and Friends:

This year is especially poignant for me as it is the final year that I am serving as your President. The current SAVH Constitution stipulates that no person shall hold office as President for more than 6 years of office consecutively. My Executive Committee and I have traversed a very challenging period over the past years but we have remained resilient and strong in overcoming the challenges presented to us. It also brings great

comfort to us that SAVH has made a number of significant improvements to the well-being of our visually handicapped community.

We have rationalised our social programmes and services to ensure that it meets the needs of our clients. We helped our clients maintain mobility independence by upgrading our mobility training to align with international standards. We initiated the Day Care Centre for the visually handicapped in Singapore to provide sustainable care and maintenance activities for our elderly clients. In February this year, we initiated a new Skills Training Centre to transit and manage the group of clients formerly under the care and supervision of the now defunct Bizlink Sheltered Workshop@SAVH. More notably, we have made good progress in the makeover and safety of our premises. The main Yusof building now has a fresh coat of paint and hosts a prominent SAVH signage on the façade facing the main road. The BCA-SCAL project deserves special mention. Continuing with their annual refurbishment works at SAVH to improve accessibility and safety for our clients, BCA brought together contractors from SCAL for another successful CSR at our vast premises.

Many individuals and organisations have also come on board to support our Cause. Two young athletes, both veteran mountain climbers, Mr Ashok Kumar and Mr Ashik Ashokan took to scaling the largest dormant volcano on earth. Central Singapore CDC and Toa Payoh West – Balestier Community Sports Club jointly organised a ‘Run for Good Coffee’ Run at Zhongshan Park. CompassOne who adopted SAVH as its chosen charity initiated another fundraising event during its Christmas Bazaar festivities. Our volunteers banded together to organise another Christmas Bazaar at the Church of the Good Shepherd. We are indeed blessed and grateful to all of them for their creative, charitable and volunteering pursuits. We concluded another successful Flag Day on 9 June 2018, which was during the school holidays and Ramadan period. This was made possible through the generosity of donors and support from new and regular volunteers, both visually handicapped and sighted. I was glad that clients, sub-committee members and EXCO members rose to the occasion and do their part for the Association.

This year we would be having our International White Cane Day celebrations over 2 occasions. “Reaching Out With Our Hearts” – our slogan for IWCD 2018 aptly put in place our plans to spread the cheer and pay it forward through our little acts of kindness to the elderly in homes as well as job and training fair and sports forum for our clients. We would also be having our Charity Donation Draw and Charity Banquet during this financial year ending March 2019! I find encouragement when I am able to urge as many of the clients, members and all to continue to help the Association to pursue and open constructive ways of learning, listening and working together, to achieve greater success for the Association and the betterment of our visually handicapped clients. This newsletter, in my view, not only helps to keep you abreast of the developments at SAVH but also perhaps motivate you to give the Association a hand in its progress. Mr Phillip Lee Soo Hoon, BBM, PBMPresident, SAVH

P4 SAVH Insight | Issue 1/2018

Editorial CommitteeMr Danny Chia, Ms Chua Swee Keow, Mr Ando Yeo, Ms Dolores Scully-Bailey

Staff MovementWe wish to welcome the following new staff:• Sheat Sun Ming, Compliance Manager • Lim En Ting, SDP Executive• Tan Chee Hai Tony, ADC Coordinator • Tan Hui Michelle, Admin Assistant• Neo Wee Bin Dean, Therapy Assistant • Rufino Huihao Rahmat, Therapy Assistant• Chan Hwa Seng Desmond, Therapy Assistant (Temp) • Sumathi D/O Selvam, Therapy Assistant (Temp)• Kathryn Wong, Music Programme Coordinator (Temp)

Executive Committee Board Members (EXCO)The Executive Committee for 2017/2018:-

President : Mr Phillip Lee Soo Hoon, BBM, PBMVice-President : Mr Victor Chen Kah KengVice-President : Mr Danny Chia Choon Guan *Honorary Secretary : Ms Chua Swee KeowHonorary Treasurer : Mr Lau Kin Harn Honorary Assistant Treasurer : Mr Albert Ang Hong WooMembers : Mr Ali Bin Daud * Mr Lok Foo Weng * : Mr Benson Loo Kah Chun* Mr Ng Guan Sing * : Ms Siti Rossaliza Binte Rosli * Mr Tan Guan Heng, BBM * : Mr John Ting Kang Chung Co-opted Members : Mr Adrian Tan Gim Hai Mr Choo Chek Siew WCC Representative : Mr Goh Yiu Huat * * Visually Handicapped

Upcoming Major Events

• 15 Sep 2018 : SAVH & Zetland Scrabble Game• 13 Oct 2018 : International White Cane Day 2018 – Community Services Day• 20 Oct 2018 : International White Cane Day 2018 – Open House• Feb/Mar 2019 : SAVH Charity Banquet

: SAVH Donation Draw

Acknowledgement of Collaborations/ Fundraising Events from late 2017 – Jun 2018

• 10 Nov 2017 : 70th Birthday and Sapphire Wedding Anniversary Charity Concert and Dinner

• 12 Dec 2017 : Japanese SMEs Networking Event• 31 Dec 2017 : Charity Countdown 2018 at Summer Garden Restaurant• 20 Jan 2018 : Ba’alwie Mosque Event• 24 Jan 2018 : VWO Expo Fair at Bartley Secondary School• 21 Mar 2018 : My First Skool’s Visit to SAVH’s Day Care Centre• 7 Apr 2018 : DITD at Yishun Junior College Celebrating Values Day• 11 & 12 May 2018 : DITD at Raffles Institution

General Announcements

P5SAVH Insight | Issue 1/2018

• 14 May 2018 : Visit by Jordan Foundation Rwanda• Jan – Jun 2018 : Various Outreach to Preschools for President’s Challenge ‘Start Small

Dream Big’ Campaign @ Tampines PCF Sparkletots, Bukit Batok Star Learners Kindergarten, Punggol Green MOE Kindergarten and Bukit Panjang E-Bridge Preschool

We are also thankful to the following organisations and individuals for inviting SAVH / our clients to the following functions:

• 7 & 21 Feb 2018 : Compass One Prosperi Tree• 13 Mar 2018 : Religious Rehabilitation Group Retreat at Shangri-La Sentosa• 12 & 13 May 2018 : Compass One Mother’s & Father’s Day Event• 2017 - 2018 : Regular Luncheon by New Woman Group & Zhen Shang Mei Group

SAVH International White Cane Day (IWCD) in Oct 2018 We will be celebrating International White Cane Day 2018 over 2 days, with a Community Services Day on 13 Oct, where our EXCO members, Clients, Staff volunteers will visit and bring cheer to the residents of the Homes, and the Open House on 20 Oct which will feature a Training and Job Fair, Employer Recognition Award and the Sports Forum.

Sports & Wellness Survey for Visually Handicapped ClientsWe have embarked on a Sports & Wellness Survey to gather the level of interest in the various wellness activities and visually impaired friendly sports activities of our clients of SAVH. If you possess a SAVH client card, share your interests with us by contacting your Social Worker !

Newsletter in audio versionIf you are not aware, we have uploaded an audio version of the newsletter on the website of SAVH and Facebook since the November 2016 publication issue! We will continue to do so for this and future issues.

FeedbackFeel free to provide feedback on what you wish to see being featured in the future issues of our Insight newsletter!


Fund Raising / Public Relations

SAVH Flag Day 2018Dolores Scully-Bailey & Chua Swee KeowSAVH’s Flag Day was held on 9 June this year. Despite the Flag Day street collections falling on a Saturday during the June school holidays and also during the Ramadan month for Muslims, we were blessed to have a number of students (including those in nursery and kindergarten) and Muslim VH clients helping out at this annual fund-raising event.

Volunteers turned up at the various stations aptly located at highly accessible locations. We continued with the buddy system, partnering our staunch volunteers with our VH clients. This partnership allowed our volunteers to befriend their charges, getting to know first-hand their individual stories, profiles and background. Over the years many friendships have been born through our Flag Day exercise.

Judging by the response and the delightfully heavy tins that were returned to the centre, we were hopeful to be able to hit our target and in so doing channel all monies raised from this endeavour towards providing our clients with the required services.

Hear what our volunteers, sighted or visually handicapped, shared with us:-

“I helped my auntie at the Flag Day. It was tiring but I was happy to help”.~ Kayla,

pre-schooler whose aunt was volunteering at SAVH’s Flag day and accompanied her

“Donations was good at the location where I was helping out in the west. There were occasions I had to request the donors to “queue” as there were a number placing notes into the tins. I will be inviting more friends to join SAVH Flag Day 2019 and request for 1 more tin per person”.

~ Jun Sheng, Fuhua Sec 3 student who had a fruitful day during the street collections on SAVH’s Flag Day

“While it was a little challenging to help out during fasting, I find it meaningful doing my bit for SAVH.”~ Azhari Bin Adam,

Blind Ambassador for SAVH’s Flag Day who committed to the street collections during Ramadan

“I greeted passers-by whenever I heard footsteps or spotted them with my best peripheral vision. I was encouraged to see many visually handicapped doing the street collections, in SAVH identifiable t shirts be it MMT, DITD, STC, staff or sports t shirts. Although scattered island-wide, I believe we were all united and motivated to raise as much funds as possible for SAVH. It was both cool and fun.”

~ Ben, Blind Ambassador for SAVH’s Flag Day who has better peripheral vision and tap on it to get more

donations

“I was very glad to be part of this fund-raising activity. It was tiring but it was so worth it and for a good cause” ~ Bernard,

Blind Ambassador for SAVH’s Flag Day who took time to help despite busy work schedules

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SAVH Insight | Issue 1/2018P8


“I have been a Blind Ambassador at SAVH’s Flag Day for many years. I appreciate all that SAVH has done for us - teaching us skills to find jobs, singing and involving us in many activities. I thanked my family, friends and well-meaning members of public for their kind donations to enable me to be among the top flag-sellers each year.”

~ Choon Chin, multiple time Top VH flag day seller with SAVH

“I benefited a lot from the Association since studying at Singapore School for the Visually Handicapped the Visually Handicapped (SSVH) and receiving training which had given me a job and helped me so much in my life. It is the time for me to give back and I will do it every year without fail as long as I live. I hope to inspire the new generation of visually handicapped youngsters”.

~ Ngiam, septuagenarian and multiple time Blind Ambassador for SAVH’s Flag Day

“SAVH has done a lot for VH like us and I am really glad to be able to once again help SAVH to raise funds. I like to walk to different places to solicit for donations. I am very thankful to have my volunteers Ju-Lyn and her dad for willing to walk the distance with my spouse Jimmy and myself for these 2 years. Ju-Lyn has also called upon her family and friends to support SAVH’s Flag Day!”

~ Susan, septuagenarian and multiple time Blind Ambassador for SAVH’s Flag Day who also shared with her

volunteers how they could help visually handicapped persons.

”We thank our committed clients who have been multiple time ambassadors for SAVH Flag Day and continuing to do so, as well as clients who made their debut appearances this year! A huge shout out of thanks also goes to all our dedicated volunteers who were instrumental in enabling our clients to raise funds for our beloved association!

Watch out for more details regarding our next Flag Day!


Run for Good CoffeeNot much gets you going on a Sunday morning like a short run and a good cup of coffee. More than 400 runners took part in the first coffee-themed run at Zhongshan Park on 4 March 2018 to raise funds for our Association - SAVH.

Jointly organised by Central Singapore Community Development Council and Toa Payoh West – Balestier Community Sports Club the event was aimed at encouraging residents to adopt healthy lifestyle practices through fun, thematic run that also raises funds for the local community.

Participants enjoyed freshly brewed coffee from 3 local coffee vendors after the run, an exhilarating Zumba session and stage performance by visually handicapped buskers. Our visually handicapped masseurs also offered relaxing head and shoulder massage for a small fee, with proceeds going to SAVH. A Farmers’ Market was also set up offering confectionary, healthier food items and local produce for purchase by both runners and non-participants.

Heart2Climb Collaboration with SAVH Earlier this year two young athletic ex-NS men Ashok Kumar and Ashik Ashokan, avid professional mountain climbers, approached SAVH in a bid to fundraise for the blind by attempting to scale Ojos del Salado, the largest dormant volcano on earth on the Chilean-Argentinian border in the Central Andes region.

The duo are the faces fronting the local social initiative known as Heart2Climb, which had over the past five years successfully raised funds for various charitable organisations. With their characteristic social flair and natural ebullience, they were scouring for a new and worthy cause which would resonate with the public. After much cogitation they turned their sights towards the blind community who have a special place in their hearts; both Ashok and Ashik have relatives who are visually challenged.

The climb itself was slated for 15 February and was publicised on both SAVH and Heart2Climb FB platforms. The public was able to pledge their donations from 2 January to 4 February 2018, the effective period of collaboration. Ashok and Ashik rendered us an additional service through the local television channel ‘Vasantham’ current affairs program which enlarged on our core services, thus thrusting us into the public eye for essential exposure.

Kudos to Heart2Climb for raising $13,682.90, exceeding its original target of $5,000. SAVH would like to thank Ashok and Ashik for their valiant efforts and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. They are truly an inspiration for all young Singaporeans!

Run for Good Coffee / Heart2Climb Collaboration with SAVHDolores Scully-Bailey



The BCA-SCAL Collaboration Project 2017 brought together companies from construction renovation, landscaping services and electrical engineering industries for another successful round of refurbishment works at SAVH for improved accessibility and safety for our clients within our vast premises.

The walkway used by our Mobile Massage Team to access the store room is now lighted with auto sensing LEDs to assist low vision masseurs returning late at night.

BCA-SCAL Collaboration Project 2017 Tan Siow Huee

New tactile tiles were installed at the entrance to the main building to guide VH clients.

Railings and a barrier gate were installed along drains and the ramp area to prevent accidental falling.

A new driveway cum footpath was constructed to replace muddy, rutted and uneven tracks. Damaged drains and the coves were replaced with new ones.


Mid-level wall hung urinals were replaced with full-length, wider based ones equipped with auto flushing for better hygiene and cleanliness.

Landscaping works were also carried out near the main building.

This BCA-SCAL collaboration project saw over $25,000 worth of sponsorship and utilised 1,350 man- hours. We are greatly appreciative of the combined efforts of the following sponsors:

* DLE M&E * Hsuen Chow * Kimly Construction * Samwoh Corporation

* Straits Construction * Woh Hup Construction * Tanglin Corp


Fund Raising / Public RelationsChristmas Bazaar at Church of the Good Shepherd Tanya Pillay-Nair (Volunteer) Owing to the nascent enthusiasm of my group of ardent volunteers, we got together this year to organize another Christmas Bazaar for our friends at SAVH. The venue was the Church of the Good Shepherd. Preparations took on a momentum of its own and suddenly we found ourselves with just 2 days to set up a flower stall where the proceeds would be donated to SAVH.

From the start, we had decided to operate our Charity Booth on a trust-basis, so we set up a sign announcing “Pay what you want for a bouquet of flowers” and another that allowed customers to ask for customized Christmas wreaths. We decided to let our customers select and pick the contents of their own bouquets and trusted them to pay a fair amount. All payments were to be dropped directly into the SAVH Donation Box. Then with our fingers crossed, we hoped for an encouraging response to our little “Social Experiment”.We attended to some customers with their queries and guided them on the estimated worth of their arrangement. The crowd did not disappoint us.

This was a new concept of giving and one woman came up to hug us. That took us all by surprise. The gesture was priceless and validated our purpose.

There were a few customers who asked if they could pay $2 and we were happy to indulge them with smaller posies as we hoped that the joy would multiply for whomever these were gifted to. After the event, I had appreciative customers who ‘whatsapp’ me on how nice their flowers looked on their Christmas Table.

Staff from SAVH did not hesitate to lend support. Mr Leow was gracious in engaging the crowd, the volunteers and their family members. SAVH Honorary Secretary, Ms Chua Swee Keow was also on hand to give her support.

Priscilla and her mother Angie represented SAVH’s Touch Art enterprise; we also provided a gift-wrapping station where all proceeds would go to this social enterprise supporting 26 clients.

We also had 6 super floral designers from the Floral Designers Singapore Association namely Radiah, Christina, Zoe, Yukie, Philip and Peter who donated many beautiful creations and helmed the on-the-spot Christmas wreath making as well.


I would like to extend my appreciation to TSA-Solutions, our corporate sponsor, namely Zilin, Valerie, Nancy, Fenny and their families for donating the materials and for leading the way with their marketing skills to make it a profitable venture.

I would also like to mention all our families and friends who turned up to support us: Connie and her daughter Charmaine, Anita and her children, Devan and Diya: Roy and Magdalene and their girls Jade and Kate, Nana Nora, Stella, Peggy Shrapnel, Shalini, Shabnam, Nashita, Ee Hoon and on-the-spot volunteers Jessie and Grace who were customers one day and became our volunteers the next.

Another vendor at the bazaar, Winnie, who ran the drinks and nachos stall kindly donated free drinks to our volunteers to keep everyone well hydrated which we were most appreciative of.

The venue was magical - I remember taking a moment to enjoy the music, mulled wine and “snow”. The joy I felt was palpable and it was definitely the best Christmas Bazaar experience we have had over the last 3 years of our partnership with SAVH.

I know that if we had measured the event on the Happiness Index, it would have been off the charts!Thank you SAVH for once again allowing us to collaborate with your clients in such a memorable and meaningful way. We are indeed blessed to be able to bring some cheer to the visually handicapped, especially as Christmas is the perfect time for giving!



Compass One Charity BazaarJune Tan


SAVH is grateful to Compass One for showcasing our clients’ many talents particularly through its Touch Art Handicraft Sales held at the mall’s main atrium in the months of November and December 2017. Compass One which officially adopted SAVH in May 2017, organised the Christmas bazaar as part of its CSR initiative.

Customers with minimum of $30 same day purchase at Compass One were eligible to redeem aTouch Art activity and participate in making Japanese doll bookmarks while being blindfolded.

Tony, our Touch Art client dressed up as Santa Claus distributed little gifts to the delight of shoppers especially children.

We were immensely appreciative to Compass One for championing the cause of the visually challenged in our community, by giving them the opportunity to display their skills through the Touch Art Programme and Massage Services.

Over $3,000 was raised for SAVH through donation box collection and Touch Art sales.


Baxter’s CSR with the Visually HandicappedElaine Neo (Volunteer) My first close interaction with the blind was about 2 years ago. I saw a blind person escorting his companion back to her flat. I was moved by this scene and offered to help them, although I had not been formally trained to guide the blind. It was through this experience that I noted how challenging it is for the blind to navigate outdoors, with the confusing maze of road junctions, crossings and bends in Singapore. This spurred me on to think about doing something meaningful for the blind community.

When I was invited to lead my company’s CSR committee, I reached out to SAVH on volunteering opportunities. We fetched the visually handicapped (VH) clients to watch a movie (The Jungle Book) and invited masseurs from Mobile Massage Team to ply their craft at our company’s premises.

In December 2017, we extended the outreach to encompass sports, by organizing our 1st para-bowling competition with SAVH. The VH bowlers wowed us with their bowling prowess, and some even out-scored us by as much as 50 points! All the VH bowlers received prizes to commemorate the occasion. Everyone had a fun-filled and memorable time, new friends were made on both sides, and we at Baxter managed to glean a clearer perspective on coping with vision impairment.

I am glad that I had a chance to work with SAVH and educate more people about the visually handicapped. As our journey with SAVH continue in the years ahead, we look forward to more opportunities to renew ties with those we met, whilst making new acquaintances.



True Colours Village Festival Event 2018Dolores Scully-BaileySingapore proudly hosted the inaugural Asia Pacific Festival of Artistes with Disabilities held jointly at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and OCBC Square from 23 to 25 March 2018.

A feast for the senses, the True Colours Festival brought together some of the world’s foremost artistes and performing talents with disabilities, in a multi-faceted celebration of talents. This inaugural Asia Pacific festival of music, dance and the arts comprised an international conference, an outdoor festival of inclusion, community and outreach activities, and a unique, world-class indoor multimedia concert experience, aimed at heightening the public’s sensibilities, while eradicating stereotypical perceptions of people with special needs by promoting awareness of the capabilities and talents showcased by the disabled community.

SAVH was honoured to be invited to participate and was one of the exhibitors at the outdoor festival. Our involvement comprised of manning a booth showcasing our highly-decorative and eye-popping Touch Art

handicraft items, as well as arranging for our visually handicapped masseurs to be on hand to provide Head and Shoulder massage.

Touch Art clients Tony and Wilson, mingled amongst the crowd around OCBC Square, where the outdoor outreach activities were on-going. They also encouraged visitors to drop by our SAVH booth, whilst fanning out sample bookmarks to pique their interests.

All the exhibitors at the outdoor festival were treated to the outdoor concert which featured artistes with myriad talents. The concert was officially opened by Mirage comprising 3 individuals hailing from different countries. Theirs was an extremely novel act; an Australian lady vocalist sang lilting and haunting tunes, while a young Nepalese girl danced to her own rhythmic interpretation of the song, and an accomplished Iranian keyboardist accompanied them both in what proved to be an amazingly touching rendition of their perception to music.

Mirage opened the festival proper with the evocative and iconic number ‘True Colours’ by Cindi Lauper popularised back in the 80’s, so befitting for the occasion. The lyrics best expressed the isolation felt by those grappling with crippling deformity, plagued with physical disfigurement or simply robbed of any of their vital senses or yet others coping and coming to terms with multiple afflictions.

Visitors were thrilled to try out Paralympic Sports presented by SportSG and Sport Care. Participants were either blind-folded to simulate blindness while attempting to score a goal in GoalBall, while others free-wheeled endeavouring to slam dunk a basketball into the net above. They went away with a working knowledge of the skill required to play a para-sport skilfully and competitively.

One of the fringe attractions was a True Colours VSA Visual Art Exhibition showcasing the artwork of a diversity of disabled artists encompassing a range of mediums. A proportion of exhibits consisted of renderings from SAVH’s more artistic clients, like the much lauded and internationally recognised Ch’ng Sock Tin whose pieces commanded prices in the highest bracket.


Apart from the live performances at the Festival Village, the evening promised live theatre and a film festival although these were subject to an admission fee. The arena started to grow more packed as paying visitors flocked to the SG Auditorium to catch powerful experimental theatre and binge-watch film screenings. The True Colours We Care Film Fest and Experimental Theatre was calculated to fire up the audiences’ collective imagination, explore their pre-conceived notions on disability while ultimately dispelling entrenched stereotypes.

Once the blazing sun had dipped behind the horizon, dazzling strobe lights danced across the square, casting an enchanting back-drop resembling a fairy land. This set the stage for the show-stopper and closing number by Ms Jane Constance from Mauritius. Her petite frame belied a powerful and mesmeric voice that captivated and drew in casual passers-by.

As she belted out number after number one could not help but feel we were being treated to the melodious notes of a future superstar. She had her audience spellbound and it was indeed a fitting finale to the outdoor festival, leaving her fans gasping for more even after 2 encores.

No one went away short changed –the participants got what they came for – fun, inspiration and perspective-changing experiences. It was a powerful message yet humbling lesson to us all, that there is a place for everyone in society, regardless of appearance, psyche, handicap or lack thereof.

“I see your true colours shining thru’, I see your true colours and that’s why I love you, so don’t be afraid to let them show, your true colours are beautiful like a rainbow…”


FEATURES

Athletes’ Appreciation Night 2018 Fauziah Hanim AhmadOn the evening of 23 March, SAVH proudly hosted its second Athletes’ Appreciation Night 2018 for clients who had represented the nation at the Asean Para Games 2017, Asian Youth Para Games 2017 and other international competitions.

In her opening speech, Sports and Wellness Chairperson, Ms Siti Rossaliza, commended the valiant efforts and hard-won sporting achievements of the athletes. She elaborated on how they had electrified the para-sporting scene and had made huge strides in energising the nation, thrusting them into the public eye.

This, she stressed, would engender a national awakening that in the attainment of excellence, the visually handicapped were not hidebound to any limitations.

Amongst the guests present were our Executive Committee members, Executive Director of SDSC, our sporting clients and their family members, caregivers and friends.

In gracing this occasion, special mention should be made to our stars of the show, para-cyclist Ms Emily Lee and para-swimmer Wong Zhi Wei who participated in a Q&A Session chaired by myself. We highlight some interesting and inspirational quotes shared during that evening:-

“If you work hard, 99% of the time you will get results. The main thing is to prioritise. My schoolmates’ priorities are computer games, studies, computer games, rest. My priorities are swimming, studies, personal time (with family and friends).”

“When you are into something as demanding as competitive sports, you have to accept that there will be sacrifices (grades will be affected).At the end of training, your body feels dead, but they break you down to make you better.”

“When you enter competitions, you want to do the same as in training just that your minds are rested so you do better. Stress at competitions can be redirected to encouragement, to make you do better.”

~ Zhi Wei, 16, a Catholic High Secondary 4 student, achieved his personal best when he clinched a gold in the 100m

butterfly event and won 2 other golds in 100m and 400m freestyle events at the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai last year.

“Nobody expected tandem racing to win medals. After the 1st silver medal, I was encouraged and wanted to get all the medals for the 5 events” “If you have blindness as a disability, there are so many things you could still do, find out your ability & go for it!”

~ Emily, 47, clinched a gold medal in the women’s individual time trial, 3 silver medals in the women’s 3000m individual

pursuit, road race and sprint events and a bronze in the women’s kilometer event at the Asean Para Games held in Kuala Lumpur in 2017


The evening finished on a high note as the guests were treated to a pre-recorded audio interview conducted by Ms Chua Swee Keow, SAVH Honorary Secretary with client and star bowler, Mohd Ismail bin Hussain, who spoke eloquently about his experiences in the bowling arena, the initial tribulations he faced in mastering the sport, and finally trailblazing a path to glory as a para-bowler frontrunner.

To date, Ismail has no less than 13 sporting achievements under his belt, too numerous to list down here. He is possibly the most impressive, multi-decorated para-sportsperson Singapore can boast. What was most inspiring is that fame and success have not changed him one bit; he attributed all his good fortune to rigorous training, discipline, help from coaches and quick adaptability to the different environment and lanes.

“Bowling is not just a physical game. It is also about mental and technical knowledge. I refer to forums to get ideas on improvements, read articles and learn about the latest equipment and technology we could take advantage of.I discipline myself. Have enough rest, hydrate myself and relax. For every competition I am selected to go, the purpose is to be there to compete, but I will definitely pamper myself after the competition to do shopping etc. I look forward to be a role model to inspire the younger visually handicapped (VH) to pick up bowling. It is proven that bowling is a sport where you don’t need good eyesight to bowl well. It is all in the mind. I myself can’t see the arrows and targets so it is all in the imaginary.”

~ Mohd Ismail

After partaking a delectable buffet dinner and group photo-taking, Ms Dorothy D’Silva, the event volunteer emcee declared herself utterly floored by all that had been shared by the inspiring iron-willed para-athletes.

‘They serve as fantastic role models for other aspiring clients to emulate. I am sure that through their sharing, clients whom have yet to be initiated into sports will be stimulated to find out more’, she observed. Suffice to say everyone present were in total agreement with this summation.


FEATURES

A Ray Of Hope Still Shines ThroughDanny ChiaWhat does it mean to lose sight gradually?

Performing tasksI gradually faced difficulty in handling most tasks which I used to be able to do on my own when I was sighted. For instance, it took longer time and greater effort to iron my clothes. As for cooking, I rely more on the sense of smell to whip up a reasonably palatable dish.

Perception – Visualizing the world around usWithout sight, each person you meet just appear as voices. Familiar objects are hard to recognize just by the sense of touch. While losing the ability to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the environment, architectural wonders and stunning visual materials like photographs or works of art, save for some more intricate and fine-wrought sculptures, I am ever so thankful to understanding and patient friends who painstakingly describe things around me while strolling or shopping. Reading and writingWith deteriorating sight, I could no longer read and write in print medium and I felt like an illiterate. Making the switch to using Braille (code based on the variation of 1 to 6 dots) was another challenge for me as I had to learn my ABCs at the age of 30. As if reading by running one’s fingers over each line of braille cell on a page was not tedious enough, there were about 50 other short forms and signs to grapple with in the Braille system. I persevered and succeeded under Mr Leow Chee Tsai’s guidance. It was one of the skills I was glad to have acquired after being certified to be a visually handicapped (VH).

Embracing technologyYou can imagine how excited and relieved I was when told that speech software installed on computers and handphones could read what was on the screen to us. I could browse the Internet, read and reply mails and access the different formats of documents quickly and independently without turning on the screen. These were achieved after months of attending courses held at SAVH which enhanced my ability to use the computer. What a great difference embracing technology makes! Lifestyle changesBeing visually impaired or totally blind does not equate to a death knell. Depending on one’s interests, you could still enjoy leisure and sports like Bowling, Tandem Cycling and even Hiking. In fact, I cycled and hiked much more than when I was sighted. I was also surprised to know that there are Braille versions of indoor board games like Scrabble, Chess, Othello and card games like Uno that the visually handicapped can enjoy. Ironically, I improved in the game of Scrabble, playing and learning from my visually handicapped peers. Certainly, struggling with the Braille version and progressing from being a “slow coach” to one of the top five players was no mean feat.

Getting from place to placeFor a while, I relied on taxis to get around, resisting suggestions from friends to commute by bus or MRT. I was also shy to ask for help as my eyes looked like I was not visually handicapped. After burning hole in my pockets and receiving basic cane techniques training at SAVH, I gained more confidence to ask for help when boarding buses/trains independently and safely. For this, I thank the many kind souls who never fail to oblige when approached.


Physical impactThere were times when I missed doors, strayed a little while walking or even nearly hit pillars, walls and other objects in my path. There were occasions of getting cuts and bruises upon tripping over haphazardly strewn items such as bicycles, trolleys and potted plants. Thankfully such occasions do not happen too often.

Job OpportunitiesThe onset of blindness can bring about the loss of career prospects, especially for those who commanded attractive pay or held senior posts prior to becoming visually handicapped. I considered myself blessed as I continue to be trained and was in the same profession for the past 30 years when many of my peers around me lost their jobs and had to be retrained for less rewarding ones.

Hidden CostsCosts of assistive device equipment, installation of software programmes, medical bills all mount when I became blind and require the necessary after care to deal with my disability.

ConclusionAdjusting to a world without sight could be a distressing experience if support is not rendered. Thankfully, SAVH is around to cushion the overwhelming impact of gradual or progressive blindness on visually handicapped and turn their lives around. The wide range of rehabilitative services offered by SAVH such as daily living skills, orientation and mobility and counselling prepare VH to cope with and manage the physical and psychological challenges. Together with information technology training and other skills training, VH are better able to lead more independent and meaningful lives and doing so in dignity!

(Editor’s note: Mr Danny Chia was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa and became visually handicapped at 30 in 1990. He shared in brief his sentiments of becoming a VH initially and the changes he had to make so he could better manage the daily challenges. He had good partial vision before the condition deteriorated to poor partial vision).


FEATURES

When Bizlink terminated the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singapore Association of Visually Handicapped (SAVH) at the end of 2017, the Skills Development Department (SDP) submitted a proposal to manage the group of clients at the former Sheltered Workshop managed by Bizlink.

Senior Manager of SDP, Mr Leow Chee Tsai, has faith in these clients, and firmly believes that they would emerge to be responsible citizens within the community. With effect from 1 February 2018, the 11 clients officially became employees at the Skills Training Centre (STC).

A new milestone was established under the Skills Development Programme (SDP). With this centre in operation, social workers from the Social Work Department will recommend new clients to STC to receive training in new skills. SDP will also collaborate with the Lighthouse School on providing identified students with training in suitable skills in preparation for job placements.

At present, the employees at STC are assigned simple tasks such as sweeping the floor, operating washing machines, making coffee and routine cleaning duties. We envisage that in time they will avail themselves of the training that SDP offers, to be gainfully employed at the social enterprises within the SDP framework, namely Mobile Massage Team (MMT), Dining in the Dark (DITD) or Touch Art, or even the open market. Proper training is the lynch-pin toward giving them a cutting-edge and in allowing them to be more upwardly and socially mobile and compete in the challenging and changing job market.

On 1 February 2018, we welcomed the STC clients to SDP. The President of SAVH, Mr Philip Lee, presided over the soft launch of the STC. He encouraged the employees to cooperate and look out for each other, and to use their time wisely to learn as much as they could. Mr Leow advised them in Mandarin to prove themselves to be useful to the community and to live meaningful and independent lives.

STC is actively sourcing for volunteers to:I) train and equip suitable trainees with technical skills and follow-up with on-the-job trainingII) impart skills to trainees eg culinary, playing musical instruments, becoming a DJ etcIII) fetch trainees for outings

New Enterprise under SDP - Skills Training Centre Leow Chee Tsai


当2017年结束时，Bizlink提呈与新加坡视障人士协会终止合作备忘录，技能培训部门即刻提呈一份计划，接纳在Bizlink披护工作坊的视障成员。技能培训部高级经理廖志才先生对这些视障成员充满信心，他觉得成员接受培训后肯定能自立更生，为社会做出贡献。2018年2月1日，技能培训部门迈入新里程碑，成立培训中心。接下来，社工部门将推荐视障成员来培训中心接受培训。技能培训部将与励航学校合作，让视障学生有机会到视障协会学习一技之长。

目前，培训中心的十一位职员每日各别完成简单的任务，例如：打扫地板、泡咖啡、用洗衣机洗毛巾等。技能培训部将安排他们参与量身订做的课程，并在技能培训部所成立的社会企业如流动按摩，黑暗餐饮和触动艺术奉献他们残而不缺的光芒，或在公开市场受聘。

2018年2月1日当天，我们欢迎新培训中心的成立和11位新同事。新加坡视障协会会长李树勋亲自目睹新培训中心的推举成立。他鼓励新成员应把握宝贵时间捉紧机会学习，并需互敬互爱。廖经理也语重心长的遁促他们学习过独立有意义的人生，不要成为社会的累赘。

协会急需义工I）教导合适成员一门技艺II）教导成员一门手艺，例如: 厨艺、弹奏乐器、当播音员技巧III）伴随视障成员出游

新加坡视障人士协会培训中心


FEATURES

On 24 March 2018, 100 SAVH clients and volunteers from the New Women Group and Angela See a dedicated befriender of the visually-handicapped, gathered at SAVH premises for our annual Friendly Karaoke Competition. The event saw a total of 15 contestants this year, including several students who are currently attending singing lessons conducted regularly by our volunteer teachers, Ms Ellen Chua and Mr Terence Ho.

Thanks to the guest emcees, the atmosphere was livened up from the get-go, fostering an enjoyable programme line-up and encouraging members of the audience to sing along with the performers. In addition to the delightful recitals from our contestants, we were also treated to performances from the singing group and past winners of Friendly Karaoke Competitions.

Our clients were also served a lunch buffet while the scores from the three judges were being tabulated. The Champion was Mr Lee Chye Leong, who then gave a charming encore performance to much support and cheers from the audience. Aside from the trophies for the top 3 winners, all 15 participants were also presented gift vouchers by Ms Ng Bee Hiang, courtesy of Mdm Chng Seok Eng.

To generate greater buzz for the event, a new segment, Get-it-Right, was included this year where the audience was asked to predict the top 3 singers before the results were announced. There were unfortunately no correct guesses among the responses given, but token prizes were nonetheless given out to lucky winners via a random draw.

All participating clients received ‘ang pow’ from Mr Jeffery Tan, while the stage was opened to the floor. Several of the clients grabbed the opportunity to take over the microphone and showcased their vocals before the event drew to a successful close. We were greatly heartened by the enthusiastic responses from the SAVH clients and volunteers who thoroughly enjoyed the day’s programme and we look forward to the fifth instalment next year.

Fourth Friendly Karaoke Competition 2018Leow Chee Tsai


2018年3月24日视障协会培训与募款部举行第4届卡拉OK友谊赛。这次首次与中区社理会联合举行，突显政府致力打造包容性社会。今年总共吸引15名各种族参赛者，其中7名更是来自由义工老师Ms Ellen Chua与Mr Terence Ho组织的歌咏队的队员。

两位来自新女性义工团（New Women Group）和盲人导航友（Angela’s befrienders）的司仪以活泼的对白使整个友谊赛生色不少，精彩的表演使得观众们也跟着参赛者哼唱着耳熟能享的歌曲。除了参赛者落力的演出，观众也享受由歌咏队和历届卡拉OK优胜者所呈现的听觉享宴。

在义工们的协助下，大家享用自助餐。当大家在用餐的时候，义工评判们绞尽脑汁决定优胜者。在这场势均力敌的比赛中，第4届卡拉友谊竟赛的歌王是Lee Chye Leong。他还在赛后在观众的喝彩下再次以雄厚的歌声诠释他获得冠军的歌曲”桃里争春“。除了前3名优胜者获得奖杯，所有15名参赛者都获赠由中区社理会Mdm Chng Seok Eng所赞助的礼券，由Ms Ng Bee Hiang颁发。会上也准备了抽奖游戏，幸运者都尽兴而归。

就在大家准备踏上归途，中区社理会的代表Mr Jeffery Tan 亲手把一份份的红包交到出席卡拉OK友谊赛的视障朋友们手中。虽然这时乌云密布，大雨将至仍浇不息大家的兴致。友谊赛就在大家轮流接过麦克风自由发挥展现各自歌唱才华而圆满结束。虽然每个人都依依不舍，大家都盼望明年友谊赛的再次举行。

第4届卡拉友谊竟赛


Exercises to Strengthen Eye MusclesMildred Tay

SPORTS / HEALTH / OTHERS

Exercise 1: Breathing Take 3 deep breaths and relax muscles in your face and around your eyes.

During every break, rub palms gently, create warmth, and cup them on top of the closed eye lids for a few seconds and take a deep breath.

Exercise 2: “Palming” ExerciseThis exercise is to be done without putting on glasses or contact lenses. It helps you to rest your eyes and mind and take away the stress from your daily routine.

Take 3 deep breaths. Rub your hands together until they feel warm.Cover your eyes with the cup of your palm and placing fingers on the forehead. Do not put too much pressure while placing your hands on your eyes.

Exercise 3: The “directional” Moving your eyes in different directions is a good way to exercise your eyes.

Do every step 9 times with a short break to relax the eyes in-between every exercise.i. Squeeze eyes like a sponge and open them wide

(Refer to Pic 1)

ii. Look straight ahead. Without moving your head, look straight up and straight down (Refer to Pic 2 and Pic 3)

iii. Look straight ahead. Without moving your head, look full left and full right ( Pic 4 and Pic 5)

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 4

Pic 3

Pic 5

What does your daily/weekly exercise programme entail? Incorporating eye exercises in your exercise programme helps to improve the health of your eyes, reduce eye fatigue and relax them. It increases blood circulation to your eyes and improve the eye muscles.

Deep Breathing is a must before, during and after any exercise.


Pic 6

Pic 8

Pic 9

Pic 10

Pic 7

iv. Look straight ahead. Without moving your head, look diagonally (left corner up and right corner down. when done, do right corner up and left corner down) (Pic 6 and Pic 7)

v. Look straight ahead. Without moving your head, make a square with eyes (left up, right up, right down and right up. Do reverse square also)

vi. Look straight ahead. Without moving your head, roll your eyes in a clockwise direction while keeping your eyes open, and then anti-clockwise. Do this slowly, trying to stretch the eyes as far as they can go. This exercise will make your eyes feel relaxed.

vii. Look straight ahead without moving your head. Cross and straight (|X|)- left corner up, right corner down, right corner up, left corner down. Then right corner up, left corner down, left corner up, right corner down.

Exercise 4: Eyes massage exercisesTake two deep breaths.

Close the eyes gently. Press very lightly on your eyes as you massage them. Light pressure will help to stimulate your eyes. Do not use too much force and avoid putting pressure on the eyeballs.

Cup palms on top of eyelids and open and close eyes 9 times in that darkness (Pic 8)

Tap half circle under the eyes, starting from nose bridge and ending at the side of eyebrows, then tap on top of eyebrows, which is the upper half crescent (Pic 9)

Press the outer end of eyebrow part with 2 fingers (Pic 10)

All the above exercises in total could be completed in about 30 minutes.


WORD SEARCH

SPORTS / HEALTH / OTHERS

A peek into the definitions:-GlaucomaA condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing gradual loss of sight

KeratitisInflammation of the cornea of the eye

AstigmatismA refractive error of the eye in which parallel rays of light from an external source do not converge on a single focal point on the retina.

Detached RetinaThe separation of the sensory layer of the retina from the pigment layer

AmblyopiaImpaired or dim vision without obvious defect or change in the eye.

Search for these words:

1. Glaucoma

2. Keratitis

3. Astigmatism

4. Detached Retina

5. Amblyopia

6. Cataract

7. Presbyopia

8. AMD

CataractA medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision.

PresbyopiaProgressively diminishing ability of the eye to focus, noticeable from middle to old age, caused by loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens

AMDA degenerative condition affecting the central part of the retina (the macula) and resulting in distortion or loss of central vision. It occurs especially in older adults, in which case it is called age-related macular degeneration.

INTERNATIONAL

WHITE CANE DAY 2018

REACHING OUT WITH OUR HEARTS

GUEST-OF-HONOUR

MS GRACE FUMINISTER OF CULTURE,

COMMUNITY AND YOUTH

DATE & TIME

SATURDAY20 OCTOBER 201811.00AM - 3.00PM

VENUE

SAVHNO. 47 & 49 TOA PAYOH RISE

SINGAPORE 298104

Come join us at our Open House. Open to Public.

FREE ADMISSION!

Eye Care Talk

Training &job fair

SportsForum

Movies

massage

Games

INTERNATIONAL

WHITE CANE DAY 2018


GUEST-OF-HONOUR


COMMUNITY AND YOUTH

DATE & TIME


VENUE


SINGAPORE 298104


FREE ADMISSION!

Eye Care Talk

Training &job fair

SportsForum

Movies

massage

Games

Do join us on Sat 13 Oct 2018 as ambassadors for our Community Outreach! We welcome all clients who would like to perform by singing or by playing a musical instrument for the aged residents. Alternatively we also welcome clients who wish to interact with the elderly. Those interested can contact Mr Leow Chee Tsai at 62514331 Ext 151.

INTERNATIONAL

WHITE CANE DAY 2018


GUEST-OF-HONOUR


COMMUNITY AND YOUTH

DATE & TIME


VENUE


SINGAPORE 298104


FREE ADMISSION!

Eye Care Talk

Training &job fair

SportsForum

Movies

massage

Games

INTERNATIONAL

WHITE CANE DAY 2018


GUEST-OF-HONOUR


COMMUNITY AND YOUTH

DATE & TIME


VENUE


SINGAPORE 298104


FREE ADMISSION!

Eye Care Talk

Training &job fair

SportsForum

Movies

massage

Games

INTERNATIONAL

WHITE CANE DAY 2018


GUEST-OF-HONOUR


COMMUNITY AND YOUTH

DATE & TIME


VENUE


SINGAPORE 298104


FREE ADMISSION!

Eye Care Talk

Training &job fair

SportsForum

Movies

massage

Games


INTERNSHIP

I would like to acknowledge the help I had received during my 6 months’ internship at Skills Development Programme (SDP) of the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH). I deeply and sincerely appreciate the time and efforts of my colleagues in guiding and equipping me with the necessary skills to perform my job. I would also like to extend my appreciation to SAVH’s management for this rare opportunity to work with the visually handicapped.

This internship at SDP@SAVH experience truly inspired me and helped me develop a more acute understanding of people with visual impairments. Many clients shared bitter-sweet memories with me and their perspectives that elevated my empathy for them. I was amazed that their disability did not hinder their drive in achieving their life goals. Their positive, even cheerful outlook is a trait that I could emulate. Not only did this internship equip me with valuable skillsets in managing manpower, resources, timelines and networking with corporate sponsors and donors due to the projects I was exposed to and involved at SDP@SAVH, it also imparted a very special skills set that could only be acquired at SAVH - how to communicate and work more effectively with the visually handicapped.

Having completed this internship, I felt that more could be done to champion people with special needs in our society. Apart from pursuing academic excellence, I felt that youths should be provided with sufficient volunteering opportunities to engage with voluntary welfare organisations and interact with their direct beneficiaries. It would be even more positive, heart-warming and encouraging if society could play a part to support the operation of social enterprises, so that the less privileged can be embraced by a more accepting and caring community.

The short stint with SAVH has changed me for the better. It has made me more sensitive to the needs and challenges of the less privileged in a positive way. It was an incredible experience and it has fostered in me a deep-seated desire to pay it forward and be a catalyst for changes in my lifetime.

Reflections of an InternKok Lai Yin

Editor’s Note: Ms Kok Lai Yin, a Republic Polytechnic final year Diploma in Social Enterprise student hadher internship in SAVH from 18 Sep 2017 to 2 Feb 2018

9173 1964 6251 4331 ext 163/164 [email protected]

Mobile Massage Team

Our friendly crew is made up of visually impaired masseurs, who are certified to knead your stress away. Visit our centre, invite us to your office or engage us for your events. Whether you’re 5 or 95, make us a part of your health regime and you’ll be creating opportunities for these abled individuals to help themselves too.

Operating Hours

Weekdays 10am - 6pm

(6pm - 8pm slots availablefor advanced booking)

Weekends & Public Holidays9am - 6pm

Closed1st & 2nd day of Chinese New Year

In-House

Head & Shoulders$10 for 20 mins $15 for 30 mins

Foot Reflexology$10 for 20 mins $15 for 30 mins

Full Body Non-OilAcupressure$40 for 60 mins

Massage RatesOn-Site



(There is a minimumrequirement of 5sessions per massuerper visit)

On-Site Hourly

1-Hour Session$55 per masseur


Sessions 3 Hours or Longer$35 per masseur

9173 1964 6251 4331 ext 163/164 [email protected]

Mobile Massage Team

Our friendly crew is made up ofvisually impaired masseurs, who are certified to knead your stress away. Visit our centre, invite us to your office or engage us for your events. Whether you’re 5 or 95, make us a part of your health regime and you’ll be creating opportunities for these abled individuals to help themselves too.

Operating Hours

Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm

ClosedSundays and all Public Hoildays

In-House



Full Body Non-OilAcupressure$40 for 60 mins

Massage RatesOn-Site



(There is a minimumrequirement of 5sessions per massuerper visit)

On-Site Hourly



Sessions 3 Hours or Longer$35 per masseur

INING IN THE ARKD

presented by

Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped

Will food taste the same in totaldarkness?

Abandon your vision. Step into theshoes of the blind. Be reacquaintedwith your other senses and get toknow your servers and what life islike for them.

How can a visually impaired personserve a meal?

A reservation is required. Call 6251 4331 ext 167 or email us [email protected].

Monday to Saturday Excluding public holidays

Lunch & Dinner $32 & $40 respectively

Soup, main course, desser�, coffee/tea (All dishes are halal and

vegetarian options available)

$15 For st�dents & accompanying teachers

D

SAVH InSight · 2018. 11. 8. · buddy system, partnering our staunch volunteers with our VH...

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Transcript of SAVH InSight · 2018. 11. 8. · buddy system, partnering our staunch volunteers with our VH...