contents - minds · by dikir barat. bridging families, touching lives – a family extravaganza...

Message from the CEO

A Great Way to Say Goodbye to 2010

Celebrating Hari Raya with Rhythm

Bridging Families, Touching Lives - a Family Extravaganza

Hi-Tea at the Hiltons

Crafts and Creativity with Cherie Hearts Preschool

Entering New Horizons, Exploring Endless Possibilities

EDC Challenge 2010

Sports for Staff at MV

Inculcating the Importance of Crime Prevention

Taking Flight - the Learning Journey of Transition

PATHS Sharing at MINDS Symposium

Shangri-La & TGS Partnership – Touching MINDS, Changing Hearts

Teamwork Matters

Using the Coolest Teaching Gadget in Town – the SMART Board

iReflect – Working with Families of PWIDs

On our Coverpage and Rear Page

Advisory CommitteeThe Public Relations, Education & Communications CommitteeChairman: Boo Chong HanMembers: Doreen Yap | Daniel Tan | Keh Eng Song | Brenda Lee

Editorial CommitteeAdvisors: Keh Eng Song / Jeannie HoEditor: Brenda LeeMembers: Anthony Tan / Sharon Ng / Josephine Ong / Suzana Soo / Chao Ye Peng / Prema Thevarajah / Ng Mun Wai / Stephen Shi / Koh Gee May / Ling Chong Beng / Rose Kwek / Rosalyn Peng / Shafiyah Sarwan / Mike Koh / Mimi Tan / Gerald Ng

MINDSpeak is published by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS).

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© Copyright is held by the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any forms or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recordings or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher. All views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of publisher.

CONTENTSMINDS’ Vision

To be a world-class voluntary welfare organisation that advances the

development, well-being and aspirations of persons with intellectual disability and

their integration into society

MINDS Headquarters800 Margaret DriveSingapore 149310

Tel: 6479 5655 Fax: 6479 0706Website: www.minds.org.sg

MINDS Centres

Idea Employment Development Centre29 Rosyth Road, Singapore 546190

Tel: 6282 4852 Fax: 6280 5078

SIA-MINDS Employment Development Centre

800 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149310Tel: 6473 1148 Fax: 6473 3885

Woodlands Employment Development Centre

30 Woodlands Ring Road, #01-02Singapore 737883

Tel: 6366 3966 Fax: 6366 7422

Ang Mo Kio Training & Development Centre

Blk 134 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, #01-1677Singapore 560134

Tel: 6456 4174 Fax: 6456 0570

Clementi Training & Development Centre

Blk 304 Clementi Ave 4, #01-487Singapore 120304

Tel: 6776 8743 Fax: 6776 8741

Napiri Training & Development Centre7 Lorong Napiri, Singapore 547533Tel: 6387 7662 Fax: 6387 3357

MINDS Special Education Schools

Fernvale Gardens School7 Fernvale Road, Singapore 797635

Tel: 6481 6697 Fax: 6483 2631

Lee Kong Chian Gardens School802 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149311

Tel: 6473 8332 Fax: 6473 4776

Towner Gardens School1B Lengkong Lima, Singapore 417557

Tel: 6446 2612 Fax: 6243 7498

Woodlands Gardens School30 Woodlands Ring Road, #01-01

Singapore 737883Tel: 6468 0566 Fax: 6468 2142

MINDS Home & Hostel / Group Home

MINDSville@Napiri7 Lorong Napiri

Singapore 547533Tel: 6387 7662 Fax: 6387 3357

MINDS Social Enterprise

800 Margaret DriveSingapore 149310

Tel: 6473 7512 (ext.244)Fax: 6473 0831

(A special feature on the Social Enterprise Unit)

mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people

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Message from the CEO

As we start a brand new year and inch closer to our 50th anniversary in 2012, we anticipate a flurry of activities in the coming months that will keep us real busy. Before we get carried away, let us close off a happy and memorable

2010 by fondly recalling some of the events and milestones that took place in the latter half of 2010.

ATDC closed the year with a record turnout of 50 caregivers from 30 families at its Year End Party. It was heartening to see parents and clients participating actively in the games. CDTC on the other hand had a Family Fun Fiesta jointly organized with the Ulu Pandan Women’s Executive Committee which saw 45 caregivers and 50 clients having a jolly good time at the Ulu Pandan Community Centre.

We salute the many caregivers who continue to give strong support to our TDCs. We are also grateful to the many donors and volunteers for collaborating with us to give our clients a better quality of life. Without them, our clients may never get to experience activities that we take for granted. Here I especially want to thank Hilton Singapore for giving our CTDC clients the chance to enjoy hi-tea at the Hotel.

This issue also commends participants and winners involved in the EDC Challenge which saw many family members turning out to support, as well as the good showing of our NTDC clients at the 38th SDSC National Track & Field Championship who bagged 5 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals. MINDS is truly proud of each and every one of our athletes.

Taking centre-spread in this issue of MINDSpeak is a special article on our Social Enterprise unit. This includes an interview with our new Director for Social Enterprises, Mr Chao Ye Peng, and a warm welcome to Ms Ng Rei Na, Senior Manager, who came onboard in January 2011. Together with Mr Leroy Lee, Manager, our new Social Enterprise Team is raring to go. As our four schools continue to churn out graduates every year, the need to create more employment opportunities is imperative, whether in our sheltered workshops or in open employment. I strongly urge caregivers to support our open employment job placement initiatives when given the opportunities. I am happy to share that we managed to place a record 23 of our clients in open employment in 2010, thanks to the Job Placement/Job Support Programme (JPJS) that was started at the beginning of the year by NCSS for persons with intellectual disability. Kudos to the JPJS Team for achieving this record for MINDS.

Establishing sustainable and scalable social enterprise businesses is our key focus in the coming years as our sheltered workshops are fast filling up to capacity. Diversification into other contract production and enhancing existing and creating new social enterprises will be the mainstay of our adult services.

Speaking of training and employment opportunities, you will read of the successful transition programme designed by LGS in collaboration with SMEDC for their graduating students. Featured on top of that is a partnership between TGS with Shangri La Hotels and Resorts Singapore that saw hotel chefs coming down to the School to impart basic culinary skills. Our clients were also given an opportunity to housekeep and learn to fold napkins at the Hotel.

Lastly, do take the time to read a heartfelt and insightful reflection by one of our Social Workers on working with families supporting persons with moderate to severe intellectual disability.

Happy reading and Happy New Year!

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Mr Keh Eng SongChief Executive OfficerMINDS

02 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people

A Great Way to Say Goodbye to 2010

ATDC celebrated its Year End Party on 3 December 2010 with a record gathering of 50 caregivers from 30 families in attendance. It was also a significant event as it coincided with International Day for Persons with Disabilities. The event was

sponsored by two kind donors who gave donations for the lunch buffet, lucky draw prizes and Christmas gifts for each client.

The event drew more smiles during the Christmas carolling when Staff ‘Santa’ and Client ‘Santarina’ surprised everyone by handing out sweets that were packed in handmade boxes by our clients to all family members. We also had our parents participating in a game that involved the dressing up of two clients as Santa using craft materials. It was a wonderful showcase of our parents’ creativity!

It was also fun to see clients and parents anxious for their names to be called during the Lucky Draw segment. We had our Head of Centre, Ms Rosalyn Peng, drew out the names of the clients whilst RC Chairman Mr Choo, drew out the names of the family members.

For the finale, we had a great buffet spread for all clients, caregivers and staff. It was an enjoyable moment as caregivers mingled with one another whilst feasting on their lunch. It was indeed one of the best events of the year at ATDC!

Text by Ms Shamini, Training Officer Photos by ATDC

Good ol’ fashion Christmas carolling always brings in the Christmas cheer

An average of two family members per family unit attended the function

Santa: “Where’s my hat? Where’s my beard?”Lucky Draw Winner posing for a shot

Celebrating Hari Raya with RhythmText by Ms Nurfiazaty, Social Service Assistant Photos by ATDC

On 1 October 2010, the Ang Mo Kio Training and Development Centre (ATDC) held their first-ever Hari Raya event at Yio Chu Kang Community Centre (YCK CC). The event was organised by Miss Nur Fiazaty Bte Mohd Idros from ATDC and sponsored by Mr Ithnin Bin Ansar Chairman of Yio

Chu Kang MAEC & Nagaya Cimande Singapore. The audience included the centre’s caregivers and volunteers as well as Mr Keh Eng Song, CEO of MINDS. It was an honour and pleasure to have him there with us.

We had performances put up by volunteers and coordinated by two instructors Ms Asrina Bte Asnadi from Nayaga Cimande Singapore & Ms Nur Fiazaty Bte Mohd Idros from R.A.K.A.N & Nayaga Cimande Singapore.

The programme included performances by:

Dikir Barat R.A.K.A.N & Malay dance Panca Sri Darma from Woodland’s • Community Centre MAEC subgroup (led by Ms Nur Fiazaty Bte Mohd Idros)

Gamelan, Kompang & Silat Nayaga Cimande Singapore from Yio Chu Kang • Community Centre MAEC subgroup (led by Ms Asrina Bte Asnadi)

There were also impromptu guest performances by SIA MINDS, led by Training Officer Mr Ramlan Bin Rasidi. For the finale, we had a sing-a-long session with all the performers. The performances were spectacular, and the clients enjoyed it so much that they could not resist leaving their seats to make their way down onto the dance floor.

After all the glitz and glamour, the clients and participants were treated to a tea reception which included pizzas, fast food side orders, egg tarts, cakes and beverages. Yummmy!!! At the end of the event, the exhausted participants returned on a chartered bus hired by YCK CC, thoroughly satisfied with the colourful festivities they experienced during the day.

Selamat Hari Raya and “Cheese!”

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Dancers gracefully performing an intricate dance number

Amazing Synchronisation by Dikir Barat

Bridging Families, Touching Lives – a Family ExtravaganzaText and photos by Mdm Shafiyah Ahmad Sarwan, Head of CTDC

AFamily Fun Fiesta 2010 was organised by the Clementi Training and Development

Centre (CTDC) in collaboration with Ulu Pandan Women’s Executive Committee on 3 Dec 2010 at the Ulu Pandan Community Centre. 50 clients, 45 caregivers, 20 staff and some volunteers participated in this event with Guest of Honour Mr Christopher de Souza, MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC gracing the event.

The Hilton-MINDS Christmas Charity Event 2010 was organized on 14 December 2010 at Hilton Singapore. Clients, staff and a few

caregivers were invited to enjoy this special Hi-Tea event organised by Hilton Singapore staff for MINDS’ Clementi Training & Development Centre (CTDC). Highlights of the event included a magic show, games, Santa appearances, Lucky Draw, photo taking with Santa and exchange of mementos.

The participants were treated with delicious food and desserts and thereafter, were each given a polo

A rousing applause from GOH Mr Christopher de Souza

Fantastic sportsmanship exhibited by game participants throughout

Hi-Tea at the HiltonsText and photos by Mdm Shafiyah Ahmad Sarwan, Head of CTDC

Elegant table settings and top-notch service; kudos to Hilton Singapore

One young man ‘wolfing’ down the delicious food

Santa delighting the inquisitive tea patrons

Among the guests were Captain Roger Loh, Ms Koh Gee May and DSP Tan Chi Chong – Commanding Officer for Queenstown Neighbourhood Police Centre. DSP Tan also presented a symbolic cheque of SGD$6,414.90 to CTDC to fulfil the centre’s wishlist under the MobileCares programme initiated by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). Event highlights included performance by Ulu Pandan CC and CTDC

clients and staff; games; tokens of appreciation and lucky draw for the lucky clients. All prizes and food were sponsored by Ulu Pandan CC.

tee and bermudas Christmas gift set. This was the first time the clients celebrated a MINDS Christmas at a hotel and it was great! Mr Keh Eng Song, (CEO of MINDS) who attended the event then proceeded to present a token of appreciation to hotel’s General Manager, Mr. Alain Mahillon. Hilton Hotel in turn presented us with a food hamper and cheque donation amounting to SGD$2,247.30. The donation will be channelled towards funding for our clients’ activities. We are grateful to the staff at Hilton Singapore for providing a many-helping-hands-approach to encourage social integration among our trainees. This superbly organised event topped with warm hospitality exhibited by the hotel staff throughout the day really made the experience extra special!


30 teachers and caregivers from Cherie Hearts Preschool visited the Clementi Training & Development Centre (CTDC) on 27 December 2010 and participated in a morning walk with our clients. They also conducted a session on making and creating plant terrariums for our staff and

selected clients. Apart from that, the group was also involved in an Art & Craft session and assisted us in making a huge banner for our centre.

The group presented a cheque of SGD$1,432 to CTDC. The donated amount was actually the sale proceeds of the plant terrarium that they had sold in the recent event organised by their centre. Thank You Cherie Hearts for your contribution and sharing the art of making plant terrariums with our staff and clients.

Crafts and Creativity with Cherie Hearts PreschoolText by Mdm Shafiyah Ahmad Sarwan, Head of CTDC Photos by CTDC

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Staff and clients enjoying the plant terrarium activity Participants creating their own garden in a glass jar.

Cherie Hearts Preschool trainer teaching an Arts & Craft session.

Busy participants creating a larger than life banner for CTDC

We are living in an age of unparalleled possibilities. The tenacity to create and invent has produced innovations ranging

from underwater cameras to a multi-billion dollar social networking industry. But caught up in this world of gainful wants, it is easy to ignore the cry of unfulfilled needs. Inventor Thomas Edison rightly insisted, “I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent.”

At MINDS, we can be proud of the Social Enterprises (SE) unit; a special group of prudent opportunists whose main objective is to explore employment opportunities for our clients. The team comprises newly appointed Director of SE, Mr Chao Ye Peng, lately joined Senior Manager Ng Rei Na and Manager, Leroy Lee.

The team’s efforts are paramount. On the average, a Person with Intellectual Disability (PWID) receives

Entering New Horizons, Exploring Endless Possibilities with the Social Enterprises Unit

Text and photos by Ms Brenda Lee, Corporate Communications Executive

SE Team: (from left to right) Leroy Lee; Manager of SE, Mr Chao Ye Peng; Director of SE and Ng Rei Na; Senior Manager of SE

MINDSpeak: Could you give us a little hint as to what MINDS Social Enterprise will be exploring as future employment opportunities for PWIDs?

Mr Chao: Our short term goal is to focus on maximising the efficiency and productivity of output in our sheltered workshops; improve the quality and sales of our existing social enterprises and to develop new and viable social enterprises that will compete effectively in the open market. One of our strategies is to learn and tap on the experiences of our counterparts in other parts of the world who have been successful in the developing strong social enterprises for PWID. Also, through the Job Placement & Job Support (JPJS) program that is strongly supported by NCSS, we

MINDSpeak: MINDS Social Enterprise was started in 2000 to create employment opportunities for Persons with intellectual Disability (PWIDs), what are your thoughts on integrating PWIDs into our labour force?

Mr Chao: I firmly believe that our clients are entitled to a safe and dignified opportunity in leading a fulfilling life. It is our responsibility to enable our clients to be productive and socially integrated into the community. Our wish is to enable as many of our clients as possible to be integrated into the workforce and to become financially independent members of our society.

Interview with new Director for Social Enterprises,Mr Chao Ye Peng


12 years of special education after which he or she will spend the rest of his life in an Employment Development Centre (EDC) or Training & Development Centre (TDC). Coupled with that, less than 5% of the EDC clients are able to go for Open Employment. SE Senior Manager Ng Rei Na says, “The combination of these two factors is thereby causing a bottleneck situation in terms of capacity. And although the opening of Woodlands EDC improved the situation, we foresee that the capacity of WEDC would run out in a few years’ time unless we are able to expand our social enterprise businesses and open employment opportunities.”

Although the improving economy has increased the rate of employment in Singapore, most of our clients are unable to work in the open market for various reasons. SE Manager Leroy explains, “This is due to limitations such as the inability to travel independently or the lack of support at the workplace. Unlike able-bodied persons, our clients do not have a strong social circle of friends at or outside of their work environment. This may cause them to exhibit behavioural problems that might result in them losing their jobs. As such, there is a compelling need for us to develop more opportunities at our sheltered workshops and social enterprises.”

2011 will be an exciting year as the SE team has several plans lined up. Rei Na describes, “Firstly,

we are looking to have our three MINDS Shops open for more days by setting up a Central Sorting Centre (CSC). The CSC will help to streamline sorting and backend efforts so as to allow shop managers to focus on the frontend side of the business. In addition, we will be expanding our performance repertoire for MINDS Perform. Do look out for this!”

Apart from managing various SE projects such as MINDS Food, MINDS Shop, MINDS Craft, MINDS Wash and MINDS Perform, the team has been busy sourcing for contracts from various corporations. One in particular, is the hotel industry; certain areas of its output are able to match the scope of training provided at MINDS’ Employment Development Centres (EDCs). The SE team is therefore exploring such frontiers of employment that are not just one-off, but contractual and continual in nature.

Well done team!

will strive to provide many more gainful employment for our clients so that they will be able to integrate into the work force.

MINDSpeak: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work with MINDS?

Mr Chao: I am very blessed to be given the opportunity to work at MINDS. Indeed, I am surrounded by great colleagues who are passionate and concerned about those under their charge. The purpose of my work, that is to serve and improve the lives of my clients with Intellectual Disability, is in itself a great reward to me.

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On 2 October 2010, the annual Employment Development Centre (EDC) Challenge took

place at Yishun Junior College (YJC). This year, Woodlands Employment Development Centre (WEDC) played host to some 345 clients and 100 staff from all the 3 EDCs. It was more significant this year, as 150 clients’ families were also invited to participate as spectators and also to provide support.

126 EDC clients competed in the Special Olympics sports like bowling, bocce, soccer and track & field. The bowling competition was held at the Singapore Sports School on the 24 September 2010. Prior to the event, the EDC Challenge 2010 committee members which comprised staff from the other EDCs started planning and working on the event months ahead. The event started with a mass work-out after which it was officially opened

EDC Challenge 2010 Text by Ms Aveline Cheong Mei Yee, Senior Training Officer Photos by WEDC

by Guest of Honour, Captain Roger Loh, Exco member assisted by Mr Ng Mun Wai, manager of MINDS-WEDC. Other guests include Mr Goh Siang Khin, former Vice-President of MINDS, Mrs Mimi Tan, MINDS Honorary Assistant Secretary, Mr Keh Eng Song, CEO of MINDS and Mdm Koh Teck Siew, Principal of YJC.

There was a heavy downpour in the midst of the programme which disrupted proceedings for awhile. But this did not dampen the spirits of the participants. The programme continued at the YJC school hall where the volunteers from Singapore Management University (SMU) worked tirelessly to assist with the alternative set-up. The EDC Committee promptly switched bocce, track & field and soccer to netball shooting, shuttle-run and penalty shoot-out respectively as part of its wet-weather plan EDC Challenge 2010 was won by SIA-MINDS Employment Development

mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people08

Opponents nervously looking on as the netball make its way into the basket

Staff taking a group shot with the proud medalists

Centre (SMEDC), followed by WEDC and Idea Employment Development Centre (IDEA). All participants went home happy as they brought home goodie bag each comprising of a custom-made EDC Challenge 2010 visor, bread and drinks.

The spirit of the Special Olympics was very much alive! The motto, “Let Me Win, If I Cannot Win, Let Me be Brave in My Attempt,” was notable throughout the event for each and every competitor did his best with the continual support from the cheering crowd.

There were many instances where these participants proved that they were ABLE to challenge themselves beyond their perceived limits. With these examples and many others, they demonstrated the objectives of the EDC Challenge 2010 and made us all at MINDS very proud!

Sports for Staff at MVText by Mr Randall Ng, Assistant Training Officer Photos by MINDSville@Napiri

According to the Singapore’s Health Promotion Board, “Taking care of staff’s well-being

is essential to an organisation”. This can be achieved through policies in the workplace that encourage staff to lead active and healthy lifestyles. Such a methodology is advocated by workplace health facilitators who tout results of a happier, more productive and efficient workforce. This will in turn lower health costs and provides a more holistic work-life balance.

In August 2010, Randall Ng, Health Champion of MINDSville@Napiri (MV), kicked off the sports and wellness programme for staff. With the support and encouragement from Ms Koh Gee May, Director of Residential, Training and Development Services and Mr Mike Koh, Head of Napiri Training and Development Centre (NTDC) the programme aims to improve the welfare of staff at MV by promoting active and healthy living.

To kick off the programme, Randall organised a friendly match of ‘Captain’s Ball’. The event witnessed staff from different departments at MV competing against each other in sports. The event drew positive feedback from staff who requested for more of such activities to be organised. In November 2010, a ‘Para-Para’ dance session was organised for the staff. The dance session was led by

In the spirit of fostering partnerships with community partners, SIA-MINDS Employment Development

Centre (SMEDC) collaborated with Queenstown Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) to educate our trainees on crime prevention in Singapore. On 26 May 2010, SMEDC welcomed police officers from Queenstown NPC who proceeded with an educational talk to a group of 100 trainees. The police addressed topics such as protecting oneself from strangers, petty theft and violence. The enthusiastic and quick responses from our trainees followed by a lively Q&A session proved that the talk was beneficial.

Inculcating the Importance of Crime Prevention

Text by Esther Lim, Social Worker Photos by SMEDC

staff from NTDC and supported by other staff from MV. Fruits were also given out after the dance to encourage healthy eating.

Randall hopes to organise more events this coming year with the aim of cultivating a happy and healthy workforce environment. Some suggestions from the staff include volleyball matches, aerobics sessions and even a meditation session.

Team captain reaching for an incoming goal at ‘Captain’s Ball’

Staff enthusiastically learning a routine during the ‘Para-Para’ dance session

Officers educating trainees on crime prevention

Trainees visiting Queenstown NPC and detention area

Following this, 22 selected trainees were granted a visit to Queenstown NPC on 29 July and 4 November 2010. This group of trainees was selected as they were assessed to be either more vulnerable; at a greater risk of being victimised or more prone to committing crime. More in-depth topics concerning crime prevention were delivered during the visit.

The trainees had the opportunity to visit the ‘detention area’ where alleged offenders were confined. It was also an eye-opening experience for our trainees as they learnt about the consequences one would face if they broke the law. The visits were aimed to help deter our trainees from breaking the law as well as to build awareness

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on seeking help should they be mistreated. We hope to continue such collaborative efforts with Queenstown NPC alongside other community programmes.

Taking Flight - The Learning Journey of Transition

Transition Defined At Its Best

Transition comprises a coordinated set of activities that identifies the necessary skills which further helps to facilitate the pupil’s progression from school to adult life. This includes employment (integrated & supported), community experiences, and other post-school adult living. It is based on the individual’s needs and reflects their strengths, preferences (or interests), choices, and dreams.

School Attachment Programme: Objectives & Experiences

Graduating pupils of Lee Kong Chian Gardens School (LGS) will undergo one attachment for a school term and each attachment is progressive in terms of the length and intensity of the work that the pupils will be exposed to. The attachment starts with a 4-day; 2-hour shift in the first term. By the fourth term, the attachment culminates in a 2-day; 2-hour and 2-day; 6-hour work shift.

The objective of this programme is two-fold. Firstly, to allow students to experience real work conditions with application of different work skills such as janitorial duties, headsets cleaning and choice-making etc. Secondly, to provide teachers, trainers, as well as Allied Health Professionals (AHP) of LGS and SMEDC opportunity to assess students’ level of performance. This will aid in the matching of their abilities and preferences optimally.

The collaborative effort between LGS and SIA-MINDS Employment Development Centre (SMEDC) has helped us to imbibe and share information and resources amongst teachers, trainers and allied health professionals. It has also provided a benchmark for curriculum and assessment of the school programme.It has been observed that the pupils were more comfortable and less anxious after each attachment thereby

Text by Mrs Vijaya Rajagopal, Teacher, Mr Ravindran s/o Krishnan, Teacher, Mr Mohamed Rohaizat bin Amat, Training OfficerMs Shaakirah bte Mohamed Hanif, Senior Training Officer ,Ms Rachel Chan, Training Officer Photos by LGS & SMEDC

increasing their confidence and self-esteem. The attachment programme provided a basis for interaction and building of effective relationships with new peers. Peer learning and tutoring were also observed among pupils and the SMEDC trainees. This full-day attachment was a real test to the stamina and endurance of the pupils. Peer acceptance was well demonstrated by SMEDC trainees towards the students as they settled in.

Many of the pupils and caregivers responded well to the feedback conducted by the school stating that the attachment programme was meaningful and effective and also that it provided increased opportunity for future gainful employment.

From the presentation by SMEDC, teachers and students gained a good understanding of the various projects and service delivery in SMEDC. Teachers were directly involved in the students’ skill assessment

which enabled them to know what is expected in the EDC. Teachers were then able to objectively assess their students’ interests, preferences and strengths using the assessment checklist and align their teaching objectives and practices according to EDC’s criteria. Involving students in different projects encouraged choice-making keeping in mind the student’s strengths and weaknesses.

After each attachment period, the committees of LGS and SMEDC exchanged feedback to improve the pupils’ performance by adapting school teaching practices, as well as fine tuning SMEDC training processes.

Conclusion

The wonderful journey of our learning experiences in the transition programme was enriching. Clearly, team collaboration is a vital element for a successful transition process that will ultimately benefit all.

Learning to clean tables at a dining hall

Students paying close attention to instructions

All geared-up!

As realistic work environments are multi-faceted, students are briefed thoroughly


A t the recent MINDS Symposium 2010, two teachers from Towner Gardens School

(TGS), Ms Wu Han YiIn and Ms Cecilia Lee, shared about the PATHS (Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies) curriculum during one of the concurrent sessions. Apart from a brief introduction to the PATHS philosophy and what the curriculum encompasses, the presenters also spoke about the five domains in teaching PATHS – self-control, positive self-esteem, emotional awareness, basic problem-solving skills, and social skills and friendships. The participants also learned about the strategies which have been gradually introduced in TGS during assembly and PATHS lessons. These include steps for calming down, steps for problem-solving, usage of

PATHS Sharing at MINDS SymposiumText by Ms Jeanie Morgan, Teacher Photos by Ms Cecilia Lee, Teacher

feelings cards, receiving and giving compliments.

During the presentation, Ms Wu and Ms Lee took everyone on a retrospective journey to learn how the PATHS committee began at TGS. Both presenters also shared their suggestions on what the other schools and centres should do if they were interested in implementing a social-emotional learning programme similar to PATHS.

Towards the end of the hour-long presentation, the audience’s curiosity and excitement about PATHS was evident as many participants launched into questions during the Q&A session regarding PATHS’ approaches. Those who liked the programme and found

it useful included some of MINDS’ Employment Development Centre (EDC) training officers, teachers and various parents of our clients. Details about funding for PATHS programme, scheduling of PATHS lessons and teacher-training were also discussed.

Indeed, much has occurred from PATHS’ humble beginnings in 2007 (when training attendees only came from TGS) to the official school-wide launch of PATHS curriculum in 2009. The PATHS team at TGS hopes that from henceforth, every participant who had attended the PATHS concurrent session will have a clearer idea about what PATHS could potentially offer in helping individuals equip their clients, trainees and children with the all important social-emotional skills to lead a better quality of life.

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TGS PATHS team members bracing themselves for the presentation

Fielding eager questions from the audience about PATHS...

Ms Wu Han Yiin, one of the PATHS co-presenters, kicked off her presentation with the burning question: “What does PATHS stand for?”

S ince 2009, Towner Gardens School (TGS) has been identified by Shangri-La Singapore (SLS) as a long-term partner for her Corporate Social Responsibility

(CSR) programme Touching MINDS, Changing Hearts. At the initial stage of the partnership last July, the hotel sent two chefs to TGS once every week to conduct cooking lessons for a class of senior students. Towards the end of 2009, TGS students were invited by Shangri-La to take part in her Christmas card design competition as well as participate in their Christmas light-up ceremony. Incidentally, two winning entries from the school had the honour of gracing the hotel’s 2009 series of corporate Christmas cards.

This year, the TGS-Shangri-La partnership has seen other areas of collaboration come to fruition. The initial work exposure programme at the hotel earlier this year for three students has now progressed to a regular work attachment in the Housekeeping Department and Banquet Operations: Napkin Folding section for seven students. Every Tuesday, these students work from 9.30am to 2.30pm with a one-hour lunch break. The four male students working for the Housekeeping Department sweep and mop seven stories

Shangri-La & TGS Partnership – Touching MINDS, Changing Hearts Text by Ms Jeanie Morgan, Teacher Photos by Ms Loke Choi Yoke, Vice-Principal of TGS, Mrs Sing-Wong Wai Yoke, Teacher, Ms Ng Chai Beng, Teacher

TGS senior students carrying out their task during a pastry-making lesson as the chef from Shangri-La patiently guides them along.

Not only do I look smart in my Shangri-La housekeeping uniform, I am great at my work too!

The Shangri-La chefs are definitely most impressed with this graduating student’s cutting skills!


of hotel room corridors. Feedback from their Shangri-La supervisor has been positive. Prior to their work attachment at the hotel’s napkin folding section, the three female students were trained in the school premises earlier this year by a hotel staff. Having acquired the requisite folding skills, these students have been able to maintain their skills in the actual work environment and even contribute to Shangri-La’s banquet operations’ assigned quota for the day.

Additionally, four chefs from Shangri-La take turns to drop by every Monday afternoon to conduct cooking lessons for one of the senior classes. The chefs were informed at the start of the year, about what skills the housecraft teacher will be teaching the students. The chefs then revisited these skills with the students throughout the year. To date, the students have learned to prepare Western and Asian dishes as well as pastries. As the housecraft teacher Ms Ng Chai Beng pointed out, “Not only have the students gained knowledge about the origin of different ingredients and dishes, their culinary skills have greatly improved. They are now more confident in their food preparation, cooking,

handling of utensils and interacting with the chefs.”

As part of the ongoing partnership with Shangri-La Hotel, TGS also held its first ever Healthy Cooking Competition in August 2010. In keeping with the healthy living and healthy eating theme for 2010, the school’s housecraft teachers planned the food preparation activities for the competition. Sandwich-making for Junior and Senior One participants, roti wrap for Senior Two and salad-making for the graduating participants. Shangri-La provided the logistical support with a team of chefs and other hotel staff, some of whom co-participated in the competition with the younger students. The hotel management also sponsored dining vouchers as the top three prizes for the winners within the respective categories.

Having come this far in what can only be described as a very happy and fruitful partnership, TGS is currently in discussion with Shangri-La Hotel to explore other possible areas of collaboration for 2011 and beyond. One potential area to look into will be identifying other work areas within the hotel operations where the school’s senior students can hone their vocational skills.

Check out my napkin-folding skills

Junior participants assembling their cheese sandwiches during the recent Healthy Cooking Competition at TGS.

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Voila! Perfecto!

Everyone woke up to thunderstorm and showers on Saturday, 17 July 2010. In the heavy downpour, the entire training cohort of Napiri Training

& Development Centre (NTDC) made their way to Serangoon Stadium to cheer in unison for our seven clients participating in SDSC 38th National Track & Field Championship. This annual event invited participation from a wide spectrum of talented athletes with intellectual disability; including Singapore’s world-famous paraplegic athlete, Dr. William Tan. We believe that the exposure of running alongside and competing with higher functioning athletes from the Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) and Metta School would be extremely beneficial to our clients in their quest for participation in Special Olympics.

Vigorous training for this event started months earlier with a consistent regime of structured practice twice a day - running within the designated lanes and completing the run in Hougang Stadium in the morning; our TOs worked tirelessly on a rotation basis. Stamina building exercises were also introduced through stair climbing at nearby HDB Blocks and within the centre’s compound. The Medicare Officer and our TOs liaised closely to ensure that each individual client was fit enough to participate.

On the day of the event, our clients waited patiently in their designated sitting space in Serangoon Stadium for the rain to ease up. The event finally started at 9.45am, causing a slight delay in our morning relay i.e. Novelty Race and several of our afternoon relays as well. Some of our TOs were running outside the track, urging our clients to run and continue running, whilst some TOs were lined up alongside the track to give encouragement. The TOs sitting in the audience with our clients cheered and made some noise

Teamwork MattersText and photos by NTDC

with drums borrowed from Metta School. The spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie shone throughout the event.

The National Environment Agency’s (NEA) Meteorological department reported that 17 July 2010 had the highest recorded rainfall in the first half of 2010. Yet to NTDC, it was a shower of blessing - the spectators were able to witness our clients’ sterling performances.

Come on boys! Just a few more metres towards the finishing line

Congratulations to all our MINDS participants who have invested much time and effort in training and competing for the event. We are certainly proud of you

Our medal tally for the SDSC 38th National Track & Field Championship

100m dash Novelty Race

200m dash

Novelty Race

100m dash

200m dash 400m dash

Novelty Race

200m dash

1. Athlete Germaine Lee 2. Athlete Herman Koh

3. Athlete Kenny Ekaputra

4. Athlete Lim Kah Chwee

5. Athlete Muhd Farhan

6. Athlete Suramirza

GOLD

GOLD

BRONZE

BRONZE

SILVER

GOLD

GOLD

BRONZE

GOLD

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

TOTAL MEDALS:

5 GOLD +

1 SILVER +

3 BRONZE

= 9 MEDALS


Teachers at Fernvale Gardens School (FGS) are engaging their students in a new way. Students

have gotten all excited about learning with the new SMART Boards installed in the school. The first interactive teaching board was installed in the computer lab but when teachers saw how students were fascinated and thrilled by the board, many asked if they could have it in their classrooms as well. Through the use of the school’s building fund, the school was able to purchase four more boards for the classrooms. These enabled most of the Senior Level classes and one Junior class to have dedicated use of the boards.

Using the Coolest Teaching Gadget in Town – the SMART BoardText and photo by FGS

What are SMART Boards ?

With in-house courses conducted by SmartWorkplace systems, teachers gradually picked up more skills in the use of the board and many were exploring new ways of conducting their lessons. The boards are very easy to use and interact well with Microsoft Office Programs, saving teachers the time of converting their current teaching aids. Teachers find the board convenient as any interaction that the students make with the board can be saved and the lesson continued for another session. It can also serve to record student performance for students who are unmotivated in doing worksheets. Students are always very excited about the colours and effects

that come with the teacher-designed presentations as well as the Adobe Flash games that make the lesson more exciting.

If all goes as planned, the school hopes to acquire yet another board and has already purchased touchscreen computers for the Special classes. Through the use of this new media, the school hopes to engage students more effectively and enable them to interact better with technology. While these are not a replacement for more traditional and concrete teaching aids, these new technology tools go a long way in lengthening the attention span of many students.

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‘Old-school’ classroom teaching is likened to a teacher writing on a whiteboard with a squeaky marker that always seemed to run out of ink. Welcome to the next generation of whiteboard teaching where instead of using markers, one may use their fingers!

The SMART Board is an interactive whiteboard that projects user input such as writing, drawing and moving through touch detection.

Ms Shireen engaging her pupils using the interactive SMART Board and the Internet.

Working with families who nurture Persons with Intellectual Disability (PWIDs) often has its own set of challenges. The journey that family members have taken with their loved ones (with special needs) varies from family to family. Although the issues may be similar, the processes and outcomes can be very different. This is because families

are influenced by their past experiences, beliefs, values and significant changes in the family history. Families are also affected by the larger systems of community, culture and politics surrounding them.

In working with families, social workers would usually be involved in certain processes such as - increasing capability, helping families ascertain their problems, empowering and strengthening family relationships, understanding family’s values and beliefs and linking families to community resources.

From a systemic perspective, the family is more than a collection of individuals; it is a network of relationships. Families should function as organised units rather than separate entities. Family involvement cannot be over-emphasised.

Social workers can be involved at different levels; from direct intervention with trainee or peripheral involvement (working with the families). If a client displays behavioural patterns that are worrying, the family will consequentially be affected. Additionally, each family has their own set of expectations and beliefs and this might affect their level of motivation towards their charge. This is where social workers play a part, they are crucial in giving appropriate support and counsel to family members.

Family members of PWIDs usually experience a range of feelings: anxiousness, happiness, hopefulness, despair, helplessness or even sense of achievement. Some families are able to cope and deal with critical situations more readily than others. Bear in mind, it can be rather overwhelming. Thus, working with these families requires patience, support and mutual understanding. It is a challenging experience yes, but also a very humbling, and fulfilling one.

Zetty Akhtar Bte Md Eizak,Social Worker


Working with Families of PWIDs

iReflect

About our Artist

Ms Tan Mih Chih is a lady with intellectual challenges who’s been a part of Artistique Sync. (the art & craft wing of Idea EDC) for the past 13 years. She is 38 years old and a graduate of Towner Gardens School. Mih Chih has plenty of patience and a knack for fitting pieces together - two qualities which a mosaic artist must possess. She takes great pride in her work & loves showing her pieces to visitors who visit the centre.

On our Coverpage and Rear Page

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About MINDS

MINDS stands for Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore. MINDS started with a single classroom of 26 children back in 1962. 49 years later, MINDS has grown to be one of the oldest and biggest VWOs in Singapore. MINDS’ services include four special education schools, three sheltered workshops, three day activity centres and a multi-service residential facility catering to persons with moderate to severe intellectual disability. MINDS serves about 2,400 clients in the 11 facilities located island-wide. MINDS has received strong support from various funding bodies, the community, corporations and individuals. It is our vision to grow and become a world-class VWO that advances the development, well-being and aspirations of persons with intellectual disability and their integration back into society.

contents - minds · by dikir barat. bridging families, touching lives – a family extravaganza...

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