Latest news with #SADeaf
CNA
7 days ago
- General
- CNA
Mountbatten Vocational School for special needs students to close by end of 2025
SINGAPORE: Mountbatten Vocational School (MVS), which serves students with special needs aged 14 to 21, will close its doors this December. Hopes of establishing a new institute have also fallen through, despite a new site being secured with the government's help. Some parents - who were officially informed of the closure in June - told CNA they are concerned their children's chance at a livelihood beyond the classroom is at stake. The school, which was founded 50 years ago, equips youths with disabilities with the skills and confidence necessary for employment and independent living. EDUCATION LANDSCAPE HAS CHANGED Authorities have assured that they will support the affected students and their families. The education and training landscape for persons with disabilities (PwDs) 'has evolved significantly over the years', said the school in a joint statement with the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf). They added that this has led to a decline in enrolment at MVS in recent years, with 'increased challenges in training students for the evolving job market'. CNA understands that at its peak, the school had an enrollment of more than 70 students. Following a joint review in 2022, MOE and SADeaf, the social service agency managing MVS, agreed to cease school operations by end-2025. The education ministry partially funds the school. The school stopped enrolling new students in January last year to ensure that the remaining students could graduate this year. MVS' impending closure saw members from SADeaf, MVS and others come together to propose a new vocational training centre called the Institute for Inclusive Futures (IIF). It had hoped not just to fill the gap the school's closure would create, but also aimed to address the 'post-18 cliff effect', where many PwDs suffer a sudden lack of support after leaving the education system. Over the past two years, SADeaf, together with MSF and SG Enable, had explored the feasibility of the proposal. MOE and MSF had also helped secure a site for the new initiative. Despite these efforts, the ministries were informed by the IIF board that the transition could not proceed as it would require a significant operational shift for MVS, according to the joint statement. The IIF board, in a separate statement, cited various factors for discontinuing its efforts, including a lack of long-term financial feasibility and differences with authorities who wanted a focus on training for those above 21 years old. FINDING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS MVS held its final graduation ceremony for its students on Jul 19. CNA understands at least 20 more students who are set to complete their education at the school by the end of the year will not have an official ceremony. Parents told CNA they were devastated by the sudden change in plans. They had hoped to continue their children's education through the IIF, but are now grappling with the challenge of finding alternative options. Mr Rajendran Veerappan said his 21-year-old son Yughendra, who has Down syndrome, has become noticeably more independent since attending the school. 'He knows how to do housework,' said the single father. 'A lot of things he can do by himself. I can see the achievement in him.' His son has acquired practical skills such as cooking and earned certifications that support his transition into the workforce. Mr Rajendran said MVS provided a supportive environment for Yughendra and many others who found it difficult to learn in mainstream and other special education schools. He shared that the closure of the school has made things 'very difficult'. 'Now I need to (start searching all over again. I got to go through another big round to find a school, then (arrange) transport. All these things are major issues for us,' he added. 'It's not only me - there are many people having this kind of problem. So I think it would help if the school is not closed.' Another parent, Rodnel Unciano, said he hopes that there will be some programmes for his 20-year-old son to continue benefitting from. Authorities have said they are committed to supporting those affected, pledging to help match students and more than 15 staff members with suitable education and job opportunities. EMBRACING INCLUSIVE HIRING Many MVS graduates have benefited significantly from their time at the school. Among them are alumni who have been hired by Siloso Beach Resort in various roles, including housekeeping and food and beverage services. The resort said in a statement that many MVS graduates have been trained in F&B services as wait staff, dishwashers, housekeepers, cleaners and bellhops. 'They get to try out a variety of different roles, but the role that they will eventually settle into will depend on their individual abilities and preferences.' The resort, which only recently learned of the school's closure, noted that firms that embrace inclusive hiring practices can tap a broader talent pool and foster a healthier workplace culture. 'But for our company, the more important reason is that it adds purpose to what we are doing, because if we want to give back to society, this is one of the most effective ways of having an impact,' it added. 'We can see the impact directly on their lives, how meaningful employment and being able to provide for themselves improves their wellbeing and self-esteem.' Mr Karl Fischer, manager of corporate social responsibility at Siloso Beach Resort, said it has been working with the school since 2012.
Straits Times
25-07-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Singapore Poly club members sign on to engage deaf community
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The TL;DR: Students in Singapore Polytechnic's sign language CCA attend weekly lessons and participate in local community service events with the deaf community. Singapore Polytechnic's sign language club members after the annual SIGNature performance, which involves the performing of songs using sign language, in 2024. SINGAPORE – Miss Kua Ying En was working as a dental assistant in 2023 when she first encountered a deaf person. Upon realising that the patient could not hear, Miss Kua and the clinic staff – from the nurse, to the dentist – communicated with her via pen and paper. However, the process was slow-going. The incident stuck with her, and when the chance to join a co-curricular activity (CCA) in Singapore Polytechnic (SP) arose, the sign language club was her first choice. Learning sign language was important, she felt, to be inclusive. 'Texting and writing can really slow things down. It might not be a big issue in casual situations, but what if there's an emergency and they need help immediately?' Two years on, the 20-year-old banking and finance student is club president, and can sign complete sentences and hold non-verbal conversations. SP's club has been guided by coach Pet Tan, since it was founded in 2012. Ms Tan, who is hearing, has volunteered with The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) for more than 27 years. She said that most students join out of interest and have almost no background knowledge, while a handful 'might have learnt a little' from lessons with SADeaf, online, or through friends. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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Learning sign language is 'not structured exactly like foreign language modules', she said. 'But just like learning a (spoken) language, you need to understand the dos and don'ts, misconceptions, and appropriate and inappropriate terms.' The club mainly uses Signing Exact English, which follows English grammar and word order, in their CCA sessions. Members who advance further may also use Singapore Sign Language, which is used by the deaf community in Singapore and has its own grammar and structure. Members of the club learn sign language weekly and also take part in local community service events, where they interact with the deaf community up to five times in an academic year. A typical CCA session begins with an icebreaker, followed by a segment on Deaf culture, Singapore Sign Language lesson, and an interactive activity that encourages the members to make friends while practising signs. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC'S SIGN LANGUAGE CLUB Currently, 50 to 60 members regularly attend the two-and-a-half-hour basic stage lessons every Wednesday. Intermediate sessions are held after, with about 30 students at this level. Up to 12 student instructors, Ms Kua included, take turns to conduct the CCA sessions. They are supervised by Ms Tan, who teaches the advanced group – which has six students – on Tuesdays. At the end of the basic and intermediate levels, students keen on advancing sit for a test where they are assessed on their reading and signing skills in finger spelling and vocabulary. A question-and-answer session is sometimes included. Only after attaining a passing score can the members move up to the next level. Though the certificates given upon passing each level are not formal certifications, they acknowledge participation and proficiency within the CCA context, said Ms Tan. Meanwhile, advanced students, who are usually in their final year of polytechnic, are evaluated on their ability to interpret signs into written sentences, and voice to signs. These students learn how to communicate with the deaf and interpret for them. Among them is Ms Yue En Qi, a third-year applied artificial intelligence & analytics student who joined SP's sign language club in 2023. Her initial interactions with the deaf community – before she learnt more advanced sign language – left her frustrated at herself, the 19-year-old recalled. Feeling that she did not know enough signs to hold a conversation spurred her to improve her sign language proficiency. This year, she hit her 'biggest personal milestone' during a Chinese New Year event organised by the sign language club, guiding deaf participants on how to cook food like Chinese rice balls and rice cakes. Ms Yue added: 'I could sign to them without a script, unlike the very first time, and finally have more open conversations with them.' Second-year media, arts & design student Fin Loh, is also at the advanced level. The 22-year-old, who attended her first basic stage lesson in May 2023, said her biggest challenge is understanding what other people sign. 'The grammatical structure and expressions that we use when practising are familiar and specific to this group, and it takes more interaction with other people signing to be able to understand when they sign with different structures.' Outside of CCA sessions, she and her sign language club friends practised by finger spelling 'random words' found in MRT advertisements during their journeys home from school. 'Eventually, as we learnt more vocabulary, we could have whole conversations on the MRT without disrupting anyone because we're not making any noise!' In the future, she aims to be an interpreter working with teachers, children and parents. Education 'has opened up many doors for me', she said, adding: 'I believe all children deserve the same access to education and support in their growth.'
AsiaOne
20-06-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Chagee opens sign-language store at NUS supporting deaf community, Lifestyle News
Chagee unveiled its latest outlet at National University of Singapore (NUS) yesterday (June 19), possibly Singapore's first sign language-equipped tea-chain store. Located in NUS' Yusof Ishak House, the new outlet is also the tea chain's first-ever signing store in Southeast Asia. In a partnership with SG Enable and the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf), the outlet is staffed by deaf and hard-of-hearing baristas. The store's official launch was attended by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development and Law Eric Chua, where he highlighted the importance of inclusivity in Singapore. "An inclusive society is one where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Initiatives like the Chagee signing store remind us that accessibility is not just about infrastructure — it is about mindset and intent," he said. In a Facebook post later that day, he described such initiatives towards disability-inclusive employment as "encouraging". Not your average bubble tea store The 135 sq m outlet features cork-lined interiors that create a welcoming space for all. A layered step seating configuration also hopes to promote social interaction. One of its most eye-catching features is the custom-built flip chart wall. Developed in consultation with SG Enable and SADeaf, the flip chart wall is meant to be a simple step to introduce newcomers to basic sign language, and to foster meaningful exchanges between customers and staff. Another head-turner within the outlet is the vibrant wall mural, designed by award-winning deaf artist Angeline Chen Zi Yue, which adds an artistic touch to the space. To celebrate the opening of the store, Chagee has introduced two exclusive in-store merchandise bundles. They feature Chagee's signature Bo·Ya Jasmine Green Milk Tea and items such as canvas totes and keychains. For every bundle sold, the chain will donate $2 to SADeaf. Address: 31 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Yusof Ishak House, level 1, Singapore 119078 Opening hours: Daily, 10.30am to 8.30pm [[nid:716027]] amierul@
Business Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
ERA raises more than S$260,000 for Singapore Association for the Deaf
[SINGAPORE] Real estate agency ERA on Sunday (May 25) held a charity walk at the Marina Barrage, raising more than S$260,000 for The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf). (*see amendment note) Around 1,600 participants walked either 3 km or 5 km and spent time at a carnival after, enjoying activities such as games, sign-language sessions and performances by a live band. The funds raised will support SADeaf's programmes and services in four main areas: accessibility, education, community service and advocacy. Marcus Chu, chief executive of ERA Singapore, said: 'Hearing loss is an invisible challenge that often leads to isolation, depression or misunderstanding, especially when people cannot access the tools or support they need. This walk is our way of standing with the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing community.' The funds will also enable SADeaf to address gaps in accessibility and participation in society, for example in employment and transport. Besides raising funds, the event set out to raise awareness of the challenges that the deaf community faces. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Josh Lye, executive director of SADeaf, said: 'When the community learns about the challenges deaf individuals face and gains a better understanding of why accessibility matters, they can help create a more inclusive and supportive community.' ERA's Chu added: 'Driving awareness is the first step to creating change. Many people do not realise how isolating or exhausting life can be when your disability is invisible. For those with hearing loss, something as basic as asking for directions or participating in a classroom can become a daily challenge. Without visibility, their needs remain unmet.' SADeaf provides services such as interpretation, speech therapy and counselling. To improve awareness of hearing disabilities, it offers sign language classes and customised awareness programmes, which many corporates tap. Besides SADeaf, ERA works with other community partners such as the North West Community Development Council and Hong Kah North grassroots organisations for activities ranging from community gardening to charity golf events. *Amendment note: The amount of funds raised has been amended to S$260,000, after ERA clarified how much it alone raised for SADeaf.
Business Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
ERA raises more than S$320,000 for Singapore Association for the Deaf
[SINGAPORE] Real estate agency ERA on Sunday (May 25) held a charity walk at the Marina Barrage, raising more than S$320,000 for The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf). Around 1,600 participants walked either 3 km or 5 km and spent time at a carnival after, enjoying activities such as games, sign-language sessions and performances by a live band. The funds raised will support SADeaf's programmes and services in four main areas: accessibility, education, community service and advocacy. Marcus Chu, chief executive of ERA Singapore, said: 'Hearing loss is an invisible challenge that often leads to isolation, depression or misunderstanding, especially when people cannot access the tools or support they need. This walk is our way of standing with the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing community.' The funds will also enable SADeaf to address gaps in accessibility and participation in society, for example in employment and transport. Besides raising funds, the event set out to raise awareness of the challenges that the deaf community faces. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Josh Lye, executive director of SADeaf, said: 'When the community learns about the challenges deaf individuals face and gains a better understanding of why accessibility matters, they can help create a more inclusive and supportive community.' ERA's Chu added: 'Driving awareness is the first step to creating change. Many people do not realise how isolating or exhausting life can be when your disability is invisible. For those with hearing loss, something as basic as asking for directions or participating in a classroom can become a daily challenge. Without visibility, their needs remain unmet.' SADeaf provides services such as interpretation, speech therapy and counselling. To improve awareness of hearing disabilities, it offers sign language classes and customised awareness programmes, which many corporates tap. Besides SADeaf, ERA works with other community partners such as the North West Community Development Council and Hong Kah North grassroots organisations for activities ranging from community gardening to charity golf events.
