SPD

The Tampines Sky Garden Hydroponics Farm is officially launched this morning by Tampines Central Adviser Dr Koh Poh Koon - 许宝琨! 🌱

This hydroponics farming programme on the rooftop of Tampines Central Community Complex that will benefit persons with disabilities in the community is a collaboration between Grace Mission, Tampines Central and ESH@Tampines.

We are privileged to be part of the Tampines Sky Garden Hydroponics Farm, and would like to thank Dr Koh for extending this collaboration to ESH@Tampines. We look forward to working very closely with our clients and caregivers to be involved in this new initiative, as well as playing a bigger and more diverse role in the care and support network of Tampines Central.

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The SPD EIPIC Sports Day 2024 was held on 5 Sep, attended by 85 children and 90 caregivers from SPD Ability Centre and SPD@Jurong East. Held at Westwood Primary School, the event centered on the theme of ‘Colours’, promoting the importance of bonding between the children and their caregivers, as well as interactions with the different members of the SPD team.

A variety of interactive games such as ‘Bean-It!’, ‘Rolli-Rolli’ and ‘Knock Knock’ were set up for the children to practise their fine and gross motor skills through meaningful activities as well as fun social interactions. The children had many opportunities to play alongside their peers and families, and the relay matches encouraged bonding and engagement between caregivers and their children. There was quite a queue at the ever popular hand painting booth, and at the various food stalls offering candy floss, popcorn and cup corn 😋

Mr Suhairen, whose daughter Ava attends the early intervention programme at SPD@Jurong East, was full of praise for the event, “I really enjoyed seeing Ava and her friends playing together. She enjoyed the bean throwing station, building, painting, and photo taking with her friends. Everything is well-planned and at every station, SPD staff were there giving encouragement. From the happy looks on their faces, we can see that the kids really enjoyed themselves!”

The SPD EIPIC Sports Day 2024 was made possible with the generous sponsorship from Mr Chia Peng Chwan. Mr Chia has been supporting the SPD Sports Day since 2019 and, other than having donated $32,000 to date, also mobilised his family and friends to volunteer and facilitate the activities at the various game, photo and hand painting booths. A shoutout too to our community partner Westwood Primary School for the use of their school hall for the event.

Thanks everyone, here's looking forward to our next SPD EIPIC Sports Day! 🥰

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We invited close to 400 allied health and social service sector professionals to SPD’s first allied health symposium to imagine the role of allied health professionals in Community Therapy 3.0.

Organised as part of SPD’s 60th anniversary celebrations and held at the Lifelong Learning Institute, the full-day symposium covered topics such as development of community therapy, macro trends and vision for community therapists as well as the role of allied health professionals in social prescription.

As the nation's social and healthcare needs evolve, it is also an opportune time for all of us to reflect on the role we want to play and the future we want for community care.

A special thanks to SingHealth Community Hospitals for co-organising this event with us. Our deepest appreciation also to our plenary speakers Prof Alan Wong Wai Pong, President of AHPC, and A/Prof Lee Kheng Hock, Deputy CEO (Education and Community Partnerships) SingHealth Community Hospitals for their invaluable insights and contributions.

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The Enabling Skills & Competency Framework (ESCF) was launched yesterday by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Mr Eric Chua at SG Enable’s Enabling Academy Learning Festival.

SPD is privileged to be recognised as an early adopter of this framework. As an enabler and facilitator role in this ecosystem, we see ourselves helping to bridge the gaps between persons with disabilities, employers and caregivers.

The implementation of the ESCF meant that sector professionals, caregivers and employers can work with a common skills language to help persons with disabilities improve their quality of life and maximise their potential.

This structured and guided approach to building capabilities of the various stakeholders also underscores the importance of partnerships and community support when supporting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream society.

We look forward to more collaborations to empower and enable persons with disabilities to lead more independent lives in the community.

Taskforce on promoting inclusive employment aims to place additional 4,500 PWDs with jobs by 2030 - mewatch Plans from a multi-agency taskforce on promoting inclusive employment aim to place an additional 4,500 persons with disabilities (PWDs) with jobs by 2030. Led by the Social and Family Development Ministry, the group says the plans will push the employment rate of PWDs closer to the 40 per cent targe...

⭐Gaining independence and freedom with assistive technology⭐

The fourth child in a family of five children, Isaiah loves outings and is always excited to visit extended family or attend church. Due to global developmental delay and cerebral palsy, his family had to use a pram to get him around. With his sociable nature, Isaiah was not contented to just remain in the pram and would get upset at being left out such as when the other children were headed to the playground.

Having understood his needs, SPD’s AT specialist prescribed Isaiah with a customised motorised wheelchair that optimised his sitting posture, as well as supports his learning at a special education school. As the motorised wheelchair allows him to move around more freely to explore and socialise with other children, Isaiah does not feel left out anymore. 🥰

The Specialised Assistive Technology Centre was established in 2001 to provide assessment, consultation and training in assistive technology (AT) to individuals and organisations to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Find out more via the FY2023/2024 edition of our Annual Report - www.spd.org.sg/about-us/financial-more-information

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SPD’s work anchors on our shared belief that persons with disabilities and those with disabling conditions should be given equal footing in a society that they are equally a part of. Our vision of an inclusive society has not changed in the last 60 years, since SPD was set up in 1964, and it remains a driving force in what we set out to do today.

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A team of 30 staff from Samsung C&T Corporation were at SPD@Toa Payoh on 23 August 2024 to spend time with our seniors.🫶

Besides organising games and towel-making activities, the volunteers also entertained everyone with Chinese opera and ge-tai performances, and held a lucky draw where some of our lucky seniors won prizes. Furthermore, vendors manning ‘live’ food stations were brought in to give out tea eggs, muah chee and tu tu kueh to the seniors. The enjoyable day of fun ended with all our seniors receiving goodie bags from the Samsung C&T Corporation volunteers. 🥰

Thank you Samsung C&T Corporation, and we look forward to your next visit!

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⭐We were at the opening of One Punggol Community Club last Saturday!⭐

Launched officially by Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong, the One Punggol CC is housed within the 5-storey tall community and lifestyle hub which also has a regional library, hawker centre and many other facilities and services. We are happy to share that the new Enabling Services Hub ESH@Punggol, the second partnership between SPD and SG Enable, will also operate from this hub! Members of our key partner, the Wheelchair Basketball Association, were also at the launch to showcase their skills in this Paralympic sport to the residents. We are excited that wheelchair basketball has been incorporated into our ESH@Punggol calendar of activities, on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, for our clients with disabilities!

Here’s to the fruitful months ahead 😊

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“Hardworking, willing to go above and beyond his duties, always learning and cheerful”—these are how his colleagues at MCS Advisory Group and SPD professionals who had worked with him describe 61-year-old Mr Larry Chong.

When he first started on his job search though, Mr Chong faced numerous rejections from employers. Other than accessibility and productivity considerations due to his disability, his age and limited experience in the use of the computer did not put him in favour. Recognising that he required support, Mr Chong enrolled in SPD’s Employment Support Programme (ESP) in April 2023 and, several months of upskilling and jobseeking later, was matched to a job opening at the MCS Advisory Group.

Mr Chong’s journey to open employment after an acquired disability is a testament to the importance of a supportive ecosystem, where the dedication of the individual, together with supportive mindset of employers, and the guidance from professionals all come together to open doors for jobseekers with disabilities. Read about how the collective will and efforts of a community can transform many lives here - https://www.spd.org.sg/employment-success-a-collaborative-journey/

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Feel the quiet moments of determination to the vibrant celebrations of victories. Discover through the eyes of 12 photographers, mentored by highly acclaimed Fujifilm X- Photographer Derrick Ong , the unseen and untold stories of the struggles and triumphs of 8 families that received support from SPD.

📸 Photography For Good photo-exhibition 📸
Date and time: 14 to 22 September, 1pm to 6pm daily
Location: Prinsep Gallery, Selegie Arts Centre, 30 Selegie Rd, Singapore 188351
Admission is free.

Organised by The Photographic Society of Singapore .sg and Fujifilm Singapore , in partnership with SPD.

.photographie .me.events

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Feel the quiet moments of determination to the vibrant celebrations of victories. Discover through the eyes of 12 photographers, mentored by highly acclaimed Fujifilm X Singapore Photographer, Derrick Ong Photography, the unseen and untold stories of the struggles and triumphs of 8 families that received support from SPD.

📸Photography For Good photo-exhibition📸
Date and time: 14 to 22 September, 1pm to 6pm daily
Location: Prinsep Gallery, Selegie Arts Centre, 30 Selegie Rd, Singapore 188351
Admission is free.

Organised by PSS Singapore and Fujifilm Singapore, in partnership with SPD. More info here - www.spd.org.sg/events/spd-photography-for-good-exhibition

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🌍 Happy World PT Day! 🎉

World Physiotherapy Day is set on 8 September to honour the incredible work of physiotherapists who make a real difference in managing and overcoming lower back pain. 🏋️‍♂️💡 SPD has been proud to support this mission, our therapists have been offering expert care that includes personalised exercises, manual therapy, and education on body mechanics. Whether it’s addressing poor posture or muscle imbalances, our physiotherapists are dedicated to helping you move better and live pain-free.

Do look out on our page for a talk by our physiotherapists on Lower Back Pain at Punggol Regional Library in October!

Here’s to celebrating the expertise and the positive impact that physiotherapists have every day! 💪🧘‍♂️

Teachers are the very people we look up to – who shape our future and minds with knowledge and compassion. They teach, guide and inspire us to see the world and chase our dreams.

Ten years in the profession, Ismawati, affectionately known as Isma to her family, friends and colleagues, knew she wanted to be a teacher at a very young age. She was formerly from a mainstream preschool setting but joined SPD's EIPIC almost 2 years ago to make a difference to the lives of children who require additional support.

Teacher Isma shares more about her teaching journey and her hopes for children with developmental needs in Singapore here - https://www.spd.org.sg/a-teachers-journey-in-early-intervention

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⭐Enabling greater independence in the community⭐

Mr Lee Leong Peng was diagnosed with a neurological condition and heart disease, and experienced frequent falls and would not go out on his own. He then lost his job as a store/delivery man due to his mobility challenges, making him feel increasingly despondent.

The 73-year-old was enrolled into SPD@Toa Payoh’s day care programme in May 2022, then to the centre’s rehabilitation centre in August 2023. Mr Lee put in his best efforts during his therapy sessions towards the goals set for him to ambulate independently indoors with walking aids and to gain better standing balance. It took him 3 months to reach his goals with the support of SPD’s professionals and his family. Mr Lee is now confident of buying food and groceries and attending medical appointments on his own. 🥰

Rehabilitation and therapy can help persons with disabilities and those with disabling conditions to lead healthier and more independent lifestyles. Find out more via the FY2023/2024 edition of our Annual Report - www.spd.org.sg/about-us/financial-more-information

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SPD’s work anchors on our shared belief that persons with disabilities and those with disabling conditions should be given equal footing in a society that they are equally a part of. Our vision of an inclusive society has not changed in the last 60 years, since SPD was set up in 1964, and it remains a driving force in what we set out to do today.

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23 staff from VDL ETG Singapore packed and delivered grocery items to the families of 30 recipients of the SPD Education Programme Bursary Awards.

VDL has been a close partner and supporter since 2022 and we are thankful for this thoughtful initiative. Here’s to more collaborations ahead! 🥰

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⭐It was a record turnout at the SPD Ability Walk 2024 last Sunday!⭐

More than 2,000 participants turned up at our SPD Ability Walk 2024 on Sunday held at the grounds of the ACM (Asian Civilisations Museum) and along the historical Singapore River. The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Alvin Tan 陈圣辉, Minister of State for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The post-Walk carnival also made a return to the event this year after a 4-year hiatus, adding to the fun factor for participants with old school games and lots of goodies. Participants also got to better understand challenges faced by people with disabilities through simulation activities, which have been a mainstay at the Walk, through modified 5-stones challenge while wearing peripheral goggles, and using golf clubs modified to simulate certain impairments faced by persons with disabilities. These simulation activities have become a hallmark of our Walk, reinforcing the event’s focus on inclusivity and empathy.

A total of $418,000 with Tote Board matching grant was raised for the event, which will be channelled towards our programmes and services, which aim to enhance the independence of persons with disabilities or who may develop disabling conditions, enabling them to be integrated into mainstream society.

HUGE THANKS to all participants and volunteers who turned up for the event, Mediacorp LOVE 972 DJs for their infectious enthusiasm and our partners and donors for supporting and being there. Here’s looking forward to the next Walk!

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If you would like to make a donation in support of our persons with disabilities, please pop on over to https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/spd-ability-walk-2024- today!

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⭐ Congratulations Team Singapore on creating history at the Paris Paralympics! ⭐

Singaporean boccia player Jeralyn Tan, currently ranked world no. 2, has created history by become Singapore’s first medallist in boccia, securing a silver at the women’s individual BC1 earlier today. 🥳 This comes after swimmer Yip Pin Xiu achieved a special three-peat of back-to-back titles in 100m backstroke S2 and 50m backstroke S2 from Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024! 🥇🥇🥇

Here’s to the amazing Team Singapore! 🥳

Singapore’s Jeralyn Tan clinches historic Paralympic silver medal in boccia The 35-year-old wins Singapore's first Paralympic medal in the sport on her debut. Read more at straitstimes.com.

⭐If you are a community therapist, this is the symposium for you!⭐

Hosted by SPD in collaboration with SingHealth Community Hospitals, the inaugural "Imagining Community Therapy 3.0" AHP Symposium aims to create a platform for community therapists to learn about the evolving healthcare landscape and trends.

Distinguished guests from leading organisations will be speaking about a wide range of topics relevant to both paediatric and adult AHPS, including therapist involvements in emerging areas such as trans-disciplinary practises, social prescription, entrustable-therapy tasks, and more!

Date: Thursday, 19 September 2024
Time: 8.30am to 5pm
Location: Lifelong Learning Institute
Fee: Complimentary, eligible for CPE points

Registration closes 6 September and spaces are limited! Register now at www.spd.org.sg/events/spd-therapy-hub-symposium-2024 🫶

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SPD Therapy Hub Symposium 2024: Imagining Community Therapy 3.0 - SPD The SPD Therapy Hub Symposium 2024 is an event designed for Allied Health Professionals working in or are interested in Singapore's community setting. It aims to raise awareness of practice trends, share innovative practices, and explore emerging areas in rehabilitation, health promotion, and commun...

⭐Coming full circle at SPD⭐

Janelle’s parents were both diagnosed with polio since young, and met when they were working at the SPD Sheltered Workshop more than 40 years ago. Janelle remembers coming to the SPD Ability Centre with her sister at least once a year when they were younger, either to visit their father at the workshop, or to receive the SPD Education Programme Bursary Award in a ceremony.

Inspired by her parents, Janelle decided on a mid-career switch a few years into working at a hospital laboratory. She has come full circle at SPD as she is now an early intervention teacher at SPD’s EIPIC, working with children with developmental needs.

This Teacher's Day, read more about Janelle’s journey in her interview with Lianhe Zaobao - www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20240821-4512223

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SPD started out in 1964 with one humble sheltered workshop programme serving persons with physical disabilities who had difficulties seeking open employment. 60 years on, we now provide holistic care and support to persons with disabilities or who may develop disabling conditions through over 20 programmes in areas like education, early intervention vocational training, day care, rehabilitation, assistive technology, social and employment support, and also respite services for caregivers.

Over the years, our team of professionals has strived to empower the individuals they serve and their families to help them achieve independence.

Today is SPD's Professionals' Day, a day to recognise the work and spirit of giving, as well as the skill, capability and contribution of each of our team members. We take this opportunity to thank this team of committed and dedicated individuals, and wish them Happy Professionals' Day!

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⭐From stroke survivor to nursing revival⭐

In September 2023, Mdm Norsazelah had to take a hiatus from work as a staff nurse at a local hospital after she had a stroke. The 59-year-old was worried that her weakened physical state might affect her work, which includes performing meticulous tasks that required gentle handling such as drawing blood and wound dressings.

Mdm Norsazelah enrolled in SPD’s Transition to Employment (TTE) programme in October 2023. After a few months of active rehabilitation and work hardening training, she is now back to work as a senior staff nurse at Singapore General Hospital. 🥰

Set up in 2014 to plug a service gap, the TTE programme aims to help adults with acquired disabilities to return to mainstream workforce or school. An inter-disciplinary team provides active rehabilitation, work hardening training and employment placement and support to help the clients regain the necessary skills and confidence to get back on their feet.

Find out more via the FY2023/2024 edition of our Annual Report - www.spd.org.sg/about-us/financial-more-information

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SPD’s work anchors on our shared belief that persons with disabilities and those with disabling conditions should be given equal footing in a society that they are equally a part of. Our vision of an inclusive society has not changed in the last 60 years, since SPD was set up in 1964, and it remains a driving force in what we set out to do today.

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It’s another step forward to the setting up of the Tampines Sky Garden Hydroponics Farm! 🌱

Following up from the meeting in early August, our ESH@Tampines team joined representatives from Grace Mission, Tampines Central and Resident Networks in transplanting and filling up the rooftop farm last Thursday. We look forward to the launch of this community farming programme on 21 September which will benefit persons with disabilities in the community 🥰🫶

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Na-bee & flower conducted their signature Mindful Flower Workshop for our seniors at SPD@Toa Payoh last Monday. Founder Jimin provided the flowers and materials, as well as ran the session, patiently sharing her experience and teaching the participants how to create their own “mini gardens”. As many of the participants had never done flower arrangement before, they were delighted to have the opportunity to work with flowers and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

We are thankful that Jimin will be volunteering her time on a regular basis, conducting the workshops every two months. This is so that more of our clients can have the opportunity to participate in this activity. 🌸💐🌸

[Image 1: A senior showing the bouquet she arranged.]
[Image 2: Seniors working on their respective bouquets at a table.]
[Image 3: Na-bee & flower founder and instructor Jimin helping a senior with his bouquet.]
[Image 4: Jimin conducting the session as a senior listens intently.]
[Image 5: Group photo of Jimin with the seniors and staff of SPD@Toa Payoh.]

⭐Levelling the playing field for all children⭐

Macarius is a vibrant child who loves art and watching television. However, the 5-year-old struggled to stay focused in class and often sought reassurance from his teachers. He was also observed to be holding his pencil or spoon in an inefficient manner, and required support in performing gross motor activities such as jumping and landing on both feet.

Within a short time from receiving support under SPD’s DS-LS programme at his pre-school, Macarius achieved all his goals in improving his fine motor skills, handwriting, scissors skills, and gross motor skills. Macarius is now thriving both academically and emotionally. 🥰

Find out via the FY2023/2024 edition of our Annual Report about how our early intervention professionals work with children with developmental needs in our EIPIC Centres or their pre-schools to help them achieve every important milestone in their growing up years - www.spd.org.sg/about-us/financial-more-information

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SPD’s work anchors on our shared belief that persons with disabilities and those with disabling conditions should be given equal footing in a society that they are equally a part of. Our vision of an inclusive society has not changed in the last 60 years, since SPD was set up in 1964, and it remains a driving force in what we set out to do today.

[Image 1: Macarius and SPD occupational therapist Eden working on some playing dough on a table.]
[Image 2: Macarius inside a padded cylindrical tube at the gym.]
[Image 3: Macarius is writing as SPD occupational therapist Eden looks on.]
[Image 4: Macarius is balancing on his left leg as SPD occupational therapist Eden looks on.]
[Image 5: Stats for EIPIC, exact information can be found in annual report available via link provided.]
[Image 5: Stats for DS-LS programme, exact information can be found in annual report via link provided.]

The Specialised Assistive Technology Centre (SATC) team played host to 33 students from NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and National University of Singapore's Master of Science (Speech and Language Pathology) programme at Tech Able on the 23 July for the second part of their Augmentative and Alternative Communication Module. The students were able to learn about AAC through a lecture and hands-on experiential learning.

It was a pleasure teaching this enthusiastic cohort of students and we hope that we have encouraged some to continue on their AAC Journey.

[Image 1: Students using a communication chart.]

[Image 2: Students using an AAC app on a mobile tablet.]

[Image 3: A SATC speech therapist explaining the use of a communication chart to the students.]

[Image 4: A SATC speech therapist explaining the use of a communication chart to the students.]

[Image 5: Students split into groups to use the different AAC devices.]

[Image 6: Group shot of SATC staff and the students at Tech Able.]