IT Specially Tailored for Physically Disabled Children

JULY 2003
MITA (P) No. 219/05/2003
A Publication Printed By
The Society for the Physically Disabled
extrapage
IT Specially Tailored
for Physically
Disabled Children
This mid-year school break, some 15 physically disabled children were
given the know-how to channel their energies to creating works of art
using the computer. They also got to learn IT skills from the physically
disabled SPD Web Designers.
Some of the works of art produced by the
participants at Creative Workshop 2003
COVER STORIES
• IT Specially Tailored for
Physically Disabled Children
1
•
12
National Day Greetings
via E-Card
IN & AROUND
• Hygiene Standards Upped
at SPD
2
•
Low-Income Families Get
New PCs with iDA’s Neu
PC Programme
3
•
More AT Devices at ATC
4
•
SPD Joins in the Fight
Against SARS
4
•
Riding on the NEL
5
•
Sessions on Sexual Awareness
and Harrassment
5
•
Fundraising
-SPD Flag Standing Tall at
Mexico’s Highest Point
-Rotarians Set Up IT Training
Fund
- “Because of You, I Can Still
Go to School...”
6
6
7
•
Wataboshi Music Festival 2003
8
•
Opt for ExtraPage Online and
Help SPD Save Cost
9
FEATURE
• A Touch of Costa Rica at SPD
10
•
11
The Courage to Endure
H
ELD on 10 and 11 June 2003 at
the SPD Computer Lab, Creative
Workshop 2003 taught the participants
aged 7 to 12 how to develop creative
thinking skills, use computer software
to design brochures and greeting cards,
surf the Internet and give presentations.
Two aspects were the focus of the
workshop – IT sessions taught the
children the rudiments of Microsoft
Word, Microsoft Paint and Microsoft
Powerpoint, while the Creative
Thinking Skills sessions helped them
overcome their inhibitions in order
to let their creative juices flow. In the
midst of the learning, the children
had the opportunity to foster deeper
friendships and give and obtain support
from those with similar experiences.
The highly interactive programme
included the use of short lectures,
games, group exercises, video
programmes, situation simulations,
individual presentations and feedback.
All these were done in line with the
Singapore Government’s push towards
creative thinking. Courses available
commercially are not accessible for
many physically disabled children
as some of them require some form
of mobility aid. This workshop,
besides being affordable, provided
an alternative for the children to
participate in holiday programmes like
any other normal student.
At the same time, the physically
disabled SPD Web Designers who
taught the IT segment provided the
children with ideal role models to
challenge them to look beyond their
physical limitations and attain a high
standard of IT proficiency. The trainers
specialise in the area of web design and
have also been designing e-cards for
commercial purposes.
Mdm Joan Canafee, mother to 9-yearold twin brothers Amin and Aman who
suffer from Achondroplasia (dwarfism),
was glad that her boys were able to
take part in the programme. “IT is so
important nowadays so I’m glad to
be able to send my sons here. They
can also learn about the PC with their
disabled friends. Hopefully they can
learn to be more creative! Now at least
they know how to use the computer to
surf the Internet and make their own
cards instead of just playing games.”
PATRON
Dr Wee Kim Wee
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Prof Kiang Ai Kim, PBM
Joseph Hoo, PBM
Mike Gray, PBM, BBM
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT 2002/
2004
President
Koh Nai Teck
1st Vice President
Tan Eng Lock, PBM
2nd Vice President
Soh Chee Keong, PBM
Honorary Treasurer
Yeo Jeu Nam
Honorary Treasurer
Frankie Thanapal Sinniah, PBM
Ex-Officio Secretary
Loke Ho Yong, PBM
BOARD MEMBERS
Nancy Chia
Benjamin Gan Beng Chwee
Anthony Gan Kong Meng
David Goh Kia Ngan, PBM
Kong See Wah
K V Veloo
Laurence Wee
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Loi Boon Lee
Katherine Sng
Design by Lucidity Pte Ltd
extrapage
IN & AROUND HYGIENE STANDARDS UPPED AT SPD
Hygiene Standards
Upped at SPD
In an effort to improve the personal hygiene standards of the beneficiaries,
SPD’s therapists planned and conducted sessions that promote hygiene
and cleanliness.
T
HERE is renewed interest in the
world today over the subject of
hygiene and cleanliness. Little wonder
given the myriad of viruses and health
and social problems arising today from
the lack of attention given to these two
very important areas.
Eager to improve the personal hygiene
and grooming standards amongst
the beneficiaries here, the therapists
worked alongside training officers to
identify beneficiaries who have specific
concerns in these areas and to put them
through a 9-session course that would
help them deal with their problems.
From March to June 2003, 17
beneficiaries attended one-hour sessions
that taught them the basics of skin care,
shaving, menstrual care, dressing, body
odour, nail care, and hair grooming.
Sitting through theoretical explanations,
practical sessions and participating
in discussions and presentations with
the therapists and training officers,
the participants slowly took to heart
the importance of self-cleanliness and
personal grooming. Where required,
translations in Mandarin and Malay
were given to drive the message home.
As part of the course, dentist Dr
Siva Rajendram came and taught
Beneficiaries picking up on nail care
the beneficiaries the finer points of
dental care. This was done as part of
the Singapore Dental Association’s
Toothfairy Project which saw
beneficiaries of various welfare
homes being taught how to brush
their teeth properly.
Improvements have been seen in the
dressing and hygiene management of
many of the participants. According to
Ms Tay Hwee Lin, Head of Therapy
Services, the course had a real and
positive effect on them. They now
have an appreciation of themselves
and are aware of the importance of
personal hygiene.
is a quarterly public affairs
communicator published by:
Society for the
Physically Disabled
2 Peng Nguan Street
SPD Ability Centre
Singapore 168955
Tel: (65) 6323 2303
Fax: (65) 6323 7008
E-mail: information@spd.org.sg
Writers’ views and opinions expressed in extrapage
are not necessarily that of SPD’s.
2
Dr Siva Rajendram teaching the beneficiaries the finer points of toothbrushing
IN & AROUND LOW-INCOME FAMILIES GET NEW PCS WITH IDA’S NEU PC PROGRAMME
Low-Income Families
Get New PCs with iDA’s
Neu PC Programme
iDA’s Neu PC Programme offers even more options and
makes it easier for participants to own a brand new PC.
I
T first began in early 2001 with
the PC Reuse Scheme. Low income
families as well as those who were
disabled were eligible to apply for a free
refurbished PC. This year, the PC Reuse
Scheme receives a new name along
with a revamp with the introduction of
the Neu PC Programme.
Participants under the Neu (standing
for new and used) PC Programme
now have the option of owning a
brand new PC if they so choose, at an
affordable price. Each comes bundled
with technical warranty, software and
Internet access.
Under the scheme, iDA provides a grant
of up to $300 for each PC deployed.
Four schemes are offered at different
prices depending on the speed of the
computer and drive. The option of a
refurbished PC for free remains, as
long as the applicant meets the criteria
as set out by iDA.
In order to be eligible to apply under
the Neu PC Programme, applicants
must be Singaporeans or Permanent
Residents with a combined household
gross monthly income of $2,000 or
less. Where this exceeds, the monthly
income of each member of the
household should not be more than
$500, or $700 where a member shows
proof of permanent disability.
Other criteria include not having
previously obtained a PC under the
programme or similar assistance
programmes and not possessing a
working PC in the home. At least one
member of the applicant’s household
must also have completed the National
IT Literacy Programme or equivalent
IT training course.
SPD is one of five lead agencies
supporting the programme. Those
interested can contact Ms Janice Seah
at 6236 6376 for information and
application.
OPTIONS:
Type A and B
Type C and D
$285 and $250 respectively
Free
All new PCs, each with Mini
tower casing, 20GB Hard
Disk, 128MB RAM, Internal
56K Modem, 1.44MB Floppy
Disk Drive, Integrated Graphic
Card, Integrated Sound Card,
15” Colour Monitor, Speakers,
Keyboard and Mouse
All refurbished PCs, each with
233MHz, 4GB Hard Disk, 64MB
RAM, 48X CD-ROM Drive,
Internal 56K Modem, 1.44MB
Floppy Disk Drive, Integrated
Graphic Card, Integrated Sound
Card, 15” Colour Monitor,
Speakers, Keyboard and Mouse.
*Type A sets come equipped with
Cyrix 800 MHz and 52X CDROM Drive
Type B sets come equipped with
AMD Duron 950MHz and 48X
CD-ROM Drive
Bundled Software
All schemes come with software,
1 year Internet subscription and
1 year carry-in PC warranty.
Technical support for Types A and
C is available daily from 10 am to
9 pm. For Types B and D, technical
support is available Mondays to
Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm and on
Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
3
IN & AROUND MORE AT DEVICES AT ATC
SPD JOINS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST SARS
More AT Devices at ATC
The latest assistive technology devices acquired at the Assistive Technology
Centre will cater to a wider range of people with physical disabilities.
A
touch-free switch, a mini
handheld trackball usable by
both left- and right-handers, a mouse
offering 360o cursor control with the
touch of a fingertip, a mouth-operated
joystick – these are just some of the
new devices acquired by the Assistive
Technology Centre (ATC) to help the
physically disabled.
The 25 new types of assistive
devices costing over $45,000 include
DeskStickTM delivers smooth 360 degree
cursor control with just the touch of a fingertip.
Increasing and decreasing finger pressure helps
to accelerate and decelerate. Its stationary, lowprofile design requires no stressful hand motions
or awkward wrist angles.
alternative mouse and keyboards,
switches and accessories. These devices
are especially useful to those who
have trouble with motor skills, who
have limited movement or even no
movement at all.
SPD thanks StarHub Pte Ltd for its
generous sponsorship of the new
devices. For more information on the
devices, please visit our website at
www.spd.org.sg.
The durable Wobble Switch can be activated
by either the slightest touch or aggressive
swiping motions. The extra wide, no-slip base
prevents the unit from tipping over. This switch
is especially useful for those who have motor
skills problem.
The all new Jouse2 is an advanced joystickoperated USB mouse that is controlled with
the mouth. Moving the precision joystick
moves the cursor. The further the joystick is
moved, the faster the cursor moves. Mouse
button ‘clicks’ can be made with the sip
and puff switches built into the Jouse2.
Typing and other keyboard functions can be
achieved through an on-screen keyboard.
Jouse2 requires minimal movement
and can be operated with the mouth or
chin. Nothing is attached to the operator,
providing complete independence. Cursor
movement is fast, smooth, and very accurate.
Jouse2 mounts easily to any desktop via
the advanced articulated arm that is easily
adjustable and swings safely out of the way
if bumped.
SPD Joins In the Fight Against SARS
SPD combats the deadly virus with a variety of measures.
W
HILE the rest of the nation
started to question their own
hygiene standards when SARS reared
its deadly head in Singapore, the staff
and management of SPD came together
to do the same.
Here are some of the measures
undertaken to ensure that the wellbeing of all who step into the SPD
Ability Centre is looked into:
A set of standard operating
procedures on prevention measures
4
were put in place at SPD to ensure that
all beneficiaries and staff take necessary
precautionary measures to prevent
the spread of SARS. Developments of
the SARS situation would be closely
monitored and the measures constantly
reviewed and modified.
Temperature checks are to be
taken daily and recorded for all who
enter the gates of SPD. Anyone found
with a temperature over 37.5o will
be isolated and monitored and where
necessary, sent home.
All common areas are thoroughly
cleaned and disinfected, and all rooms
cleaned and aired daily for at least an
hour.
A presentation was put up in
English, Mandarin and Malay to allay
the fears of staff and beneficiaries and
to highlight precautions to take.
With these measures promptly put
in place, SPD is definitely armed and
ready to face the challenge of SARS!
IN & AROUND RIDING ON THE NEL
SESSIONS ON SEXUAL AWARENESS AND HARRASSMENT
Riding on the NEL
On the afternoon of 10 June, staff and beneficiaries of SPD got the
opportunity of experiencing the new MRT North East Line (NEL) ahead
of the rest of Singapore.
T
HE sun was relentless but that
did not bother the 11 staff and
beneficiaries who, upon the invitation
of SBS Transit, enjoyed the privilege
of a ride on the fully automated train
along the NEL.
presentation and informed of the train’s
facilities, capacity and speed. This
was followed by a tour of the station,
ending in a round trip from the station
to Harbour Front station at the World
Trade Centre.
Riding on a train that was touted as
the first of its kind in the world, the
trip turned out to be a great experience
for the beneficiaries who are unable
to use the current MRT for lack of
accessibility provisions. The NEL
therefore spells good news for them.
And what were the comments at the
end of the ride? “Good!” says Philip
Ang, a wheelchair user. However, when
asked if he would be using the train
regularly, he said “I will use it if I have
a chance. Too bad I don’t stay around
the NEL!”
The excursion started at Dhoby
Ghaut station, the one with the most
escalators around the island – 11 in
all! There, they were given a slide
SPD takes this opportunity to thank
SBS Transit for the excursion and
congratulate you on the successful
implementation of the NEL!
Staff of SBS Transit highlighting the features
of the Dhoby Ghaut Interchange
Sessions on Sexual Awareness
and Harrassment
Women are oftentimes the victims of unwanted attention. Worse still if the attention encroaches the borders
of sexual harrassment. In an effort to quell any confusion in the minds of the fairer sex here concerning
appropriate behaviour, the Social Service Dept put together a 10-session course that touched on the sensitive
and very private area of sexual awareness and harrassment.
C
ONDUCTED by SPD Social
Worker Angela Chung, the
sessions took place weekly beginning
21 March 2003, each session lasting
about an hour. The objective was to
raise awareness of the beneficiaries of
their own sexuality and to teach them
appropriate responses towards sexual
exploitation. For optimal effect, sessions
were limited to a small group of 10
beneficiaries to induce greater sharing
and discussion. The collaborative effort
of the social workers and training
officers helped to identify those most
vulnerable and who would benefit most
from the sessions.
appropriate behaviour in public and
private places, learning to say “no”,
sex and its consequences, realities
and responsibilities of marriage and
parenthood, and dangers of Internet
chat rooms and lines. The highly
interactive course included hands-on
activities, sharings and discussions
that help drive home the message
of sexual exploitation and the steps
to take whenever it has occurred.
Participants found themselves engaged
in role-playing, taking on various roles
as victim, molester, training officer,
policeman, friends as well as family
members that help reinforce the lessons.
The areas highlighted included
appropriate behaviour with friends,
With the broad focus in place, a
conscious effort was made to keep the
sessions flexible and unstructured.
This was so that other pertinent issues
that came into light in the course
of the sessions may be addressed.
The small group also provided a
conducive and intimate environment
which encouraged more open and
personal sharing of thoughts, ideas
and experiences.
Participants found the sessions
illuminating. Relationships also found
new dimensions in the course of the
sessions as the small group came to
open themselves up to each other.
The results of the intimate sharing
has led to a follow-up programme
currently being planned.
5
FUNDRAISING SPD FLAG STANDING TALL AT MEXICO’S HIGHEST POINT
ROTARIANS SET UP IT TRAINING FUND
SPD Flag Standing Tall at Mexico’s Highest Point
M
OUNTAINEERS David Lim
and Wong Ting Sern braved the
elements from 25 February to 12 March
this year as they ascended Mexico’s
highest mountain El Pico de Orizaba
to raise $75,000 for SPD. Without
external assistance, the duo made one
of their toughest climbs and brought
the SPD flag up to the highest peak at
5,700 m. The funds raised would go to
the purchase of a specially-adapted van
to ferry people with physical disabilities
to and from the SPD Ability Centre for
rehabilitation.
Mr David Lim with the SPD flag at the peek of
El Pico de Orizaba
Rotarians Set Up IT Training Fund
A Christmas fundraising project and a Charity Golf event organised by the
Rotary Club of Singapore West helped raise funds to support computer and
IT skills training for SPD’s beneficiaries.
F
OR almost the entire month of
December, members of the Rotary
Club of Singapore West (RCSW) got
together and with help from 100 junior
Rotarians, sold Christmas goodies
and handicrafts at 11 booths all over
Singapore. This fundraising project
named Christmas Cheer 2002 was the
Club’s community service in aid of the
physically disabled.
Held from 1 to 25 December, the
project helped to raise $25,000.
Another $25,000 was raised through
the Club’s Charity Golf Tournament.
The total of $50,000 was presented to
SPD in a formal ceremony on 11 April
2003 at the Warren Country Club.
The funds would be used to set up the
RCSW IT Training Fund to benefit
people with physical disabilities.
6
The objectives are to educate and
promote IT literacy amongst people
with physical disabilities and to
provide IT training to prepare them
for possible IT related employment
opportunities. Basic National IT
Literacy Programme will be fully
subsidised while other courses will be
heavily subsidised. The National IT
Literacy Programme in Chinese would
be the first to be run under the RCSW
IT Training Fund. It would also be
the first IT course to be conducted in
Chinese to cater to Chinese-speaking
people with physical disabilities who
have no IT literacy.
This is an effort towards bridging the
divide between people with physical
disabilities and mainstream society
by arming them with the skills and
know-how in the area of IT.
Mr Bernd Gotze, President 2002/2003 of
the RCSW, presenting the cheque to SPD’s
Executive Director Mr Loke Ho Yong
The beneficiaries and management of
SPD take this opportunity to thank the
members of the Rotary Club of Singapore
West and junior Rotarians once again for
your kindness and warm support.
FUNDRAISING “BECAUSE OF YOU, I CAN STILL GO TO SCHOOL...”
“Because Of You, I Can Still Go
To School...”
In this article written before her mother’s recent demise, SPD Education
Grant recipient Siti Hajar thanks all who make it possible for her to go
to school. With education, she is able to dream of a brighter tomorrow
for her and her family.
D
ear friend
I am 11 years old. I am studying
in Primary 3. I like going to school
everyday because I have many
friends in school. We play games and
sometimes, they will help me to borrow
books from the school library. I cannot
do that myself because my wheelchair
cannot go to the library that is on the
top floor of the school building.
My mother said that I was born with
Cerebral Palsy. Because of that, my legs
are paralysed and my hands are also
weak. I need help in bathing, dressing
and going to the toilet. But I am able to
feed myself and brush my teeth.
enough money to buy food. We are
not rich but we have been happy
until two years ago. My mother
became very sick and was in and out
of hospital. I was later told that she
has breast cancer, which now has
spread to her bones. The doctor said
that my mother might die soon if she
does not go for chemotherapy. Now,
she is always very weak after going
to the hospital. I feel very sad and
hurt whenever I think of my mother
because I am very afraid of losing her.
I hope that a miracle will happen and
she will get well again and not have to
feel pain.
I live with my mother, my younger
sister and my grandparents. I don’t
remember my father because he left us
when I was 2 years old. My mother
had to work very hard so that we have
I also want to do well in school so
that when I grow up I can get a good
job and bring money home. Then, we
will not worry about where to get the
money for food and other things. I
am happy that I can still go to school
because The Society for the Physically
Disabled helps to pay for my school
fees, books, uniforms and stationery.
A social worker from SPD also calls us
often to find out how we are and if I’m
doing well in school.
She told me that SPD can help me
because many kind people have
donated money to SPD. If you are
one of them, I want to say thank you.
Because of you, I can still go to school.
Siti Hajar
P/s. Please make a donation. Any
amount that you give can help me and
my friends go to school.
------------------------------------------------------------------!-----------------------------------------------------------------If you would like to help Siti Hajar
and other children in her position
have better opportunities in school,
please contact Helen Tay at 6236
6371. Your contribution will bring
them one step closer to their dreams
of a normal life.
Enclosed is my cheque of $_______________ (please indicate amount) made out to
‘The Society for the Physically Disabled’.
My Particulars
Full Name
NRIC No.
Address
Contact No.
Email
: (Dr/Mr/Mrs/Miss/Mdm)_________________________________
: ______________________________________________________
: ______________________________________________________
________________________________ Postal Code __________
: _____________________ (Ofc) _________________ (Home)
_____________________ (Mobile) _______________ (Pger)
: ______________________________________________________
Please send all donations to:
The Society for the Physically Disabled, No. 2 Peng Nguan Street, SPD Ability
Centre, Singapore 168955
7
IN & AROUND WATABOSHI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2003
Wataboshi Music Festival 2003
SPD is proud to participate in the 7th Wataboshi Music Festival
held on 27 June. Two of our beneficiaries’ entries were selected
for feature in the Festival.
I
N 1973, students from the Special
School for the Handicapped in Nara,
Japan, wrote a collection of poems.
So taken by the prose were a group of
musicians that they composed music
to accompany the words. When the
songs were performed in front of a
public audience, they proved to be such
a hit that records were cut and sold
and similar concepts began sprouting
throughout Japan. This marked the
beginning of the Wataboshi Music
Festival.
Two of SPD’s beneficiaries, Salimah
bte Ishak and Suhana bte Suhaimi,
submitted entries to the local chapter of
Wataboshi Music Movement. Having
been selected as winning entries, their
poems joined six others which were
performed at the 7th Wataboshi Music
Festival on 28 June at the Esplanade,
Theatres on the Bay.
Pelangi Fajar, or Rainbow of Dawn,
is the title given to Suhana’s poem.
It highlights the hope one has when
the morning comes and the clouds of
darkness disappear. Salimah, on the
other hand, chose to focus on dreams.
For this budding poet who has been
writing poems for nine years, this poem
is different from others written before
which mostly focus on her experiences.
the final competition to represent
Singapore to compete at the 7th AsiaPacific Wataboshi Music Festival
later this year in Brisbane, they were
both happy to have come this far. As
Suhana said, “There is so much more
in life, remember, a light will shine at
the other end of the tunnel. Nothing is
impossible, just do one’s part and you
will find your reward.”
All selected poems were written
into songs through a collaborative
process with volunteer musicians. The
participants got to decide on a musical
style that they feel would suit their
poem – jazz, blues, world, ethnic music,
or simply guitar and piano, unplugged.
The seeds of the wataboshi (dandelion
flower in Japanese) get carried afar
by the wind - similarly, through
the Wataboshi Music Festival, it is
hoped that the thoughts, feelings and
aspirations of the disabled can be
carried to many through the medium
of music.
The entries were recorded on Audio
CD as well as MTV VCDs for sale
at selected CD retail outlets. Though
Suhana and Salimah did not win
Suhana (far right) with singer, Jasmine
Butterworth and composer, Zahid Sulong
8
IN & AROUND OPT FOR EXTRAPAGE ONLINE AND HELP SPD SAVE COST
Opt For ExtraPage Online And
Help SPD Save Cost
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and services and the issues concerning
people with physical disabilities.
Simply fill up the form below with your
details and fax your request to us at fax
no. 6323 7008. Alternatively, you may
send us your request via email to the
address informatiom@spd.org.sg. Do
remember to include your full name,
address, contact nos. and email address
in your email request.
------------------------------------------------------------------!-----------------------------------------------------------------RESPONSE FORM
To
:
Ms Katherine Sng
Fundraising & Communications
Society for the Physically Disabled
No. 2 Peng Nguan Street
SPD Ability Centre
Singapore 168955
Fax No.
:
6323-7008
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YOU
9
FEATURE A TOUCH OF COSTA RICA AT SPD
A Touch of Costa Rica at SPD
In conjunction with Volunteers Month in July, SPD gets up close and personal with
expatriate volunteer Mr Roberto Vindas who danced out of his home country of Costa
Rica into the heart of the Singapore city and that of many of SPD’s beneficiaries.
I
f you dug a hole in the ground at
Ecuador and kept going, you will
emerge somewhere in Singapore”. With
this interesting nugget of information,
one gets introduced to Mr Roberto
Vindas, 56-year-old Costa Rican, Latin
dancer, seeker of truth and one of SPD’s
most avid volunteers.
He explains that Ecuador is positioned
at the other side of the world and near
to the equator. Singapore is just 1o off
this mark.
Before hitting 20, Roberto had already
been taken by the question of who he is
and what is life about. This has led him
on a path to find out more about yoga,
Buddhism, Taoism, and other beliefs.
He has found that all prescribe the same
thing – the call to develop the inner self.
His focus is on the concept of life and he
largely subscribes to the concept taught
in Taoism where the central philosophy
is ‘wu wei’, or ‘effortless effort’.
Roberto giving a brief introduction to
musical instruments unique to his culture
Roberto first arrived in Singapore in
October 2001 with his French wife
and baby daughter when Mrs Vindas
was posted to the French Embassy in
Singapore. His first impression as he
made his way from Changi Airport into
town was that this place he had landed
in was highly organised and very green.
And also very hot!
Having spent the previous four years in
Ecuador in South America, Singapore
required some getting used to. Although
both are small countries populated
by people of different cultures, that is
about where the similarities end. The
difference in economic status aside,
Ecuador is situated in the rugged
Andean highlands and boasts volcanic
landscapes and ice-capped mountains
whereas in Singapore, the only things
capped with ice are waffle cones and
the ground at Fuji Ice Palace’s skating
rink in Jurong. Throw in Singapore’s
relatively flat terrain and you get the
stark contrast.
Despite the great difference, he soon
became accustomed to the heat and
diverse cultures, so much so that he
made himself a part of the community
by contributing to it through SPD.
Roberto first came to know about SPD
through the Internet. Feeling a pull
towards helping the less fortunate in
Singapore, he promptly made known
his intentions and there was born a
partnership that would see Roberto
gain some measure of self-fulfilment and
SPD and its beneficiaries, a dedicated
volunteer and a good friend.
10
Latin Dance 101 - DAC beneficiaries
eagerly learning the basics from Roberto
Since May 2002, Roberto has been a
familiar face here. He has also helped
in many areas including hands-on PC
training, data-entry, assisting in the
Assistive Technology Centre’s PEBBLES
PDA Project, even conducting Latin
music and dance appreciation sessions
for the beneficiaries in the Day Activity
Centre. No work is too menial for
Roberto who is not above lending his
hand to the mundane job of sorting and
counting notes and coins.
Community service is not something
new to Roberto who constantly seeks
the meaning of life. Back in his home
country, he would teach IT for free to
the physically disabled who were of low
income in the commercial IT school he
ran for 10 years.
When he is not helping out at SPD,
Roberto spends his other time teaching
Spanish and Latin dance at his home.
He attributes his great love for music
and dancing to his Costa Rican heritage.
His favourite quotation goes: “Knowing
others is intelligence; knowing yourself
is true wisdom. Mastering others is
strength; mastering yourself is true
power. If you stay at the centre and
embrace death with your whole heart,
you will endure forever.”
And what does he find so unique in
Singapore? He much appreciates the
order here but personally prefers the
spontaneity and challenging uncertainties
a less organised place would bring.
However, he finds it remarkable that
despite the many cultures, races,
traditions, historical heritage, practices,
lifestyle, religions here, we are able to
share a common place to live in peace
and harmony.
“I am grateful to the staff of SPD as
well as your clients,” he adds. “All of
you make me feel at home. Because of
you, I feel fulfilled knowing that I am
contributing to something worthwhile.”
His advice to all, “Don’t forget to try
to be happy. But look for this happiness
inside you, not outside. Because inside
you is the link to eternity.” What does
he aim to do now. To be happy! The
core question is how. For now, he will
continue to search, think and seek the
best way.
We are all searching, Roberto, and we
hope our search will bring us to where it
brought you – somewhere where we give
help and happiness to others and make a
difference in people’s lives.
FEATURE THE COURAGE TO ENDURE
The Courage to Endure
The SPD Education Grant is given out to help lighten the financial burden
of families with physically disabled schoolgoing children and children
whose parent(s) are disabled. In the second installment of ExtraPage’s
Caregiver Series, Social Worker Lim Lutin describes the struggles of Mdm
Sarimah, mother of two SPD Education Grant recipients and caregiver
of her husband who suffers from stroke.
L
OOKING down at the still, rigid
and skeletal form on the bed - a
spectre of death - one can no doubt
imagine the horror and anguish Mdm
Sarimah must have experienced less
than five years ago when her husband,
Ismail Bin Konil (aged 46), suffered a
massive stroke.
Amid those feelings of pain and grief,
Mdm Sarimah made the brave decision
and commitment to care for him for the
rest of his life. This was her sacrifice of
love for a man she once knew to be a
loving husband and dutiful father. This
was a woman with fortitude. Her act
of love will go down in the memories
of her three children and be reproduced
in the future in the same form towards
their own loved ones.
Mdm Sarimah (aged 38) rarely smiled
as she sat across from me; perhaps
she was bracing herself against her
own tears. Her husband had his first
onset of stroke in Dec 1998. It was
mild. But the relief did not last long.
Fate wielded its hand too swiftly her husband succumbed to a second
onslaught of stroke within a month.
This time, he became an invalid, unable
to communicate, unable to respond,
unable to give, unable to love… It was
a rude shock.
Mdm Sarimah, who used to be a
housewife, was thrown into her new
role of day and night caregiving as
suddenly as her husband’s condition
befell the family. Every three hours,
she has to change her husband’s wet or
soiled diapers. She also painstakingly
feeds her husband via a tube that is
inserted through a hole in his stomach.
Being small built, she is unable to
carry her husband to the shower so
she sponges him in bed. She has to
keep him cool and dry to prevent him
from developing pressure sores. Next
to her husband’s bed is a portable
fan, its blades whirring silently in the
background.
The first year was especially tough.
At night, when she retired to bed,
Mdm Sarimah would cry herself to
sleep. Her life has been transformed.
The caregiving routine was endless
and exhausting. Even more agonising
was that her husband could no longer
respond to her need for love and
comfort.
Mdm Sarimah choked back her tears
as she described her experience in
one word: “Lonely”. She missed her
husband and the family outings they
used to look forward to. In 2000, Mdm
Sarimah suffered another setback when
her mother passed away. Thankfully,
her sister has been there for her from
the beginning of her crisis. Her sister
is not only her source of emotional
support but also provides practical help
as well as some financial support.
Her husband used to be the sole
breadwinner. Now, the family has
plunged in financial difficulty. They
are receiving welfare aid from a
Muslim organisation and food rations
by a mosque. It is not enough. Mdm
Sarimah used to receive pocket money
for her children from a Family Service
Centre. However, this was terminated
because she was advised to get a job
and be financially self-reliant. But
she wonders how she can ever cope
with the demands of caring for her
bedridden husband, her children and at
the same time hold down a job. She is
already very tired and stressed. At rare
occasions, the physical strain of caring
for her husband would take a toll on
her emotions that she would lash out
on her children when they misbehaved.
This does not happen often though
because Mdm Sarimah is a patient
and gentle woman. As for care of her
husband, she would remain dedicated
and meticulous.
Bedridden, Mdm Sarimah’s husband lays still
while Mdm Sarimah looks on
Mdm Sarimah pins her hopes and
future on her 3 sons who are aged 7,
12 and 16. She lamented that she is
now unable to spend time supervising
her younger children in their studies.
Notwithstanding, she can take comfort
in the fact that her constant reminders
to them to study hard have not fallen
on deaf ears. Despite her own sadness,
she would put on a brave and happy
front in the presence of her children.
Any emotional turmoil was muffled.
They must be protected; they must not
worry; they can’t do anything to help
the situation, anyway.
So what has kept Mdm Sarimah going
those 4 - 5 years? Her commitment
and responsibility towards her
husband. If given a choice of placing
her husband in a nursing home to ease
her burden, she would rather care
for him by herself for as long as she
possibly can. Her children have also
been a joy to her because they are
basically well-behaved. Her faith in
God is another factor that keeps her
strong. She continues to trust God for
healing. Nothing short of a miracle is
what she hopes for in order for her life
to turn around.
SPD salutes Mdm Sarimah for her
perseverance and will continue to
help the family. Currently two of
Mdm Sarimah’s children are receiving
financial aid under the SPD Education
Programme. Our Social Worker is
helping to find a suitable befriender for
the family and a tutor for the children.
The Society is also working with the
vNorth West Community Development
Council to extend further assistance to
the family.
11
COVER STORIES NATIONAL DAY GREETINGS VIA E-CARD
National Day
Greetings Via E-Card
Send your greetings to friends using the e-cards designed by the SPD
Web Design Team and make a difference this National Day.
One of the four National Day e-cards designed
by the SPD Web Design Team. This design
features the national anthem when played.
“This is the
first time SPD
is embarking
on the creation
of electronic
National Day
greeting cards.”
Do something unique this National Day
and send greetings out to your friends
and family via e-card. To make it extra
special, send them a National Day ecard designed by the SPD Web Design
Team.
Choose from a range of four different
designs, each complete with animation
and accompanying music. All that is
required for the viewing of the cards
is Flash player which is available
for download free of charge at
www.macromedia.com/cfusion/tdrc/
index.cfm.
worry about unwittingly sending a
virus to your addressees. At the same
time, the designs do not take up much
memory space.
This is the first time SPD is embarking
on the creation of electronic National
Day greeting cards. The other cards
available are e-Christmas as well as
e-Chinese New Year cards.
Those interested can contact
Mr Tommy Tng at 6236 6360 for
more information.
The cards come web-based and
embedded within html, so there is no
We welcome contributions and feedback. Also, if you would like to make a donation or
know more about SPD, kindly get in touch with us.
The Editor, extrapage
The Society for the Physically Disabled
2 Peng Nguan Street
SPD Ability Centre Singapore 168955
Tel: (65) 6323 2303 Fax: (65) 6323 7008
E-mail: information@spd.org.sg
Website: www.spd.org.sg
Society for the
Physically Disabled