We began our Start Small, Dream Big (SSDB) initiative by identifying people with visual impairment needs. We discussed how visually impaired people use their senses of touch, smell, and taste to explore their surroundings and go about their daily lives. We partnered with SAVH (Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped) and they loaned us braille books, a white cane and braille code card (alphabets and numbers) for the children to explore. The children were encouraged to discuss what they knew about them and how we could help and care for them in groups.
The children experienced using a “white cane” which is a tool for people who are visually impaired. They learned how to navigate their across the neighbourhood by scanning and feeling their surroundings using the cane.
The children were able to see how visually impaired persons go about their daily lives without their sense of sight. They went around the neighbourhood and explored the tactile paving tiles on the floor, the brailles in the lift and understand the importance of how these were made for those who are visually impaired to guide them to be more aware of their surroundings.
The K2 children wrote messages of support, appreciation and admiration for the visually impaired. Using the Braille Cards, they drew the code for each of the letter in their messages.
LAUNCH PARTYY!
Roger, the Fundraising, Public Relations and Volunteer Management Manager from Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, SAVH, came down to our centre with his team of volunteers to share more about the impairment, how to care for your eyes and how we can help people who are visually impaired, if we see them.
There was a fundraising event in the morning, before the Launch Party and parents showed their support in raising funds for programmes in the organisation.
More activities and event will happen in the next few months. We’re looking forward to it!
