Author Archive SADeaf

Learn the National Anthem and Singapore Pledge in Singapore Sign Language!

The Singapore Pledge

The National Anthem

Join the Anthem Moment and Pledge Moment of NDP2020. Find out more about the Anthem Moment and Pledge Moment by clicking the links.

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Having a common and widely accepted sign vocabulary is important in promoting discourse and equal participation. Headed by SADeaf’s Sign Language Instructors sub-committee and Deaf Access Service department, we are pleased to present suggestions on how the names of the political parties can be signed.

The Singapore Association For The Deaf (SADeaf) replies to a Straits Times forum letter on accessibility to information for the community during the recent elections. 

SADeaf had provided sign language interpretation and note-taking on our own media platforms to accompany the election-related broadcasts on TV, including the marathon 7-hour election results/analysis.

This was a first for us, and we will continue to advocate for improved accessibility for future national events. 

Read more here: https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/forum-big-strides-made-to-accommodate-deaf-hard-of-hearing-community

Kimberly Quek, the winner of the Outstanding Deaf Student (Tertiary Education) Award 2019, scored 40 out of 45 for her International Baccalaureate (IB) results.

LESSONS FROM BOWLING

“Bowling is like life itself because there will always be things out of my control. What is important is to take things in my stride and keep trying until I succeed, as well as celebrate the little successes such as getting a strike.”
MS KIMBERLY QUEK, on how the sport has taught her resilience, in the face of uncertainties.

Read more: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/student-athletes-score-winning-marks-in-ib-exams

Also read a short feature on Kimberly on page 6 of our latest signal newsletter: https://sadeaf.org.sg/news-media/newsletter/

Remember the article on “Accessibility needs for a Deaf-friendly show“? Meet the Artist behind the beautiful drawings!

Chen Ziyue was featured in June’s issue of #HerWorldHerStory for her passion for the Arts.

“Growing up was tough because I was often left out of conversations. I was diagnosed with profound hearing loss in both ears when I was two and a half years old. I first studied at Canossian School (then Canossian School for the Hearing Impaired). When I was nine, my late mother transferred me to St. Anthony’s Canossian Primary School. It was a big change going to a mainstream school. But my mum wanted me to learn survival skills that would help me function independently in society.

As a child, art became my “escape” from a confusing world, not being able to understand others, and vice versa. The late American author Helen Keller who was deaf and blind once said blindness cuts us off from things, but deafness cuts us off from people.

Drawing and playing with art helped me to forget the frustration of my struggles with verbal communication. It also helped me express my emotions.

“Drawing helped me forget the frustrations of my struggles”

I’ve been a freelance artist-illustrator for mostly children’s books since graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) in Florida in 2013.

The most recent book I worked on is How Women Won the Vote by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, published by HarperCollins. I now see myself as an equal to others. Living overseas alone made me more independent, and more aware of my identity as a deaf person. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had.

I hope the arts scene and disability inclusiveness will continue to grow…it’s promising to know that someone like me has a fair chance to work on my art. My wish is to work on a book to tell my story… I haven’t been able to finish illustrating my feelings on my mum’s passing but it’s something that I’m working on.”

– Published in Her World’s June issue

Also watch the Deaf “Deaf Entrepreneur – Chen Ziyue”

Deaf Entrepreneur – Chen Ziyue (Deaf Illustrator)

Deaf Entrepreneur – Chen Ziyue (Deaf Illustrator)#sadeafiwd2018 #SignLanguagesDay #IDSL2018 #IWDeaf2018

Posted by The Singapore Association for the Deaf on Monday, 24 September 2018

COVID-19 and the Deaf Community

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the wearing of masks an everyday ritual before you leave the house. Wearing of masks can prevent the spread of the virus. What’s more, the wearing and sight of the mask is a symbol of upholding hygienic behaviour such as not touching your face, avoiding crowds and practising social distance.

This norm has presented a new challenge to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community all over the world. Wearing of face masks hides one’s mouth. Although only 30 to 45 percent of the English language can be understood through lip reading, wearing of masks completely removes any visual cues that would be of assistance. For sign language users, morphemes which involve the mouth as their primary articulator are masked as well. As a minority group, the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community laments at the world designed with hearing people in mind.

The Simple Deed

With the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community in mind, Oliver and his family set up The Simple Deed, a ground-up initiative to produce clear masks to benefit the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community.

Conceptualisation & Making

During one of the volunteering sessions with the elderly, Oliver and his wife realised that they had difficulties communicating with the seniors. After doing some research online, he found the solution to making clear masks.

With an old sewing machine and guidance from Oliver’s mother, the family embarked on the project despite him and his wife having no experience in masking masks.

The project has since been a success – volunteers and organisations have donated materials and time to support the cause. More than 150 masks have been donated to SADeaf and now being distributed to family members of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing clients as well as staff working with the community.

Oliver has started also started the Don’t Mask Your Smile – Masks for A Cause to raise funds to support SADeaf and our mask distribution efforts.

If you wish to support the cause, drop them a message on their Facebook Page or simply make a donation!

Tips to Prevent the Clear Mask from Fogging up

Here is a tip for preventing your clear mask from fogging up. If you have tried any other methods, do share them with…

Posted by The Simple Deed on Sunday, 28 June 2020

HeritageCares@Home have launched a digital contest for participants to stand a chance to win a ride on the River Cruise for 4 pax per household (individual + 3 accompanying family members)!

There are six activities you may choose from to participate in the digital contest:

1. Colour with IHC
2. Colour with HMC
3. Colour with SYS
4. Finger Puppet fun
5. Dress like Hanuman
6. Build a Buraq

SADeaf clients are who interested to participate may send your entries with your 1) Name, 2) HHC Number and 3) email to cs_enquiry@sadeaf.org.sg before 14th July 2020, Tuesday at 2pm. 

Members of the public who wish to participate may submit your entries directly to the HeritageCares team.