Executive Director’s Challenge
Help us Make A Difference to the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deafblind Community
Warmest greetings from The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf), and I am excited to announce that SADeaf is 65 this year!
The COVID-19 pandemic is still raging around the world. In SADeaf, donations have dropped to an all-time low amid the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the cancellation of fundraising events and drastic drop in walk-in givings. Many activities seem to have come to a standstill, but SADeaf’s service to the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deafblind community does not stop. Hence, I would like to kick-start a donation drive namely “ED’s Challenge – Give It Forward” to find 65 other like-minded people or corporations who will support SADeaf’s cause to give it forward by committing to donate a sum of $5,000 each to raise a total of $325,000 by the end of 2020.
Deafness is an invisible disability. Hearing loss may lead to language development delay, communication issues and social isolation. SADeaf currently serves more than 6,000 members from the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deafblind community of all ages. We rely on the kindness and generosity of the society in order to continue providing essential services and running meaningful activities to empower the Deaf community.
The annual operating expenses of SADeaf is as high as S$5 million. I would like to appeal to you or your organisation to contribute generously in order to improve the quality of life of our Deaf community.
All donations to SADeaf entitles you or your organisation to a 2.5 times tax deduction. In addition, the government has extended the Bicentennial Community Fund to the end of 2020. This Fund offers dollar-for-dollar matching for your donations to Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) such as SADeaf. Enclosed is a copy of our donation form (also available online). Please help us by donating now to stretch your donation dollar and enable us to raise more funds to better serve this community.
Please do not hesitate to contact Judy Lim at 98899042 or email judy@sadeaf.org.sg should you have further queries, or wish to discuss sponsorship collaborations with SADeaf at length.
Thank you, in advance, for your generosity and kind support. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Unite to overcome COVID
SADeaf salutes our medical professionals, cleaners and others serving on the frontlines in the midst of the COVID-19 situation in Singapore. Likewise, SADeaf staff – such as our learning support executives, sign language interpreters, notetakers, case managers and speech therapist – continue to serve our clients in schools, hospitals and at workplaces.
As the crisis has impacted on the economy and on our fundraising activities, we wish to appeal for donations from the general public. Help us by donating now so that we can stretch your donations to enable us to raise more funds to better serve our Deaf, hard-of-hearing and Deafblind community.
2.5 Times Tax Deduction
SADeaf is a registered charity and an Institutions of A Public Character (IPC); hence, all donations to SADeaf entitles you to a 2.5 times tax deduction. The more you donate, the greater your tax deduction.
Dollar-for-Dollar Bicentennial Community Fund (BCF) ending December 2020
To encourage giving during our fight against COVID-19, Donations to Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs), such as SADeaf, will continue to be matched dollar-for-dollar via the Bicentennial Community Fund until December 2020, (previously March 2020)
To qualify for this match, donations must be audited and submitted before the end of December 2020.
Thank you, in advance, for your kind donation.
Easing of Circuit Breaker Measures
The Circuit Breaker measures will be gradually eased from 5 May, paving the way for certain businesses to resume operations. Here’s a video on the business services that are permitted to operate on 5 May and what will be allowed after 12 May.
Measures may change, watch the news for updates.
(Video length: 3min 16s. In SgSL with English captions. To read the captions, click on “CC” icon on the bottom right of the frame)
May Day Message – Sign language interpretation ‘live’ broadcast on MediaCorp Channel 5.
30 April 2020 – Tonight’s May Day message is the first to have real-time sign language interpreters allowed on Channel 5 live broadcast!
Zach Tay, Staff interpreter from the Singapore Association for the Deaf appears in a small box beside Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for the May Day 2020 Message.
Since the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on 30th November 2012, The Singapore Association for the Deaf has been advocating for the provision of Sign Language Interpreters and Subtitles in all national broadcast.
The promise to provide full access to the Deaf Community has been fulfilled progressively by states parties. According to a report from the Straits Times, National Rally 2012 was the first time Sign Language Interpreters were featured for a national broadcast. In 2012, sign language interpreters were being featured on webcast instead of the national broadcast and no subtitles were available. Looking back, SADeaf has come a long way.
SADeaf will continue with our advocacy efforts to make Singapore a more inclusive place for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deafblind community in Singapore.
Home – By SADeaf’s Deaf Education Department, in Singapore Sign Language
We know what “Home” sounds like. But what does it look like?
Enjoy this lovely, unique and heartfelt version of the Singaporean classic “Home”, as performed in Singapore Sign Language!
Performed – where else, at home! – by SADeaf’s Deaf Education department staff, the deaf students they serve in mainstream schools, as well as the students’ families and their teachers from the mainstream schools, this is a tribute to all our frontline and essential workers.
Sing along, and sign along!
(Video length: 3min 48s. Sung in English. Performed in SgSL. With English captions.)
Interview with CAPITAL 95.8
Capital 95.8FM will be doing an interview with Mr. Lai Siu Fai, SADeaf’s Senior Audiology Manager.
Date: 1 May 2020, Friday
Time: Part 1 – 12.15pm, Part 2 – 12.40pm
The interview will cover topics such as:
– What is hearing loss
– Age related hearing loss
– Hearing assessment
– Hearing aids
Extension of Circuit Breaker till 1 June
On 21 April 2020, our Prime Minister announced even tighter measures and updates during the Circuit Breaker period. Please watch this video to find out how these new measures will affect you.
Remember… Stay home. Stay safe. Stay united!
Grace Fu – On Sports support measures: Live Sign Language Interpretation & Notetaking
Live Sign Language Interpretation & Notetaking
18 Apr 2020, 9pm – 10pm
Minister for Culture, Community & Youth, Grace Fu, will share Sport Singapore’s support measures for sports businesses and professionals to tide over the Covid-19 situation.
Live Chat:
https://www.facebook.com/gracefu.hy/
Live Access:
https://www.facebook.com/SADeafSG/
Pay it Forward: Donate your $600 Solidarity Payout to support the Deaf community
“I am very encouraged that many have written to me, my ministerial colleagues and MPs that they do not need the cash payouts, and suggest that we give these to those who need the cash more. I thank fellow Singaporeans for your thoughtfulness.”
– Finance Minister, Heng Swee Keat
On April 14, all Singaporeans aged 21 and above in 2020 received a S$600 cash payout as part of the COVID-19 Solidarity Budget. If you are living reasonably well and wish to give your Solidarity Payout to bless the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deafblind community, you may do so by donating it to The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf). Your kind gesture will enable SADeaf to empower and inspire this community and help those we serve to regain their footing and better integrate with society.
SADeaf is an IPC (Institutions of a Public Character). Donations to an IPC are entitled to 2.5% tax rebate.
Thank you for your generous giving. Please donate at: sadeaf.org.sg/donate.