The White Cane

October 2001

Volume 1 No. 9

MITA (P) No. 240/11/2000

A School like Home

SAVH Multiply Handicapped Programme

by Lakshmi V. Jayashree (VTD)

SAVH started its Multiply Handicapped Programme in August 2000 for some trainees who were not found suitable in the sheltered workshop as they were visually handicapped with additional disabilities.

A team of professionals from Bizlink did a comprehensive assessment, comprising of a social worker, occupational therapist and psychologist. Based on the recommendations of the report, 6 trainees were identified as multiply handicapped who had significant cognitive, sensory, social needs. Efforts to place these clients in other DAC's were futile.

Vocational Training Department then took a bold initiative to start the multiply handicapped training programme after several feedback sessions with clients' families and internal meetings among SAVH staff.

This programme is structured for the clients to progress through a continuum of special learning environments that meet individual developmental and functional needs. The training follows fundamental best practice where instructions are given in natural contexts and with frequent practice.

trainees going on a shopping trip

Objective of MHTP Programme

To enable each individual trainee to achieve the fullest degree in personal independence and have an equal opportunity to reach their maximum potential in the least restrictive environment, the programme is run similar to DAC programme.

Total Capacity	12
Current Capacity	6
Staff	2 Teaching Assistants
Frequency	3 times a week for half a day (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)
Fee Charged	$40 per month.

Lunch provided.

Curriculum Domains

Language and Communication
Personal and Social Development
Concept Development
Physical and Perceptual Development

Key Features of Training Programme

Hands on training in natural contexts to enable them to develop fulfilling and appropriate relationships in home, school, community and other settings.
Building on existing skills and develop the functional use of all of the pupil's senses and physical abilities so that they can perceive, understand and manipulate their environment and also have personal mobility as well.
Variety of learning environment in domestic, community, leisure and vocational settings. Pupil centered, pupil led interaction.
Frequent practice. Developing adaptations and services that respond to the pupil's needs and those of their careers.
Parental participation in developing individualized programme planning.

Feedback from Parents

Mdm Chong Tai, Age 55

"My daughter Lay Eng enjoys coming to school as it is bigger and gives her an opportunity to socialize with others. Since she has started on using sign language, she is clearly able to indicate her likes and dislikes quite well."

Mdm Maznah, Age 45

"The other day I had handed something to him and he instantly said "thank you". I though I had just imagined that he thanked me. Later, when this was happening, every time I knew he had learnt it during his training and he was carrying over at home. He in fact now closes the bathroom door while using it. He is now able to dress himself once the clothes are set aside for him. I am very satisfied with the programme. I am happy he listens to his teachers."

Vocational Training Department

S/No	Courses	Cost	Duration	Frequency
1.	Foot Reflexology	$50.00	1 month	5x per week(full day)
2.	Keyboarding	FOC	Average 4 mths	2x per week(2 hrs per session)
3.	Telephony	FOC	1 year	5x per week
4.	Telemarketing(3-6 months on the job training)	FOC	Workshop training (3 days)	2x per year
5.	Computer	FOC		48 hours
6.	Email/Internet	FOC		6 hrs
7.	Handicrafts	FOC	On going	2x per week (Mon and Wed)
8.	Piano Lesson	$10.00	On going	1x per week(Tues and Sat)
9.	Computer Music(Computer literacy required)	$10.00	On going	1x per week
10.	Basic Drum	$10.00	On going	1x per week
11.	MHTP	$40.00	On going	3x per week(Tue, Thur, Fri)
12.	Body Massage	$250.00	maximum 12 weeks(2x per year)	5 days (full day)

Under the MHTP, the trainees practice typing braille (above) and doing the laundry (right)

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