Overcoming Adversity: A Parent's Journey and Their Deaf Child's Resilience in Education

A Journey of Love and Resilience

62-year-old Mr Chua Kian Seng never anticipated that his second child, Yi Ting, would be born with hearing imprment. Upon discovering this, Mr Chua and Ms Ng Mui Cheng were overwhelmed with anxiety. We didn't know what to do, he recounts. They were concerned about how they could communicate with Yi Ting given her inability to hear, or if she would be able to receive a proper education and develop indepence in the future.

Driven by parental love and determination, Mr Chua and Ms Ng took proactive steps to bridge this communication gap. They learned basic sign language through self-study books and participated in workshops. The effort was not without challenges, but they are grateful for how it helped them understand Yi Ting better. We do our best when disciplining her, he shares. Even if we don't always succeed on the first try, we've learned to persevere.

Expanding Educational Horizons

Motivated by their desire for Yi Ting's educational success, Mr Chua and Ms Ng sought out information about schools that catered to children with hearing imprment, ultimately enrolling Yi Ting at the Singapore School for the Deaf SSD. Here, she was introduced to sign language, English, and basic math skills necessary for dly life. Moreover, she participated in TOUCH Silent Club's mentorship program, atting supplementary lessons on weeks. TSC provided her with a platform to forge new friships outside SSD, says Mr Chua.

Unlocking Potential

After Yi Ting completed her studies at SSD when she was 17 years old, her parents sought guidance through TOUCH Centre for Indepent Living TCIL. The decision to enroll her in TCIL was based on their desire to continue nurturing her growth and equip her with essential skills. I didn't want Yi Ting's journey to after SSD, Mr Chua shares. I believe she has the potential to achieve more, even though it is challenging.

At TCIL since 2009, Yi Ting has made significant strides in improving her sign language skills and developing dly living abilities such as cooking, cleaning, and financial management. Through TCIL's mobility trning, Yi Ting gned confidence in using public transport indepently and performing simple calculations for personal purchases.

Boosting Confidence and Indepence

Yi Ting faced initial struggles with self-confidence when joining TCIL. However, she has since blossomed into a confident young woman who shares the stage alongside her peers in visual arts activities, sports, and recreational outings that enhance her quality of life. She is of how individuals with disabilities can be enabled to fulfill their potential, says Mr Chua.

Yi Ting's journey from uncertnty to resilience exemplifies the power of love, support, and opportunity. Her parents' unwavering commitment to her development highlights the importance of early intervention in nurturing well-being across all stages of life.

TOUCH Centre for Indepent Living TCIL offers a day activity program that empowers adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities by providing them with functional knowledge and skills necessary for indepent living. By focusing on competence-based trning, dly living, pre-employment skills, visual arts, sports, and recreational activities, TCIL supports its trnees in achieving a fulfilling life.

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