MICA (P) 129/02/2011 Issue No. 2/2011 - MINDS

More documents

Recommendations

Info

from 2009 – 2011). The current initiative differs from previous attempts such that (i) a multidisciplinary AHP team is driving the effort rather than a lone Speech Therapist and (ii) the implementation plan involves a comprehensive and systematic in-service training about the common signing approach, via train-the-trainer model with the relevant qualification. Key Word Signing and Gesture (KWS&G) is one form of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) approach. Its practice is not new and has been developed for individuals with multiple and severe disabilities in the United Kingdom since 1970s. To date, Key Word Signing and Gesture (also commonly known as Makaton) is used in over 40 countries worldwide (The Makaton Charity, 2010). KWS&G is used to support the communication development of hearing children or adults who are unable to speak, or whose speech is difficult to understand. The use of KWS&G is not intended to replace speech at all; rather, it is embraced as a total communication approach where the communication partner would speak and sign at the same time, and use any visual referent (e.g. object, picture, and/or photograph). KWS&G typically borrows signs from the deaf community of the host country. To date, however, there is yet to be KWS&G (Singapore), catered specifically to the needs and culture of our local context. Despite the fact that KWS&G is used worldwide, little was known about KWS&G in Singapore. One of our team members, a Speech Therapist, attended KWS&G (Australia) Presenter Training course at Melbourne in 2009 to be Singapore’s first qualified Key Word Sign Presenter. This marked the significant beginning of the journey where KWS&G (Australia) was adopted as an interim common signing approach to meet the immediate needs of the clients within MINDS. Indeed, the need for developing KWS&G (Singapore), incorporating the signs used in the local deaf community, to better meet the diverse culture of local context has also been identified. Fifteen students (aged from 8 to 13, exhibiting unclear and/or limited-nil speech) from MINDS Lee Kong Chian Gardens School have been identified to be involved in the 2011 one-year pilot study. Specifically, our project team is exploring the potential for change in creating an ‘environment-culture’ which, in this instance, using KWS&G (along with speech) as part of a total communication approach when interacting with persons with intellectual disabilities. The findings from the pilot study will then guide decisions regarding future implementation of KWS&G within MINDS schools and centres. For a start, appropriate training has to be provided to the adult communication partners (i.e. involved parents and staff) to equip them with the fundamental knowledge and skills to be able to use KWS&G effectively and efficiently. The learning and use of KWS&G may be likened to learning a language or embracing a new ‘culture’ of communication. Indeed, people need to be immersed in an environment where a common communication method (in addition to speech) is being used. The communication partner’s use of the system signifies and is, clearly, a reflection of the person valuing the Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) system; it is through this that the communication partner promotes its everyday AAC use to others in everyday environment. So, why wait any longer? Sign with me, and together we sign ~ you will make a difference. Eva Wei-Lyn Loh, Speech Therapist 16 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people
ON OUR COVERPAGE AND REAR PAGE About our Artist Mohd Rozlan, is a creative 31-year old client at SIA-MIND Employment Development Centre (SMEDC) who has a passion for both music and art. Rozlan possesses intricate fine motor skills and is versatile in creating beautiful artwork at MINDS Craft. During a metal relief workshop planned for SMEDC’s MINDS Craft trainees, Rozlan was identified to have an ability to create beautiful metal relief art pieces. He has the patience and vision to carefully and intricately craft pieces in a style completely his own. His skills were further developed through ongoing training and to date, has sold several intricate designs used as plaques and award ceremony give-aways. Rozlan is also very talented in music and movement. Apart from MINDS Craft, he is also involved in MINDS Perform where he plays the Taiko drum.
Page 1 and 2: MICA (P) 129/02/2011 Issue No. 2/20
Page 3 and 4: MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Many corporate
Page 5 and 6: ALL ONBOARD ‘USS’ - THE PREQUEL
Page 7 and 8: We all wore special glasses for the
Page 9 and 10: ► Caregiver consulted with volunt
Page 11 and 12: FGS RECYCLING OUTREACH PROGRAM Text
Page 13 and 14: experience because he heard so much
Page 15 and 16: ► Gosh! That was fun! I’m going
Page 17: I am truly delighted to learn that

MICA (P) 129/02/2011 Issue No. 2/2011 - MINDS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?