Working with Stakeholders

Liyana
Jan 26, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Feb 4, 2022

Understand the range of resources and support available in Singapore for children with visual impairment.

Alone, we can do so little; Together, we can do so much.

- Hellen Keller

What are Stakeholders?

Stakeholders are people or organisations working with early childhood educators and preschools to help children achieve their potential.

Example of stakeholders:

Community Centres/Agencies
Schools
Families
Local Hospitals
Paediatricians
Optometrists/Ophthalmologists
Special Needs Educators/Therapists

Stakeholders play an essential role in children's life. They provide valuable resources and services that can help children with their development. However, working with children that are visually impaired may require a specific type of support. Hence, we will share with you the relevant organisations in Singapore that specialise in visual impairment.

Who are the Relevant Stakeholders?

The list below indicates some organisations that focus on visual impairment in children. Click on the titles to find out more.

#1: Singapore Association of The Visually Handicapped (SAVH)

#2: iC2 Prephouse

#3: Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)

#1: Singapore Association of The Visually Handicapped

SAVH is a local voluntary welfare organisation for the visually impaired. They serve Singaporean citizens & permanent residents of all ages that are affected visually. Some of the services they provide include:

Low Vision Clinic
Vision Rehabilitation Programme
Assistive Device Centre
Braille Production Centre

Watch the video to learn how people with visual impairment go about their daily lives and what you can do to help them.

Educators and parents with affected children can work with SAVH to enrol the children in specific programmes. Such programmes can help maximise children's remaining vision by providing assistive devices (subsidies available), teaching children how to communicate using braille and allowing them to receive regular medical check-ups. Find out more on their website below.

Click to visit website

#2: iC2 Prephouse

iC2 Prephouse is an institute that offers structured educational and rehabilitative programmes that cater to children with visual impairment. They work with schools and families to assess children and create an individualised plan to help them.

Some of the services they provide include:

Assessment for Functional Vision, Assistive Technology and Learning Media
Assistive Technology (Braille Technology, Magnifiers and Screen Softwares)
Braille Learning Programme
Early Intervention
Visual Efficiency Skills
Support Services
Training Courses (for educators, caregivers and specialists)

Watch the video to find out about the role of iC2's vision educator, Teacher Lee.

iC2 Prephouse wishes to equip children with functional skills that can help them assimilate into mainstream schools. This allows children to grow up as confident people with equal opportunities in life. Visit their website for more details below.

Click to visit website

#3: Singapore National Eye Centre

SNEC is the designated healthcare centre that specialises in eye care. It provides a range of services from consultations, treatments and surgeries. They are also experts in managing childhood eye disorders. If you feel that your child is displaying symptoms of a particular eye disorder, bring them down to SNEC or get a referral letter from any Singhealth Polyclinics to do an eye evaluation.

Meanwhile, you may also refer to these brochures online to read more about the different eye conditions. You may also wish to book an appointment to consult your child's condition and receive professional advice and treatment. For more details, click on their website below.

Click to visit website

How can We Work with Our Stakeholders?

Sometimes, it gets challenging. Preschools and families can engage the mentioned organisations to seek assistance when dealing with children with visual impairment in school and at home.

How?

Preschools

Attend training courses and workshops provided by relevant organisations (iC2)
Work with specialists and healthcare professionals to draft appropriate Individualised Educational Programmes (IEPs)
Arrange the physical layout of the classroom to fit the child's needs according to professionals' advice
Work with families to find out about child's needs and abilities

Families

Encourage children to read using tactile/braille books at home
Attend Braille learning programmes (SAVH & iC2) to communicate with your child if Braille is your child's preferred mode of communication
Learn more about your child's assistive technology (if applicable) and guide them on how to use it
Bring your child for a regular medical check-up at SNEC
Work with educators and specialists to draft out an IEP for your child