Affordable workshops on intellectual disabilities and special education

Dear everyone:

I am writing to introduce you to my revamped series of workshops targeted at caregivers and educators of learners with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities (including autism). The first four are for BOTH caregivers and educators, while the last one is strictly for caregivers. For a comprehensive writeup, please email me at choo.kahying@awakeningminds.com.sg

1. THE MAGIC OF SCAFFOLDING: Everyone Can Learn! A Workshop on Formulating and Implementing Individualised Learning Activities for Individuals with Moderate to Severe Intellectual Disabilities (including Autism)

“The Magic of Scaffolding” is premised on the belief that these learners are capable of so much more than meets the eye: Just because these learners do not express their thoughts and feelings in typical ways does NOT mean they do not have thoughts and feelings. Rather, it only means that we have yet to figure out how to engage them and learn more about their rich mental life. The gist of this workshop is about tackling this challenge: How do we forge a shared means of communication in order to engage  these learners in academic learning tasks? 

2. TOUGH LOVE I & II: The ABC  Model and the R.E.S.T. Protocol — Systematic and Tactical Behavioural Management. A Two-Part Workshop on Formulating and Implementing Behavioural Management for Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities (including Autism) 

“Tough Love Part I and Part II” is a two-part workshop that will provide participants with revealing insights as to the power and effectiveness of the behavioural management system. This in-depth exploration of the approach will also enable participants to acquire the critical thinking processes that are necessary for the adaptation of strategies and interventions for highly challenging behavioural management situations. While Tough Love Part I provides the fundamental understanding of behavioural management, Tough Love Part II takes it to the next level by addressing the challenge of managing adolescents with intellectual disabilities through puberty. The gist of this workshop is about tackling this challenge: How do we manage the behaviour of children and adolescents thoughtfully, fairly, and firmly, in the spirit of love? 

3. Beyond Words: Interaction Strategies to Connect and Build Relationships: Let’s get to know each other! A Workshop on Interacting with Individuals with Moderate to Severe Intellectual Disabilities (including Autism)
“Beyond Words: Interaction Strategies to Connect and Build Relationships” is premised on the belief that there are many different ways for caregivers/educators to socialise and communicate with these individuals. Instead of solely focusing on cultivating their language skills, we should also offer room and opportunity for them to express themselves in ways that are natural and spontaneous to them. Essentially, our interactions should encompass both aspects: a) cultivation of language skills and understanding of social norms; and b) celebrating their spontaneous and natural ways of interaction and communication. The gist of this workshop is about tackling this challenge: How can we interact with individuals with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and build the relationship, while cultivating their language skills and understanding of social norms?

4. SELF-CARE AND DAILY LIVING: Leading a Life of Dignity! A Workshop on Cultivating the Self-Care and Life Skills of Youths and Adults with Moderate to Severe Intellectual Disabilities

“Self-Care and Daily Living” is premised on the belief that individuals with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities should be empowered to realise their full potential, whatever it may be. Essentially, by providing them with compassionate guidance and the support structures across mainstream society, we can help them to be the best that they can be and contribute to society to the best of their ability. The gist of this workshop is about tackling this challenge: How can we help these individuals to lead a life of dignity?


5. Open Your Heart, Open Your Mind: Raising Your Special Child. A Workshop for Caregivers on Thriving on Their Journey of Raising Children with Moderate to Severe Intellectual Disabilities (including Autism)

“Open Your Heart, Open Your Mind: Raising Your Special Child” is premised on the belief that we caregivers should adopt a self-empowering and life-affirming attitude towards our challenging life journey of raising our special children. By taking on an appropriate attitude and taking care of ourselves, we can rise to the occasion, embrace our children, and thrive through this marathon of life. The gist of this workshop is about tackling this challenge: How can we care for ourselves so that we can better care for our special children?

For those who have seen my slideshow entitled "Dignity of Risk: Realising the Potential of Individuals with moderate to severe autism" (http://awakeningminds.com.sg/DignityOfRisk/), you will know that "Training and Consultancy" is one of the central pillars of "A Mother's Wish" campaign. One of the key reasons cited by the government for a lack of service delivery to this population is the lack of trained personnel who can work with these individuals. Thus, I hope to contribute to this gap by sharing my knowledge and experience through these affordable workshops. 

Moreover, I also believe that caregivers need to know more about how to manage and raise their children so that they can be careable and teachable. We caregivers must also do our part to raise our children in a way that would make it easier for others to help us work with them. If we can all share in the responsibility of working constructively with these special learners, the challenge would not be so daunting and overwhelming. Let's empower ourselves and become genuine experts of our children so that we can collaborate effectively with others including service providers, member of the public, and hopefully, the government at some point.

I look forward to hearing from you and customising the workshop to suit your audience. 

Best wishes,

Kah Ying

8163-4509

Inspiring video on autistic adolescent, art exhibition of autistic artists, and vision of community for autistic individuals

Dear everyone:

Since the launch of "A Mother's Wish" campaign, I have been most appreciative of and grateful for the diverse responses and meetings I have had with dynamic individuals at different forums. Here is an update of "What's New" and "What's Been Happening":

1. "Speaking in Colors" (http://vimeo.com/user16240190/speakingincolors): I have created this video as part of "A Mother's Wish" campaign (awakeningminds.sg) to promote greater understanding of individuals with moderate to severe autism. Inspired by my homeschooling journey with Sebastien, my moderately autistic son, it seeks to confront stereotypical conceptions of autistic individuals with an open-hearted and open-minded perspective -- there is more to these special individuals than meets the eye. 

2. "Dignity of Risk: Realising the Potential of People with Autism (Moderate to Severe)" (http://awakeningminds.com.sg/DignityOfRisk/): This slideshow expands upon my vision of creating a community for youths and adults with moderate to severe autism in Singapore. Based on my experience of my homeschooling journey of Sebastien from age 9 to 16 (currently), as well as dialogues with others, I strongly believe that we can create a dynamic community that enables these special people to realise their potential through the creative use of our available resources and synergies.

3. Sebastien's Raw Art Series: Thanks to the generous support of a private buyer who wishes to remain anonymous, Sebastien has sold his first paintings! 

For those of you living in Singapore, who are interested to see some of Sebastien's paintings up close and personal, you can catch them at ARTISM — an exhibition featuring artists with autism, organised by The School of Arts Management at LASALLE College of the Arts.

Opening: 27 February 2013, 7pm 

Exhibition Dates: 28 February to 8 March 2013 

Venue: Institute of Contemporary Arts, Singapore (Project Space & Praxis Space) 
1 McNally Street
Basement 1, #B1-03
Singapore 187940

In addition, six paintings have also been placed on display at Coach Sandy Snakenberg's Aspiring Goals gym: 01-02 Lion Building C, 14 Arumugam Rd, Singapore (near MacPherson MRT, Exit B). If you are in the neighbourhood and can drop by to see the paintings, please also take the opportunity to check out Coach Sandy's organic and bohemian gym. In the coming months, I will share more about Coach Sandy, whom I consider to be an outstanding service provider for autistic individuals and others with special needs.

4. Making some noise about "A Mother's Wish": 

- I have given a free talk about the campaign and related issues at the "Diversability" forum hosted by Raffles Institution and received supportive feedback from the student participants.

- I have engaged in the SG Conversation session recently: it is heartening to learn that there are other Singaporeans who are also clamouring for a more humane and compassionate Singapore that takes into consideration the needs of the less fortunate among us.

To me, these dialogues with members of the public are also an important part of the campaign, as they need to understand that the plight of the autistic people should not be relegated to the niche universe of families and service providers; rather, the integration of autistic people is also the responsibility of society in general.

- I have also been speaking to service providers, identifying areas of synergies and forging connections, which is an essential part of my vision of a dynamic and cost-effective service delivery model that taps into the existing pool of available resources for autistic individuals and their families. I will also be putting out more information in the coming months and setting up brainstorming get-togethers for both families and service providers, if there is sufficient interest.

5. With the 30% contribution of the sales Seb's paintings, a handful of my picture books, along with contributions from some previous book sales, "A Mother's Wish" fund stands at: $508.56.

6. I am available to give free talks on "A Mother's Wish" and related issues about the integration of people with autism in our society in my endeavour to spread the word about this initiative. I am also open to other ideas and suggestions. Please write to me and let me know. In the meantime, please share this email with others.

Thank you all in advance...

Kah Ying