Resources

Mediacorp CAPITAL 958 covered Temasek Polytechnic (TP)’s event on hidden disabilities, spearheaded by TP CCA SENvocates. The radio show featured year 3 NIEC (TP) student Carine Goh, Vice-President of SENvocates, Felicia Gibbins, NIEC (TP) Lecturer and Tomowork CEO Jenny Yang. The event was held at Punggol library on 5th October, and included booths by students and partners as well as a storytelling session by NIEC students.

In the interview, Felicia shared what hidden disabilities can look like, and likely misperceptions of students with hidden disabilities, highlighting the need for inclusivity. Carine shared about SENvocates’ goal to create a more inclusive space for those with special education needs (SEN), and why she joined the CCA.

Felicia noted NIEC’s specialised curriculum for children with special education needs, including NIEC’s practical learning and reverse classroom opportunities.

Carine shared how she has had the opportunity to apply what she’s learnt in school, such as using simple language to communicate with people with diverse needs. She shared that SENVocates aims to understand people with hidden disabilities better. The storytelling session featured books such as My Brother Charlie, which tells the story of a boy with autism. Felicia shared that through this storytelling session included interactive elements for the participating children to help them understand of inclusivity better.

Carine feels that inclusivity requires proactivity, and that small actions can make big impacts. As a student in early childhood education, she shares that the interactions she has with children and parents have helped her grow in understanding inclusivity. She would like to go into early intervention, to support children with physical and hidden disabilities.