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1. How can the case study be applied to the recommendations for improvements given?
2. How can the public learn sign language to facilitate easier communication with the deaf?
3. For non-speaking entertainment, how does it benefit or educate able-bodied people so that there is more inclusivity?

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Can other forms of communication be used instead (visual elements)? I think that even when given the opportunity not many would want to pick up sign language

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The examples and explanations made under the difficulty faced is done well and clear

What can schools do to promote inclusivity for the deaf?

How can workplaces be more inclusive for the deaf?

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Deaf mother in Singapore (Charlene Wong)

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Deaf mother in Singapore (Charlene Wong)

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theAsianparent - Your Guide to Pregnancy, Baby & Raising Kids

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Being able to hear and communicate with our loved ones is something we always take for granted. We even scold our kids sometimes, for being 'noisy'. But imagine a world without sounds, a world without your child's voice and laughter, a world without the cacophony of birds - a world with just silence? A deaf mum in Singapore explains how it's like living with the disability.

Deaf mum in Singapore shares her inspiring story

Meet mummy of 3, Charlene Wong. Charlene is Community Outreach Executive at TOUCH Silent Club. She is married to Alan Wong, who is a landscape project manager. Charlene and Alan have 3 children, Isacc (aged 12), Josiah (aged 7) and Hannah (aged 3).
Both Charlene and Alan are deaf, and, in Charlene's words, "I have 2 hearing kids and 1 deaf kid."
How is it to be deaf in our society and what is life like, as a deaf mum in Singapore? Charlene tells us...
Were you born hearing impaired? Do hearing issues run in the family?
Charlene tells us, "I was born deaf and I grew up in a deaf family with hearing grandparents. I can say that I had a happy childhood most of the time because there was a lot of support from the family and school."
"My parents and brother are deaf and communication for us wasn't a problem, as we shared the same language."
"Despite being deaf, I do have a voice. But due to lack of training, I can't speak and pronounce words properly."
How was it growing up in Singapore with a disability? How did you cope up in school? What were some of the challenges you faced?
Says Charlene, "I started learning sign language from my parents. That was my first language since I was born."

"I went to a deaf primary school where there was a group of deaf students, and the teachers would use signing to teach us. From there, my language development started to progress."

"When it came to secondary school education, it was my first time integrating with "hearing classmates". The hearing classmates saw me and my deaf friends signing and were curious about sign language."

"They eventually learnt sign language from us. From there we made friends and they also helped to interpret for us during lessons. However there were resource teachers to help us through this education."
"I faced more challenges when I moved on to polytechnic as there were no resource teachers. It was quite a fast-moving learning pace for me and I missed out quite a lot in the lecture setting."
"There was information on slides but they were not sufficient for my learning, resulting in me lagging behind and having to work extra hard."

"So I went to approach the lecturer personally to ask if he can give me extra lessons and he was willing to have extra classes for us - a group of deaf students. Also, I had to go to the library to get more information," said the deaf mum in Singapore.
Have you ever been bullied or made fun of, because of your disability?
Charlene reveals, "There were some people who made fun of our language when I was chatting with my friends in sign language. They imitated us and made strange gestures out of sign language."

"However, sign language is a language and we need it for communication like how others communicate through different languages and their mother tongues."
"People have also avoided me because I'm deaf."
My first job was a crew member at McDonalds during my secondary school days and I was assigned to the cashier counter where people usually order food. Some of the customers moved away to other counters to make orders, after realising that I was deaf. That really discouraged me."

"Also, I would sometimes feel left out when seeing "normal" people chatting and not including me in their conversations. Because of that, I would have to take the initiative to ask what the conversation was about," said the deaf mum in Singapore.
What were some challenges you faced after completing your studies? Was it difficult to find a job? How did you overcome your challenges?
Charlene tells us, "Finding a job was a challenge after I graduated from the polytechnic. I asked my grandfather and my husband's mum to help call the companies that I was interested in, for applying for jobs. They rejected my application on the spot after finding out that I was deaf."
"At interviews, companies would also ask if I could take phone calls. I told them I could not due to my hearing loss. They would apologise that they could not offer me the job as I could not take phone calls."
"Job hunting was tough but I eventually managed to find jobs through my friends' recommendations."
How did you meet your husband?
Charlene, a deaf mum in Singapore, recalls, "I first met my husband at a charity concert in our primary school days and it was love at first sight. We officially started dating in polytechnic days."

"My husband is also deaf so communication isn't a problem between us. We have a great time communicating with each other as we share the same language!"
You said you have '2 hearing kids,and one deaf kid'. What challenges do you face while raising them?
Says Charlene, "It is quite tough to raise 3 kids as they are at their different stages, have different characters and interests."

"It takes me and my husband a lot of effort to balance our attention among 3 kids and nurture them and bring out their best."

"As my youngest daughter is deaf, I will teach my sons to call her by waving at her or tapping on her shoulder to get her attention. They can apply sign language or gestures which we usually use to communicate with one another."
"I also explain to them that their sister may not understand what is going on and it would be good if they can repeat to their sister and be patient with her till she understands the whole picture."
"Though raising 3 kids is challenging, I still find it a joy and very fulfilling!"
How does your youngest daughter (who is deaf) cope up with school and studies?
Charlene tells us, "She is quite young and is still happy in school despite not fully understanding what the teachers are teaching as they are speaking most of the time."
"Her main mode of communication is sign language, but there is no such pre-school that offers bilingual education (including teaching in sign language) in Singapore."
"To better support my daughter, I would usually teach her at home after my work."
Do you ever get stared at in public when you communicate in sign language with the kids?
"Yes, I do."
How and when did you decide to do your part to serve the 'deaf' community in Singapore?
Charlene, a deaf mum in Singapore, informs us, "I enjoy being able to make contributions to society and positively impacting the lives of others. Doing these things makes my life purposeful and fulfilling."

"I first started volunteering with TOUCH Silent Club in 1998, when I was in polytechnic." She added that she was a "volunteer tutor to deaf children and was also the emcee and part of the planning committee for community outreach events."

Charlene eventually "became a staff of TOUCH."
What advice do you have for parents of children with disabilities? How can they convert their challenges into their strengths?
Charlene, the deaf mum in Singapore, has this to share, "Work on the abilities that your child has, and help them strengthen their abilities, and bring out the best in them with your support."

Thank you so much Charlene, for sharing your story with us. Mums like you inspire us to look beyond our disabilities, and to reach out for our dreams.

More than anything else, you inspire us to be grateful for what we have, and to treasure the simple joys in life, while we can.
Also READ: What this blind dad does for his son everyday is so inspiring!

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Hear Me Out: What It Means to Be a Deaf Mum in Singapore | theAsianparent

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Being able to hear and communicate with our loved ones is something we always take for granted. We even scold our kids sometimes, for being 'noisy'. But imagine a world without sounds, a world without your child's voice and laughter, a world without the cacophony of birds - a world with just silence?

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1. Including more non-speaking entertainments (e.g., Mr Bean uses facial expression to convey comedy)

2. All movies should go through a process of open captioning before airing in the box office

3. Provide special seatings in theatres for the deaf

4. Special provisions can be given like Sony's manufacturing of captioning glasses
https://newatlas.com/sony-closed-caption-glasses/23376/

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We're smack in the middle of summer, which means there are plenty of blockbuster movies to choose from in theaters right now. If you're deaf, though, a trip to the movies can be frustrating. Not many theaters screen movies with closed captions, since most people without hearing problems would rather not see them. The only other option is usually to have a special ear piece on, but that only works if a person has any of their hearing left. Fortunately, Sony is outfitting certain theaters with its new Entertainment Access Glasses, which can display captions right in front of the wearer's eye that no one else can see.

The lightweight glasses are outfitted with small projectors on each side that display green text as an overlay that seems to float in front of the big screen. That way, viewers can see a perfectly clear caption no matter how or where they sit in the theater. Users can also change the brightness of the captions, how far away they appear to be, and even their angle to get the best view possible.

The attached receiver even has audio jacks that can transmit either assistive audio (like the ear pieces many theaters already have) or an audio description of the on-screen action for the blind - though unfortunately, the audio and the caption glasses cannot be used at the same time. Users can also choose from six different languages, depending on which ones are available for the movie. On top of that, the glasses support 3D as well, so a person won't have to somehow fit two or more pairs of glasses on their face. Both the audio and closed captions are broadcast from a radio transmitter attached to the theater's digital cinema server.

Sony has currently begun providing the Entertainment Access Glasses to some of its 4K Digital Cinemas, and recently inked a deal to bring them to Regal Cinemas across the United States.

Check out the video below to hear more about Sony's new closed caption glasses.

Source: Sony

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Sony's Entertainment Access Glasses provide private closed captions for deaf people

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We're smack in the middle of summer, which means there are plenty of blockbuster movies to choose from in theaters right now. If you're deaf, though, a trip to the movies can be frustrating. Not many theaters screen movies with closed captions, since most people without hearing problems would...

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https://mothership.sg/2018/07/group-of-sporeans-show-what-it-means-to-be-deaf-inclusive/

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Group of S’poreans show what it means to be deaf inclusive

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They worked together to create a mural in silence.

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The obstacles faced mainly are the interpretation of information being obtained for the deaf community. Thus the main target for if Singapore were to aim to promote inclusivity for the deaf is to have much wider and easier access to formats of information. Examples that should be set as basic methods would be sign language interpreters, captions, and subtitles which is taking the right step in the correct direction.

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By first getting feedbacks from the Deaf Community, stakeholders can understand how the individuals in the community feel about the inclusiveness in the society. And from there, the stakeholders can come out with solutions to tackle the problems faced.

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For a person to aim to promote inclusivity they must first understand what it's like to be in their shoes and understand their needs to then be able to link it towards equal same fair opportunities for others. As we would have to be accepting of everybody and not make anybody feel in different thus understanding the Deaf community values are key.

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Organize events that the Deaf Community can be in-charge of

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Organize events that the Deaf Community can be in-charge of

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This can tackle stereotypes of discrimination against the Deaf Community as these events held by them can prove to the society that they are capable in doing things that we can do too

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A way of life and the practices done which provides the deaf people a sense of belonging upon how others who share the same disability, would instill and share the same values and beliefs.

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Values:
Acknowledging the importance of sign language and accepting of deafness as a one's self trait instead of treating it as a disability or deficiency.
Language:
Sign language is being used to give them a sense of belonging amongst other individuals.
Traditions:
The annual celebration of the international week and day of the deaf

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1. Recent (2022) interventions for inclusion

HL-Signing support will be provided at MOE Kindergarten@Mayflower from the 2022 K1 cohort.

During lessons, a specialised teacher will teach alongside the subject teacher using Singapore Sign Language.

2. Integrative learning

partially deaf individuals can participate in mainstream schools with assistive devices

completely deaf individuals have to participate in education at special schools - Mayflower Primary School and Beatty Secondary School

3. Home-based Learning

SADeaf provides a device - FM/Roger system - to help deaf individuals study at home

https://sadeaf.org.sg/service/itinerant-support-service/

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The move towards full home-based learning comes with additional difficulties for our children with hearing loss. As such, we have put together some tips to help your child better access to online learning. You may wish to share this with your child's teachers and other parents of children with hearing loss, to ensure that in this trying time, our children with hearing loss get the accessibility they require too.

Should there be anything ISS could help with, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Take care and stay healthy!

Click here for more tips.
Vision
Families will be empowered to develop their children with hearing loss towards greater confidence, independent and a life of true value to integrate into society.
Mission
To work in partnership with families, schools and community for the well-being of children with hearing loss.
Objective
- To facilitate effective integration of students with hearing loss into schools and the community

- To empower families with the appropriate skills and knowledge to nurture their children with hearing loss

- To work in partnership with schools and other external agencies to bring out the highest level of achievement from students with hearing loss.

- To increase awareness and acceptance of the public on the capabilities and potentials of individuals with hearing loss.
Admission Criteria
1. Singapore Citizen or PR*
2. Medically diagnosed with hearing loss condition.
3. Currently attending any learning institute

*PRs without 1 Immediate Family Member (IFM) who is a Singaporean Citizen (SC) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Social Work

Our social workers and case managers provide services such as information and referral, case management, counselling, financial assistance and also make school visits.

Learning Support

Students receive one-to-one learning intervention. Our ISS - Learning Support Educators work with students to enhance their language, mathematical and cognitive skills.

Speech Therapy

Students receive one-to-one learning intervention. Our Speech and Language Therapists work with students to improve and enhance their listening and articulation skills.

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The move towards full home-based learning comes with additional difficulties for our children with hearing loss. As such, we have put together some tips to help your child better access to online learning.

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1. Singapore Assosication for the Deaf (SADeaf) piloted a job support with job matching system in January 2017
https://sadeaf.org.sg/faq-on-sadeaf-and-about-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/faq-on-employment-opportunities/

also collaborating with prospective employers on educating and promoting understanding of deafness in the workplace

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1. Implementation of SMS and e-mail services for deaf covid-19 patients to communicate with MOH

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/deaf-covid-19-patients-can-now-communicate-with-moh-through-sms-and-email-instead-of-phone

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Deaf Covid-19 patients can now communicate with MOH through SMS and e-mail instead of phone call

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MOH usually calls Covid-19 patients over the phone about their recovery plans. . Read more at straitstimes.com.

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1. Including a intepreter during orchestral
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/music-theatre-arts-catering-deaf-blind-people-disabilities-2378106

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Music for the deaf, theatre for the blind: How the arts is catering to people with disabilities

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SINGAPORE: Sign language interpreters convey the meaning of words, but how can one express the meaning of melodies? That was the central question Ms Janis Wong grappled with when she was asked by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra to interpret their concerts for audiences who are deaf or hard

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Improvement:

Educate the public and spread awareness

Hold events and include the public to participate

Conduct sign language classes in community clubs

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Not being able to understand other party when they are talking too fast (eg, lip read)

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Not being able to understand other party when they are talking too fast (eg, lip read)

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Improvement:

Public should be more understanding and speak slower

Learn sign language to make them feel included

Observe their facial expression and body language to kind of know if they understand or not

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1. Difficulty listening to music and sounds on a regular television

2. Movies without captions make it inaccessible

Improvements - all movies and television shows should be open captioned before airing

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deaf

/dɛf/

Learn to pronounce

adjective

1. lacking the power of hearing or having impaired hearing.

2. "I'm a bit deaf so you'll have to speak up"

Hearing loss can be classified according to the severity or degree of the disease. Hearing losses between 26 and 40 dB are considered mild, 41 and 55 dB moderate, 56 and 70 dB moderately severe, 71 and 90 dB severe, and greater than 91 dB profound. Severity of hearing loss is based on thresholds at individual frequencies. Once the type and degree of loss are established, an appropriate intervention may be assigned. This may include hearing aids, aural rehabilitation, cochlear implants, medical intervention, or surgery.