Letters to Sam: A Grandfather’s Lessons on Love, Loss, and the Gifts of Life/ Daniel Gottlieb

Here’s a book recommendation by one of the sgLEAD members, Soo Chin:

I’m quite selective about buying books, mainly becos’ I get easy access to good literature as I work in a public library. But there are times that I realise that there are books not only I want to read now, but I’m pretty sure that I’d still want to read again & again in the future. And this gem by Daniel Gottlieb is one of them.

You see, the author has a 6 year old grandson, Sam. The author was candid to speak of how he wept when Sam was diagnosed with autism at his toddler years. His daughter had suffered a difficult childhood & had to cope with his disability (the author was wheelchair-bound some 25 years ago). And now, she has to care for an autistic child for the rest of her life.

It probably may not make it to the bestseller list, but I still enjoy this book simply becos’ it’s there isn’t any bit of self-pity nor regret that is quite common in most literature on disadvantaged folks. The author lives by the hope that one day his beloved Sam may get to fully understand the contents of the letters. There is this understated charm about book, you probably have to read it yourself to experience it.

Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) – Wheelchair Basketball

Received an email yesterday from Ms. Kelly Fan, who works for the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). She’s asking for help to increase support for wheelchair basketball in Singapore.

The event is today (I opened up my mail too late, unfortunately). Well, for what it’s worth, here’s the link to the event details at the SDSC page - “Watch The Rollers - world-ranked No.2 basketball team - against Singapore team this Sat!” (12 May 2007):

About Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) – Wheelchair Basketball

In 2007, SDSC will be relaunching its wheelchair basketball development programme, with support from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The programme, headed by a group of students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic called ‘Wheel-Power’, will see a new batch of youths taking over the wheelchair basketball scene in Singapore.

A new wheelchair basketball league will also be starting this year under the National Disability League, which will be held from August to November 2007.

Link

Disability-related news from Singapore: Mar & Apr 2007

Some useful references to articles published in March & April 2007.

1) Car park label scheme for disabled to be revised on 1 Apr
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia. Posted: 29 March 2007 0048 hrs

Come 1 April, the Car Park Label Scheme (CPLS) for the disabled will be revised. The eligibility criteria will be relaxed so as to allow more people to apply for the label. Under the scheme, label holders can park at designated lots that are wider than normal lots.

With the revisions, caregivers who are not family members can qualify for a Class 2 label. Eligibility will also be extended to vehicles registered with Voluntary Welfare Organisations. Class 2 label holders can also park at the lots for an hour, giving them more time to help their disabled passengers.

Full article here.

2) Trailing in the business of hearts: S’pore behind Taipei and Hong Kong in social enterprise sector
By Lee U-Wen, TODAYonline. Singapore News. Weekend, March 31, 2007

SINGAPORE may be the world’s fifth most competitive economy according to the World Economic Forum, but it still lags behind in nurturing businesses that provide jobs or training for the marginalised in society.

… MentalCare Connect in Hong Kong stood out for its success to provide jobs for the handicapped and mentally disabled. The start-up runs convenience stores, household goods shops and other businesses. In one of its projects, HK$700,000 (S$136,000) in Government grants were used to open four shops, employing about 70 workers, 10 of whom used to be on welfare. By employing them, the company saved the government about HK$500,000 a year in welfare payments.

Over in Taipei, residents are making a conscious effort to patronise the Syinlu Foundation Gas Station, the majority of its staff being physically and mentally challenged.

… being studied by the newly formed social enterprise committee, headed by incoming Spring Singapore chairman Philip Yeo. The committee is firming up its recommendations and will announce them by the year-end.

Full article here.

3) Easy access facilities completed in six precincts by Hong Kah Town Council
By Wong Mun Wai, Channel NewsAsia. Posted: 01 April 2007 2253 hrs

The Hong Kah Town Council has completed a project to provide easier access to the elderly and disabled in six precincts under its management.

The facilities, including titles on footpaths, leveling of curbs and signs pointing to barrier-free access, are not just for the elderly and disabled, but for all residents such as parents with prams.

Full article here.

4) Trusteeship scheme for kids with intellectual disability taking shape
By Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia. Posted: 14 April 2007 1747 hrs

Parents with intellectually-disabled kids can soon be better assured of long-term security for their children. Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) now have a new home, called MINDSville@Napiri, which integrates four services within a S$13-million building…

…Dr Balakrishnan said: “The other thing that’s been gestating over the last two years is the Trusteeship Scheme. I’m sorry that we’re not able to announce confirmed details of it. But I want to assure all of you that the various pieces of the jigsaw are falling into place.

“We should be able to assure parents that we can help you and your families look into the long-term security of your children as they grow old, as they become adults and as family circumstances change.”

Full article here.