On 24 July 2017, DPA was at ‘Metanoia’ event that focused on raising awareness to embrace inclusion of people with disabilities. DPA collaborated with a group of students (Roy Tan, Pay Pei Qi, Lee Si Ying, Sindy Teo and Lee Yu Hsien) from Ngee Ann Polytechnic for this project.
Mr Roy Tan came to know about DPA when he volunteered for the DPA and Very Special Arts (VSA) Joint Flag Day 2017 on 25 March 2017. He and his team attended DPA’s disability awareness talk on 6 May 2017. Inclusion Ambassadors, Margaret and Joseph, shared their experiences and guided them to do the experiential activities. After this fulfilling learning experience the team decided to raise awareness about disability and inclusion of people with disabilities at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
The name ‘Metanoia’ was selected by the team for the event which is Greek for making a change in one’s life. DPA conducted a disability awareness talk and volunteer training for the volunteers of this event on 20 July 2017. Focusing on the objective to embrace differences, a wheelchair experiential activity, disability specific inclusion booths and human library sessions were organised to raise awareness about the abilities and needs of persons with disabilities. Our Inclusion Ambassadors Margaret, Noraini and Sakina guided the participants during the wheelchair experiential activities. During the human library session our Inclusion Ambassadors shared their valuable experiences. Inclusion booths with experiential activities were also set up by DPA.
The wheelchair experiential activity allowed the participants to better understand the everyday challenges faced by students with disabilities while travelling in and around Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Based on the feedback of the participants, an accessibility report with recommendations will be submitted to the Estate Management Office in Ngee Ann Polytechnic to make facilities more accessible for people with disabilities. The participants shared that they were interested to advocate for inclusion by playing a crucial role in making the society more inclusive. DPA believes that they are the future leaders and can make positive changes in the society by building an inclusive Singapore.
