Greetings from UNESCO World Heritage City of Malacca!  We are pleased to update you on our activities and programme for the first quarter of 2012.

Early Intervention Programme (EIP) & School Age Programme (SAP)

We currently have 24 students enrolled on the EIP, 2 of whom are new.  Another 12 are enrolled on the SAP.  As at this point in writing, we are scheduled to assess 4 other children waiting to come in. 

 Apart from routine sessions conducted for the children, we encourage parents to engage their children in meaningful play activities, bearing in mind that ‘the amount of a service is not what’s important, because all the child’s learning occurs between sessions’ (McWilliam 2000, p. 19).

The children who come to Wings Melaka generally have language and communication difficulties. So we schedule many group activities to encourage social interaction. For example, birthday parties for the children (together with their parents) can be such fun too!

Young Adults Programme (YAP)

2 more young adults have joined us, making the total number of 5 in our YAP.  The activities continue to promote the young adult’s sense of ownership over her/his programme, and to encourage her/his own input, choices and decision-making.

Teachers need to learn too – staff professional development

Three of our staff from Wings Melaka went on a working visit in March to the Northlight School and St Andrew’s Autism Centre in Singapore.  The teachers were also briefed on the use of interactive white boards.

Contribution from volunteers

We are deeply grateful to our many volunteers who come in regularly to help us with our programme activities. 

Other activities

Parent education & empowerment

25^th Feb 2012: The 1^st Parents Support Group meeting was attended by 19 parents.  Moms & Dads shared grief and laughter, encouraging each other in facing their personal challenges bringing up a child with special needs.

Disability Awareness, Advocacy & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

10^th Jan 2012: ED Dr Lim spoke to the staff of a private hospital at a disability awareness seminar.

13^th – 17^th March 2012: As ED of Wings Melaka, Dr Lim represented the ASEAN Autism Network at the UNESCAP meeting in Bangkok.  This was an important meeting working towards the finalisation of The Incheon Strategy  which will launch us into the next decade of Make the Right Real for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, 2013-2022.

16^th – 18^th March 2012: Wings Melaka set up at booth at a major shopping mall in the city to raise awareness about disability issues.

Once again I take this opportunity on behalf of the Board, Staff and Community of Wings Melaka, to express my thanks and gratitude to thank all our friends for their invaluable partnership and support.

Links:

• Wings Melaka website