Equip deafblind children with skills for life!

Charles (not his real name) is a young adult, now in his late teen was born with lown vision and diagnosed as ADHD too. He totally lost his vision on his left eye at the age of seven due to retinal detachment. At the age of ten, his right eye suffered the same fate; retinal detachment. He was diagnosed with cataract and glaucoma a year later. He is staying with his parents together with two sisters and an elder brother. 

He is the third child in the family. Due to his nature of not being able to sit quietly for a while, certain activities have to be carried out under adult’s supervision.

During movement control order(MCO) period, Charles was not able to attend classes at St Nicholas’s Home,PenangLessons are conducted via online at the comfort of hishome. It is basically on one-to-one teaching focuses onbasic academic based on his capability.  He is taught on learning new vocabulary, form new words, making sentences, storytelling and basic arithmetic. During his online lesson, Charles needs coaxing from his teacher to stay attentive during the lesson. Although he looks forward to meeting the teacher online platform, he is quite chatty and seems to be on “themove” during the lesson. He will be moving around most of the time with the mobile phone. However, if his dad is at home, he will be very obedient and sits through the online class.

He can be quite forgetful, hencethe teacher constants repeating the lesson especially on counting and spelling. Now he is able to do counting,adding and subtractionin sums of less than 20, and simple spelling on his own independently. This small step of achievement never come easily without thecooperation of the parents and we are looking forward to have joint effortto bring the best in Charles’s learning experience.

Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.”
- Roy T. Bennett, the Light in the Heart -

Flash is fifteen year old from Shah Alam, Selangor , is the only child to a single mother. He was born with glaucoma, eye disease that is associated with elevated intracular pressure in which damaged the eye (optic) leading to the loss of vision Besides being blind in both eyes, heis also deaf and mute.

Flashjoined St. Nicholas’ Home, Penang in 2013 at the age of eight years old. He couldn’t stand nor walk as he has poor balancing and coordination. He depends on hismother to move around and to provide on his basic daily needs such brushing his teeth and bathing. Teachers were struggling at the beginning in teaching him self-care and daily routines independently. Individual education plan (IEP) was designed to cater to his need as well as some physiotherapy sessions for his physical treatmen.

Several techniques are adhere during physiotherapy treatments on good balancing in walking and sitting. The physiotherapy treatments imposed on him are stretching exercises on muscles elasticity and tone up . Teachers also assign exercises that strengthen the lower back muscle which is pelvic tilts, cat stretches, knee-to-chest stretches and bridges.

Gait training exercises lifting legs, sitting down, standing and stepping over objects are included in the treatments.

We train him improving balance increasing coordination and strength, allowing him to move freely and steadily such as balancing exercises and targeting exercises.

Stimulation techniques treatment are included in making the nerve and muscle coordinating well with the physical strength. Although it was a struggle for him initially, but now we see improvement in his coordination – he walks and sits himself. The teachers are providing cognitive skills, motor skills, social communications and daily living skills.

Flash made lots of progression since his arrival in 2013 toSt. Nicholas’ Home, Penang. Nowhe stands or sits well. Next, training on mobility with white cane for him to move around and lead independent living in future. We are very thankful and motivated by his mum who takes interest in Flash’s personal development and achievement.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give

“giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference."

This cute little boy is eighteen year old from Teluk Bahang Penang . He is the eldest boy among his two siblings . His father works at an company . And the mother is a housewife . He was born with a condition known as glaucoma . It is an eye disease that is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure in which damage to the eye (optic) have can lead to loss of vision and even blindness . He was born with no eye ball . Due to his poor condition , he needs assistance to manage his daily routine .

When Benjamin arrived at our St Nicholas Home , He was could not stand and walk with a normal balance and coordination . He was very dependent on the family especially his mother . He also feels insecure and is afraid to walk independently . His mother need to assist him wherever he might go examples of basic daily needs.

In addition , here we are giving several techniques of physiotherapy treatments to make him to walk and sit with a good balance stability . We train him stand up from a seated position without using hands. Or try walking in a line, heel to toe, for a short distance. Can also try tai-chi a form of movement training that may improve balance and stability and reduce the incidence of falls. Good posture cannot be defined by a rigid formula ;it is usually considered to be the natural and comfortable bearing of the body in normal, healthy persons. This means that in a standing position the body is naturally, but not rigidly, straight, and that in a sitting position the back is comfortably straight. We given exercises to strengthen your core , upper back and chest muscles will help correct rounded shoulders. Examples seated rows in a gym or pull-ups and chest stretches.The physiotherapy treatments that we are practicing to her such as stretching exercise for help the muscles elasticity and its tone . We are giving exercises that strengthen the lower back muscle which is pelvic tilts , cat stretches , knee-to-chest stretches and bridges. And also we are giving her Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving of a mild electric current .The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles. Also we are giving him resistance band exercises grow her muscles and tone them at the same time.

Gait training exercises lifting legs, sitting down, standing , stepping over objects. Some examples of adaptive equipment include wheelchair and walkers.

We train him improving balance increases coordination and strength allowing you to move freely and steadily examples balance exercises and target exercises.

We train him a back brace is a device designed to limit the motion of the spine in causes of bone fracture or in post-operative spinal fusion , as well as a preventive measure against some progressive conditions or to correct patient posture. Maintaining proper posture throughout the day is key to preventing injuries, reducing neck and back strain, and reducing headaches. Wearing a posture corrector a few hours a day and including posture-specific exercises in your workouts can help you train and strengthen the muscles that support your spine.

Benjamin made lots of progression since at St Nicholas Home . Nowadays , he able to stand or sit with a proper balance and coordination and needs assistance . He is able to walk and sit without any assistance.We plan to train him with using mobility device so that he can lead an independent life in future . We are also very encouraged by his parents who have taken a step forward benjamin development .

 We make a living by what we get .We make a life by what we give.

 “giving is not just about making a donation.

It is about making a difference."

This cute little girl is eight year old from penang. She is the eldest child among her two siblings. Her father is a independent business man. And the mother is a primary school teacher. She was born with a condition known as glaucoma. It is an eye disease that is often associated with elevated intracular pressure in which damage to the eye (optic) have can lead to loss of vision and even blindness. She was born with no eye ball. Due to her poor condition, she needs assistance to manage her daily routine . When rosy arrived at our home, She was could not stand and walk. Her father always brings her using baby pram stroller. She was very dependent on the family especially her father. She also feels insecure and is afraid to walk independently.

As her teachers and physiotherapist we are giving several techniques of physiotherapy treatments to make her stand by her own stability. The physiotherapy treatments that we are practicing to her such as stretching exercise for help the muscles elasticity and its tone. We are giving exercises that strengthen the lower back muscle which is pelvic tilts, cat stretches, knee-to-chest stretches and bridges. And also we are giving her Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving of a mild electric current. The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles. Also we are giving her resistance band exercises grow her muscles and tone them at the same time.

First of all we are giving the Exercise ball activities for her. Example are prone outs. With a smaller sized ball, we make her lay on her tummy on the ball, wall squats, overhead throwing and Air kicks. Having her lay on the ball and propped up on her arms (make sure she is on the floor).

And the another treatment that we are giving is, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, or OMT, is a treat of hands-on techniques used by us to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Using OMT, We moves her muscles and joints using techniques that include stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.

We also are giving Gait training exercise. This exercises are lifting legs, sitting down, standing, and stepping over objects. Some examples of adaptive equipment includes wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, hearing aids, and more. The use of adaptive equipment can help Jasmine for feel more independent.

The Pediatric physiotherapists assess, diagnose and neurological, development, cardio-respiratory and orthopedic conditions in children up to 18 years of age,with a focus on improving function and increasing independence. A standing frame(also known as a stand, stander, standing technology, standing aid, standing device, standing box,tilt table) is assistive technology that used by Jasmine who relies on wheelchair for mobility. The physio roll is a peanut shaped ball available in primary colors. Core stretching is keep knees and feet together while lifting the buttocks off the ground with exercise mat.This exercise strengthens the muscles around the hips and back,which are all part of the core,to hold the bridge position for a few seconds.Increase the time,or the number of repetitions. And we also giving her core stability exercises listed are superman pose, sit ups, bouncing and lounge & twist.

Depending on need it can offer a more stable base for balance and straightening work, or it can be used vigorously to challenge postural reflexes. A walker is often used by her are recuperating from leg or back injuries. Its is also commonly used by Jasmine for having problems with walking or with mild balance problems.

Correct posture treatment also are given to prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently. Height adjustable children parallel for making her stand properly. We are always giving her the walking gait therapy to alternate sinuous movements of different segments of the body with least expenditure of energy. Manipulation therapy to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability; it mostly kneading and manipulation of muscles, joint mobilization and joint manipulation. And we are also practicing hydrotherapy for used to treat musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or spinal cord injuries and spasticity. 

Jasmine made lots of progression since the past six months at St Nicholas Home. Nowadays, she able to stand and sit her own and slightly needs guidance. She is able to walk around the dining table without any assistance, use her hands when forward and sideways, hold stand up and move from one position to another. We plan to train her with using mobility device so that she can lead an independent life in future. We are also very encouraged by his parents who have taken a step forward jasmine development.

Your donations and generous contributions are the reasons that our children could blossom and build up their self-confidence. These kind helps that children to get the better future although they are physically challenged. Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.We hope that you well continue to show your compassion for them.

Thank You for changing their future !

Our Captain Dennis now has grown up to a 17- years old handsome teenager. Dennis is the eldest among his 3 siblings. He was brought up by his grandparents. Dennis has been in the DBMH program from the age of 7 and his teachers often comment on his great progress and achievement. Dennis is living proof that these are no disabilities that can hold a person back to living up to their full potential. The future holds endless possibilities for Dennis, and he is capable of achieving great things with the ongoing love, support, and guidance from his teachers.

Dennis is a premature baby, born with bilateral thumbs hypoplasia with left radial hypoplasia. Followed with visual impairment secondary to retinopathy of prematurity. Dennis also has learning difficulties as well.

He is able to hear with both ears and responds when his name is called. He will move towards you and locate the source of the sound. He has no problems communicating with his teachers and friends but there are still improvements to be done to the clarity of his speech. He recognizes his teachers and friends by touch and is always ready for a conversation. Perhaps, he might need extra support from the class teachers or speech therapist to improve his speech because the intonation and pitch are unclear.

His wrist bones on both hands are deformed with small thumbs on both hands. His thumbs do not function at all. He has adapted to using only four fingers on one hand well so that he is able to pick up small objects. He can hold a spoon in one hand and can hold a cup using both hands.

Captain Dennis is an independent boy who is able to shower, dress, and feed himself. He is also able to follow instruction and daily routine on his own. He loves to dance and listen to music. He also can send clothes to the laundry and collect it by himself.