The Journey to Independence

Caption: Margerat looking confident at TOUCH Ubi Hostel.

For adults with intellectual disabliities like Ms Margerat Chee, mastering daily tasks such as purchasing meals, handling money, and using public transportation requires ongoing training and practice.  

Since the passing of her parents during her teenage years, the 47-year-old has been living with her maternal relatives. As new caregivers who needed support, her relatives sought help from a medical social worker who referred Margaret to TOUCH Ubi Hostel (TUH). TUH offers a stay-in residential programme designed to support adults with mild intellectual disabilities in their journey towards independent living within the community.   

Margerat was then unemployed, vulnerable and needed support in acquiring independent living skills to increase her confidence. TUH’s lifeskills coaches trained her in advanced independent living skills including personal social skills like learning to communicate with others, managing doctor’s appointments and managing her finances.   

A New Beginning 

“When Margerat is alone at home, I do not know what she does. I am relieved to see her learning new things at TUH where she can be trained to be independent. If she is not sure, she can ask her coaches. There’s no fear. She has people looking after her,” says Mr Tay Ah Huat, Margerat’s uncle and primary caregiver, adding that he is happy to see her becoming more resilient.   

Margerat also received job coaching at JOURNEY, an award-winning Singapore brand under TOUCH Community Services that represents the creative talents of people with intellectual disabilities. There, she learnt how to pack merchandise from the brand for sale.   

Through TUH’s partnership with schools and corporations, she has also participated in activities that has improved her social interactions with others while giving back to the community through volunteering. 

Caption: Margerat (left) receiving training at TUH.

Caption: Margerat practising skills learnt at TUH.

Caption: Margerat enjoying a cognitive game activity at TUH.

“We are encouraged to see Margerat becoming more confident and independent. Our goal is to help trainees improve their life skills and job readiness skills, maximise their potential and integrate into the community, reducing their reliance on caregivers. To help foster an inclusive living environment, we actively engage our community partners, including the coffeeshop stall holders, GPs, dentist, supermarket and store holders, to create greater awareness on how to communicate with our trainees,” says Ms Ang Chiew Group, Group Head of TOUCH Special Needs Group.   

Learning to Be A Giver 

“Margerat has improved a lot. She not only has a job but she can also accompany my sister who has poor eyesight for her medical appointments. Sometimes, I will get her help to look after my sister. I do not worry so much now,” adds Mr Tay.   

Like other trainees, Margaret returns to her uncle’s home every weekend. She is able to do household chores, run errands for the household, and take public transport with minimal supervision. TUH’s social workers also worked with Margaret and her uncle on her long-term care plans. 

Caption: Margerat (left) with her uncle Mr Tay (right).

Caption: Staying connected with family.

“I am happy at TUH because I can learn new things. I also have many friends and I hope I can continue to stay here for a long time.” says Margerat with a smile.  

Everyone has a part to play to build a more inclusive environment for persons with intellectual disabilities and help them achieve a better quality of life. For more information on TUH, please click here.   

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About TOUCH Special Needs Group TOUCH Special Needs Group (TSNG), under TOUCH Community Services, believes that every person with disabilities is valuable and aims to empower them to gain independence, social inclusion, and maximise their potential to be contributing members of society. Through two Day Activity Centres, a dedicated service for the Deaf and an Adult Disability Hostel, TSNG imparts life skills (daily living, community living, personal, and social skills), as well as pre-employment skills to trainees with intellectual disabilities or are deaf. TSNG also runs TOUCH SpecialCrafts, a programme which develops and showcases trainees’ talents and skills in the visual arts and offers employment for those with high potential. People with disabilities, especially those who are not enrolled in any disability services, can also receive support through the Community Support Service, which aims to empower them to grow in independence and enjoy greater social integration. They and their caregivers can also receive further support at home through RAISE (Resilience and Abilities for Independence through Support and Empowerment), a pilot initiative by TOUCH and supported by SG Enable. 

Story published in 2024.