The Singapore Association for the Deaf

Meet the star of an upcoming children’s book: Tan Siew Ling!

Siew Ling is an inspiration to many. On top of her full-time job at a social service agency, she joins inclusive workshops and mentors new intervenor volunteers.

Did we mention that she’s Deafblind?

Join us at the book launch organised by SADeaf for this new title by Helang Books! Come meet Siew Ling in person, learn about her life and grab a copy of the book.

📍 The Anchor @ Marine Parade, 10am-1pm
👉 https://forms.gle/9whSKVhkrwn5y8LFA

SADeaf’s Deafblind Programme is proud to support individuals like Siew Ling on their journey, offering tailored help in daily living, communication and employment so they can live full and independent lives.

Five years ago, our social worker Charmaine Tan (standing, left) helped launch SADeaf’s Deafblind Programme.

With no local guide to follow, the team listened to the community’s real, often raw, lived experiences and felt needs.

As Charmaine shares: “I remember listening to the immense grief, fear, and uncertainty they experienced after progressively losing both their hearing and vision.”

Driven to bridge this gap, SADeaf researched overseas models and partnered with Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped and Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd to build a support network from the ground up. And all in the middle of the pandemic!

Five years on, working together has brought this community into the light, making it easier for Deafblind individuals to get the right support.

Find out more about our Deafblind Programme: https://sadeaf.org.sg/deafblind-programme/

Did you know? The Deafblind community can now enjoy a guided tour at the Singapore Art Museum!

What a great initiative leading to Deafblind Awareness Month in June. Kudos SAM! for making An Endless Harvest by Elia Nurvista and Bagus Pandega inclusive.

Follow us for updates!

We are looking for SgSL Instructors!

If you are fluent in SgSL, have at least an O-Level English pass, and are keen to learn and help others learn, we want you!

We provide training and classroom practice to get you ready to teach.

Applications are open until 12 June.

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmObiLN-Tmq2uOBE2y2LMQ_KxNsgur0Fk1BYwxdE3ZPkqYdQ/viewform

Did you know?

Helen Keller was born on 27 June 1880, inspiring a worldwide month to raise awareness for Deafblindness, a unique condition combining both hearing and vision loss.

This year marks 5 years of Deafblind awareness in Singapore! To celebrate, we are hosting a children’s book launch featuring a real-life main character who is Deafblind, Singaporean and awesome.

Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled morning to try different communication methods, meet and learn about the community.

Date and time: 6 June 2026 (Sat), 10am-1pm
Venue: The Anchor @ Marine Parade

See you there!

Save your spot here: https://forms.gle/9whSKVhkrwn5y8LFA

🤝 Bridging Communication Gaps In-Person 🤟

Ever wondered how to communicate more confidently and inclusively with Deaf individuals?

Join us for an interactive workshop exploring Deaf Culture, communication norms, and practical sign language skills for everyday conversations. Through hands-on activities, role-play, and group practice, participants will gain meaningful insights into accessible communication — no prior sign language experience needed!

📅 Sunday, 24 May 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Clementi Library – Programme Zone (Level 5)

Register at https://nlb.libcal.com/event/5905128 💙

Meet Shana, a Deafblind mum from Hong Kong who is raising her daughter, Vera, to be a polyglot in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Singapore Sign Language and Hong Kong Sign Language.

Beyond these five languages, their most important way of connecting is through love. No day is complete without "I love you" signs and a peck on the cheek. "I want her to feel my love through my signs and our time together," Shana shares.

This bond goes both ways in their daily lives. Vera looks out for her mum by pointing out things in their environment, while Shana cheers on Vera’s independence in everything from her studies to her love for badminton.

Happy Mother’s Day to Shana, and all mums and mother figures.