In Singapore, there is a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive education and enrichment opportunities for children with special needs. Regardless of ability, it is important that all children be given the opportunity to lead holistic lives, being able to nurture their unique hobbies and passions.
After-school activities play a pivotal role in providing these children with avenues for social interaction, skill development, and personal growth.
If you’re a parent of a special child yourself, you will be the first to
From adaptive sports to creative arts programs, there is a diverse range of activities available to cater to the unique abilities and interests of children with special needs.
In this article, we will explore examples of after-school activities specifically tailored for children with special needs in Singapore, highlighting their benefits and impact on the overall well-being of these children.
Special Olympics Singapore:
First on the list, we have the Special Olympics Singapore. This organisation has cultivated a wide range of differently-abled athletes in sports from swimming to football.
One such athlete is Vanette Lim, a gold-medal swimmer in the women’s 50m freestyle league.
With any luck and hard work, perhaps your child could one day be on that podium like many before them, proudly waving the Singapore flag.
Special Olympics Singapore offers a variety of sports programs designed to accommodate children with intellectual disabilities. Through initiatives such as Unified Sports, where athletes with and without disabilities compete together on the same team, children with special needs have the opportunity to participate in sports such as basketball, athletics, and swimming.
These programs not only promote physical fitness and motor skills development but also foster inclusivity, teamwork, and social integration among participants.
Rainbow Centre:
Rainbow Centre is a special education school in Singapore that provides a wide range of after-school activities and enrichment programs for children with diverse learning needs.
It is conveniently located at three locations throughout Singapore, one at St. Margaret’s Drive School, Yishun Drive School and a final location in Woodlands. These locations make programmes easily accessible to parents throughout the island.
From art therapy workshops to music therapy sessions, children at Rainbow Centre have access to holistic and individualized interventions that cater to their specific abilities and interests.
These activities aim to enhance communication skills, sensory integration, and emotional regulation while promoting creativity and self-expression.
Not only will parents be assured that their children will be learning life skills that can benefit them throughout their lives, but they can also be relieved to know that their children are learning these skills in a fun and stimulating environment catered to their unique needs.
Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf):
For children with hearing impairments, the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) offers after-school activities and recreational programs tailored to their needs. Sign language classes, deaf culture workshops, and drama productions featuring deaf actors are just a few examples of the activities available to children with hearing impairments. These programs not only facilitate language development and communication skills but also provide opportunities for cultural identity expression and community engagement.
Playeum:
For parents who might be looking for a more calm and inclusive museum to bring their children to, this might be a good place to start!
Centred more around learning through art and play, this might be an avenue for you and your family to explore if you’re looking to expose your child to play-based learning.
Playeum is an inclusive children’s museum in Singapore that offers interactive and sensory-rich exhibits designed to engage children of all abilities, including those with special needs. Through hands-on activities such as sensory play, storytelling sessions, and art workshops, children can explore their creativity, curiosity, and imagination in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Playeum’s commitment to accessibility ensures that children with special needs can fully participate and enjoy the museum’s offerings.
Not just a playground for children, if you are a parent or early childhood educator, Playeum has room for you as well! They offer adult training course for adults who are looking at how to greater enrich the lives of the children around them through play.
Talk about a great opportunity for educators and parents alike!
Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS):
Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) operates various day activity centres and vocational training programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
These centres offer a wide range of after-school activities, including sports, arts and crafts, gardening, and culinary classes. Through these activities, children with intellectual disabilities can develop life skills, independence, and social connections while engaging in meaningful and purposeful activities tailored to their abilities and interests.
Art for Good:
Art for Good is a social enterprise in Singapore that offers inclusive art workshops and classes for children with special needs. Through adaptive art techniques and sensory-friendly materials, children can explore different art forms and express themselves creatively in a supportive and inclusive environment.
This is especially beneficial for parents who are looking for just the right avenue to allow their children of different abilities to explore their artistic inclinations.
Art for Good’s inclusive approach ensures that children of all abilities can participate and benefit from the therapeutic and transformative power of art.
YMCA Special Needs Services:
YMCA Special Needs Services provides a range of after-school programs and recreational activities for children with special needs and their families. From inclusive swimming lessons to adapted sports programs, the YMCA offers opportunities for children to engage in physical activity, socialize with peers, and develop confidence and self-esteem.
In addition to sports programs, the YMCA also offers social skills groups, music therapy sessions, and holiday camps designed to promote social inclusion and community participation.
Not only will your child have an inclusive place to learn new skills like sports and music, but also be able to pick up important social skills under the guidance of trained and caring professionals.
In Singapore, there is a growing emphasis on providing inclusive after-school activities and enrichment programs for children with special needs. From sports programs organized by Special Olympics Singapore to inclusive art workshops offered by Art for Good, there are numerous opportunities for children with special needs to engage in meaningful activities that promote their holistic development and well-being.
For academic support, there is no better place to seek help than with the team at SmileTutor. Here, we offer a wide range of academic support for different subjects, but also with a host of tutors trained to cater to your child’s unique needs.
By fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and individualized support, these after-school activities empower children with special needs to thrive, build social connections, and reach their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Facebook