The inside scoop: training, learning and growing
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Persons with Intellectual Disability (PWIDs) need to keep up with what’s current too, Nur Hidayu Binte Roslan says. Since 2015, Hidayu has been a Training Officer with MINDS IDEA Employment Development Centre (IEDC), where she works with adult clients aged 18 and above.
She makes it a point to get them up to speed with the latest technology, such as using touchscreen devices and social media. In fact, a lot of her younger clients are avid TikTok users – they love to dance to trendy songs and showcase aesthetic photos of their breakfast.
With her flair for technology, she created a video for IEDC’s virtual open house, showcasing the centre’s services in a truly engaging manner.
At IEDC, Hidayu’s main role is to prepare clients for work. Through the years, Hidayu has been assigned to support clients with a range of needs, from those in the Contract Work and Social Enterprise units, to the High Support Needs (HSN) Unit, which she currently runs.
Hidayu likes to use a mix of visuals and hands-on activities to teach, especially for her clients who struggle with verbal communication. As part of their learning, clients learn how to use money, the do’s and don’ts of social interaction, and other life skills.
Her knowledge from the Foundation in Autism Studies course comes in handy in managing a smaller group of clients who require higher levels of intervention and management. She works closely with IEDC’s team of Allied Health Professionals, including occupational therapists and psychologists, to develop intervention plans for individual clients. As clients improve and reach their learning milestones, they are gradually transferred to other stations, such as the Contract Work station, to hone their independence and work skills further.
Some might not be work-ready in society, or the employer may not be ready to take in a person with disabilities, but it’s still important that they develop life skills to sustain themselves.
On top of existing training curriculums, IEDC has also begun its cycle of the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP). The LLP was piloted in 2022, and is being rolled out across MINDS’ adult centres with the aim of supporting PWIDs strengthen and learn a range of skillsets beyond their graduation from Special Education schools.
This new curriculum prioritises each clients’ interests and learning, allowing them to continually refresh their skills and knowledge with structured curriculums. “(Clients are) constantly exposed to different experiences and learning something new,” says Hidayu. Scheduled into each client’s timetable, the LLP sessions also serve as a “brain break” between hours of being absorbed in their tasks, Hidayu shares.
Hidayu’s clients have started taken their learning into their own hands, requesting for trainers to come up with interesting lessons they can apply to daily life. For instance, one client had an endearing request to learn how to make watermelon juice.
As she journeys alongside her clients, Hidayu has seen the ups and downs as they go through life. Some have unfortunately passed on, while others have changed in terms of their temperament and personality. Despite the challenges and heartaches, Hidayu feels grateful to be able to walk along with them, supporting them as they age and empowering them to gain new life skills.
“The learning doesn’t stop, no matter what,” Hidayu states.
At MINDS, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life of Persons with Intellectual Disability through quality programmes such as our Lifelong Learning Programme and Supported Employment programmes. Learn about Idea Employment Development Centre and our other Employment Development Centres here.
Interested in making a difference in the lives of children and adults with special needs? Explore career opportunities with MINDS here.
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