Independent Living Skills

Losing your sight can affect daily tasks such as personal care and meal preparation. By learning independent living skills, people with vision loss are empowered to perform these activities unaided, reducing their dependence on others for assistance.

Each session usually lasts from 1 to 3 hours and can be scheduled weekly to allow clients to practice between sessions. Training takes place at the client’s residence to ensure they are familiar with their environment.

These lessons are provided at no cost to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Long-term visitor pass holders are subjected to a fee. Please contact us for more information.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of skills taught by our Specialists:

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1

Personal Care

  • Grooming and hygiene management

    • Nail trimming, light makeup application, and facial hair management techniques
    • Clothing coordination and techniques for identifying different toiletry bottles

  • Medication Management

    • Clients who need to take medication or supplements on a regular basis learn to sort and organise their doses.
White Cane User Annie Applying Lipstick in front of a mirror
GDS client with low vision, Annie, applying lipstick in front of a mirror

2

Domestic Chores

  • Cooking and Baking

    • Clients are taught fundamental food preparation skills, including measuring ingredients, chopping and peeling with a knife, and safely handling hot liquids.
    • Kitchen cookware and appliances are adapted with bright or textured stickers to enhance ease of use.

  • Laundry

    • Hang clothes using bamboo poles
    • Sort and organise their wardrobe

  • Sewing

    • Safely learning to thread a needle, tie knots, and sew a simple button

  • Housekeeping

    • Teaching techniques such as adopting systematic methods to sweep, mop, and thoroughly clean the house ensures comprehensive coverage of all areas.
GDS Staff Teaching Visually Impaired Client Gerald how to cut vegetables
GDS staff teaching client, Gerald how to cut vegetables
GDS Staff Teaching Visually Impaired Client Gerald how to cut vegetables
Two GDS Clients learn to sew

3

Environmental Modifications

  • The use of bright and textured stickers on household items like appliances and switches make them easier to identify.

  • The same method of modification can also be applied to make organisation, and measurement easier.

Modifying environment using tactile labels on microwave for Vision Impaired
Modified microwave using tactile labels to identify different buttons

4

Accessibility and Technology

  • Clients are taught how to use the built-in accessibility features on mobile phones and tablets.

  • Advanced-level clients are trained to use screen readers and other assistive technologies for performing office administrative duties.

GDS Instructor Teaching Visually Impaired Client Annie to use Mobile phone
GDS clients, Annie and Gerald, using their mobile devices

5

Others

  • Using ATMs

  • Managing bank transactions

  • Shopping for groceries

  • Keeping a hobby

Closeup on Visually Impaired using ATM Machine
GDS client, Halimi, using an ATM with accessibility features

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Testimonials

Mr Ng Cheng Teck smiling on a MRT setting with Cheryl Yeo, Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Ng Cheng Teck
I can go out and go home on my own, no more restrictions!

Ms Wai Yee

Wai Yee
Loss of sight does not stop interest in sewing

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We invite you to collaborate with us in supporting the blind and vision impaired community in Singapore through various impactful initiatives. Together, we can foster a more inclusive society for all.

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