Independent Living Skills

Independent living skills (ILS) are important for people with vision loss to manage and organise their daily activities on their own, thus reducing the reliance on help from others.

Independent Living Skills lessons are provided at no cost to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.* Each session spans from 1 to 3 hours. It is usually conducted once a week to allow clients time to practice at home before the next session. Training is conducted at the client’s residence to ensure the equipment and space used are familiar to the client.

* Long-term visitor pass holders will need to pay a fee. Please contact us for more information.

Contact us if you need more information or wish to enquire about a skill that is not listed here.

Below is a list of skills taught by our Specialists (Not exhaustive):

1

Self-care

Personal grooming and hygiene skills
- Clients learn to trim nails, apply light make up and manage facial hair
- Clients learn to match clothes and techniques to identify the different toiletries bottles

Manage medication
- Clients who need to take medication on a regular basis learn to sort and organise their medicine

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 learn basic food preparation skills such as measuring, using a knife to chop and peel, and handling hot liquids
- Kitchen cookware and appliances are modified with bright or textured stickers to allow easy operation

Laundry
- Clients learn to hang clothes using bamboo poles, sort and organise wardrobe

Sewing
- Clients learn to thread a needle, tie knots, and sew a simple button

Housekeeping
- Clients are taught systematic patterns to sweep, mop, and clean the house to ensure completeness

GDS Staff Teaching Visually Impaired Client Gerald how to cut vegetables

GDS staff teaching 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 (such as appliances) and switches in the house makes it easier to identify and operate.
The same method of modification can also be used 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 the use of accessibility functions on mobile phone and tablets.
For clients in the advanced level, they learn to use screen reader and various assistive technology to perform office administrative duties.

Learn More about Accessibility and Technology