Donated $200 to Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore using dividends collected in my Permanent Stocks Holdings.
https://www.facebook.com/cpasingapore/
http://www.cpas.org.sg/
Company OverviewFormerly known as Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS), was established in 1957 to provide persons with Cerebral Palsy and multiple disabilities with early intervention, special education, rehabilitation services, day activity centre programmes, vocational training and gainful employment in Singapore.
Our Services:
- Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC)
- Special Education School
- Adult Services: Goodwill, Rehabilitation, and Occupational Workshop (GROW)
- Adult Services: Day Activity Centre (DAC)
- Home Management Programme
- Rehabilitation Centre
Vision, Mission, Core Values
Vision
Empowering all persons with Cerebral Palsy to realise their full potential and lead fulfilled, dignified lives.
Mission
Dedication to:
- Delivering fully integrated programmes and services at the highest standards with passion, integrity, care, and excellence
- Creating awareness of Cerebral Palsy, and advocating equal opportunities for all persons with the condition
Core Values – HEART
Hope
We seek to inspire hope in the hearts of our clients
Empowerment
Our aim is to empower our clients to overcome their challenges and live a life without limits
Aspiration
Never content with the status quo, we aspire not to only enhance the lives of our clients, but also our service and capabilities
Respect
Respect is a fundamental value that guides the actions of our staff
Trust
Above all, we value the trust that clients place in our organisation’s programmes and services
WHAT IS CEREBRAL PALSY?
Cerebral (brain) Palsy (lack of muscle control) is an inclusive term to describe a group of non-progressive disorders occurring in young children in which injury to the brain causes impairment of motor function.
The degree of the disabilities range from extreme tightness or looseness of the body muscles, improper head, shoulder or hip control to speech impairment. Cerebral Palsy is not curable. This can occur during pregnancy, at birth, or in the early years of the child due to illness or injury to the brain.
Early Intervention Programme For Infants and Children (EIPIC)
The Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) was established on 1 April 2005. It provides early therapy intervention for children aged from a few months to 6 years old who suffer from one or more disabilities.
EIPIC equips them with skills which will prepare them for admission into either a Special Education School or mainstream school.
The aim of EIPIC is to maximise the developmental growth of each child by providing holistic and individual developmental programmes.
Roles and Responsibilities of EIPIC
To provide holistic and individual developmental programmes
To prevent and minimise the risk of secondary disabilities through support and training for the child and family
To provide rehabilitative, therapeutic and supportive services
To provide integration support to mainstream preschool
CURRICULUM
Every child enrolled in EIPIC is required to attend a mandatory of 260 hours (18 months and above) of lessons on a yearly basis as stipulated by the National Council of Social Services (NCSS) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to qualify for subsidies.
The EIPIC initiatives and programmes include:
COPE (Children’s Outreach Programme and Education)
COPE is an integration programme to bridge the gap between the Early Intervention Programme and mainstream preschools. The programme offers students with different childhood disabilities the opportunity to participate in regular education preschool experiences alongside typically developing children.
Interventionist visits the student’s preschool to facilitate the child’s participation in the classroom. Support may include provisions of various prompts, or the implementation of specific skills acquisition programmes and motivation systems aimed at promoting a student’s independence and responsiveness to new teachers or peers. Regular meetings with preschool teachers and parents are held to ensure that all parties are working on similar goals and expectations.
Music and Movement Class (Within school hours)
A special education trained Music instructor is employed to conduct Music and Movement Classes for all EIPIC students. Students will be exposed to various forms of music, instruments, movement and rhythm to facilitate the learning potential through Music.
EIPIC Water Play Based Class (Not in school hours)
Water Play Based Classes, in collaboration with the Physiotherapy department, focus on helping children with Cerebral Palsy to relax their muscles and move their limbs freely in the water. The water buoyancy provides support, relieves weight-bearing pressure on the joints, and enables them to move their limbs much easier as compared to being on land. The warm water also reduces pain and relaxes muscle spasms.
Holiday Programme
CPAS EIPIC provides Holiday Programmes to allow exploration for creativity of the students, explore some hands on experiences through activities, and provide sensory integration for children with special needs. Activities likes Creative Arts, Camping, Music and Drama, Cooking, playing games etc. The aim of the programme is to maximize the learning potential and development of gross motor skills, fine motor skills, cognitive skills, social emotional skills and communication skills through different activities.
Community Integration Programme
This programme plays an important role in enhancing emotional well-being of children with special needs by developing healthy interpersonal social skills in unstructured situations.
About Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School (CPASS)
At CPASS, we offer the SPED Curriculum, as recommended by the Ministry of Education. In this curriculum, students pursue learning outcomes in three areas:
Living
Learning
Working
Students will achieve learning in six domains:
Social-Emotional
Academic (Literacy, Numeracy and Science)
Daily Living
Vocational
Physical Education and Sports
The Arts
Information Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT is a key enabler for teaching and learning, and Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) as the foundation for a values-based special education to nurture and instil a sense of belonging to the nation.
Mission
To equip our students with a holistic education to Live Meaningfully, Learn Continuously, Work Productively
School Vision
A Community of Happy Learners in Living, Learning, Working
Values
Confidence; Respect; Resilience
Beliefs
Everyone is Special; Everyone can Learn; Everyone can Serve
About GROW
Goodwill, Rehabilitation and Occupational Workshop (GROW)
GROW was established in September 1984. It is a sheltered workshop that provides vocational training and sheltered employment for adults aged 16 years old and above with Cerebral Palsy and other associated disability conditions.
We train and involve the trainees in work activities at our social enterprise initiatives and sheltered workshop. Such vocational activities provide meaning to our trainees; fulfil their desire for self-development, self-esteem and provide an avenue for them to reach out socially to the public.
Objectives
Manage commercial sub-contract work for trainees
Operate social enterprise initiatives
Provide additional caregiver support, welfare services, and rehabilitative therapy for our trainees
Value-Added Services for Trainees
Besides vocational training and on-the-job training, trainees can look forward to:
Therapy Services
Counselling Services
Social and Vocational Skills Development
Community Integration Activities
Contract Out-sourcing Services for Commercial Businesses
CPAS is a voluntary welfare organisation that aims to match your company’s interest with the capabilities of our disabled workforce.
We can provide you with quality manpower possessing good work ethics, to handle your outsourced contract work requirements. Our trainees are well-trained to carry out labour-intensive projects under the close supervision of our Workshop Instructors to ensure quality assurance and to meet project deadlines.
Our services include
Manual sorting and packing
Assembly work
Labelling
Pamphlet/brochure/letter shopping and mailing
Many more…
Social Enterprise Projects
We also operate social enterprise initiatives, either in-house or collaborate with business partners, in areas of F&B and retail business. These social enterprise projects serve as training grounds for trainees to learn various vocational or business skills and customer service, under the close supervision of our Workshop Instructors. These projects also provide trial-employment opportunities, advocating the economic and social self-sufficiency of our trainees, building on an enterprise foundation.
Examples of social enterprises which we operate include
Orange Garden Cafe
Goodwill Thrift Shop
Goodwill Push Carts
Goodwill Gifts
Seasonal Greeting Cards
Recycling
We are an enterprise, where artistic and gift-making talents of our disabled community are show-cased through the creation of unique and inspiring corporate and consumer lifestyle gift items for sales, aimed at generating sustainable earnings for operation-ability. Our range of products features from the adaptations of world art, inspired and hand-drawn by our in-house disabled artists. Therefore, the products are unique (each design is one of a kind) and appeals to consumers and corporate customers alike. These are high-quality and environmental-friendly products, created to meet consumer needs, while pitched to support a social cause.
About DAC
Day Activity Centre (DAC)
Established in February 2006, DAC provides care and skills training to persons with Cerebral Palsy and other associated physical disabilities, aged 16 to 55 years, who are not suitable for sheltered employment or whose family members are unable to take care of them during the day.
Mission
- Develop the optimal capabilities of our clients and enrich their lives
- Provide some respite for caregivers to give them the space to pursue their personal economic activities or rest, with the knowledge that their loved ones are well cared for
- Nurture self-help skills through a balanced and structured curriculum covering extensive daily living activities and community living skills training. In addition, we also enhance the curriculum with various forms of therapy rehabilitation care, healthy meals and fun recreational activities
- Help our clients to lead more independent and meaningful lives by providing a holistic and client-based programme
About Home Management Programme and Outpatient Programme
Home Management Programme (HMP)
The Home Management Programme provides therapy and social intervention to clients with Cerebral Palsy who are severely disabled and in need of therapy, but who are not able to travel and whose caregivers are unable to bring them to the Outpatient programme at CPAS.
The therapies provided include physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The therapists will travel to the homes of the clients for therapy sessions.
Outpatient Programme (OP)
The Outpatient Programme provides therapy and social interventions for clients with Cerebral Palsy and other physical disabilities that are in need of therapy. Some of the therapies provided include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and also speech and language pathology.
Our Outpatient programme takes place at the centre, hence, it caters mainly to those who can travel around or arrange for their own transport via their caregivers.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy is the use of purposeful activities and a variety of treatment methods to obtain a desired level of functioning in self care, work and leisure.
Occupational therapists address the functional needs related to
Sensory processing and integration
Visual perception/cognition
Hand function prewriting and writing skills
Activities of daily living and life skills training
Posture and movement
Positioning and special seating
Sensory Integration
This programme involves assessment and treatment of sensory issues affecting the client’s function.
As defined, sensory integration is the neurological process that organises sensation from one’s body and from the environment which makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment.
The focus of this treatment is the client’s sensory experience and the adaptive response in the context of play and purposeful activities to prepare him/her for learning higher level skills.
Visual Perceptual and Cognitive Skills
This training has the primary objective of helping clients to develop and/or improve visual perception which means the ability to interpret and use what is seen. This is one of the important pre-requisite skills to develop and/or improve cognitive components such as attention, memory, concept formation and problem solving which are necessary for higher level learning and education. Therapists use remedial activities and train clients to use different strategies.
Hand Function, Pre-Writing and Handwriting Programme
This is done in individual or group therapy sessions wherein therapists use practical approaches to develop and/or improve pre-writing, writing, scissoring and other school-related skills based on knowledge from biomechanical and ergonomic principles, neuro developmental, perceptual-motor and sensory integration incorporated in creative activities.
Activities of Daily Living and Life Skills Training Programme
One on one goal-directed therapy intervention is provided to clients to help them develop and/or improve movement and posture, gross and fine motor skills, strength and coordination needed to acquire daily living skills such as eating, dressing and grooming with maximum independence, with or without the use of assistive devices.
Clients are also trained to perform advanced daily living skills and pre-vocational skills through age-appropriate activities.
This training is carried out on an individual or group basis. It assists clients to develop or improve task-coping and self-coping skills through simulated and actual training such as mobility in the community, taking public transport, managing money, consumer skills such as shopping, and performing basic household tasks such as meal preparation and cooking.
Consultation and provision of professional advice on environmental modification at school, home and work to promote accessibility and independence. Occupational Therapists recommend special wheelchairs and daily living equipment such as special feeding devices to help in life skills.
Specialised Service
Occupational Therapists are qualified to provide consultation in Neurodevelopmental Clinic, Sensory Integration Clinic, Hand Clinic, Seating Clinic, Assistive Technology Clinic, and Feeding Clinic.
- Special Seating and Seating Clinic
- Hand Clinic
- Sensory Integration Clinic
- Assistive Technology Clinic
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment Clinic
- Equipment Loan Library
Parents / Caregivers and Teachers Training Programme
The department has trained professionals with advanced certification in training and assessment.
The department conducts various training programmes for parents, caregivers and teachers on:
- Seating and positioning
- Pre-writing and handwriting skills
- Visual perception and cognition
- Upper limb facilitation, hand function, fine motor skills
- Sensory stimulation and sensory integration
- Activities of daily living
- Assistive technology
- Visual perception
- Motor planning
- Transitional skill for vocational training – pre-vocational skills
Physiotherapy
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy involves the assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of pain, injury, or any other physical dysfunction, through the use of education, exercise, manual therapy, electro-physical agents, technology or any other treatment for those purposes (Allied Health Professions Act, 2011).
How can Physiotherapists Help?
- Teach the correct handling and positioning of your child so as to prevent contractures and joint deformities.
- Advise and prescribe the correct (Orthopaedic) orthotic, mobility equipment for your child.
- Facilitate motor development and enhance your child’s independence
- Advice on the use of walking aids for your child.
- Modify home environment to increase accessibility
- Physiotherapists, using in-depth knowledge of child development, motor training and movement science, can help facilitate and enhance your child’s ability to move and function as independently as possible.
Services Rendered
Therapeutic Management
- Individualised Therapy Management Programme: Intensive customised physiotherapy intervention
- Trans-Disciplinary Programme: Consultations provided on physiotherapy interventions in classroom and home environment
- Tough and Trim Programme: Programme to reduce or maintain weight for children who are overweight or are at risk of becoming overweight
- Hydrotherapy (if provided as a physiotherapy management): This programme utilises buoyancy and support of water to facilitate functional movement
- Horse-riding (Hippotherapy): This programme is run in conjunction with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). Horse-riding helps improve balance and confidence
- Equipment Loan Programme: Therapy equipment is loaned out to caregivers to carry out the therapy at home
- Gymnasium Activity Programme: Programme focuses on the adults in the Goodwill, Rehabilitation, and Occupational Workshop (GROW) to improve and maintain physical status
- Day Activity Centre (DAC) Group Therapy: Programme focuses on the adults in the DAC to maintain physical status
- Home Management Programme: Customised physiotherapy services provided in collaboration with an Occupational Therapist for adult clients with Cerebral Palsy at their home to maintain physical status
Specialist Clinics
Orthopaedic Clinic and Paediatric Neurology Clinic
Specialists from various hospitals carry out routine check-ups on children and offer advice to parents.
Psychology
As mental health professionals, psychologists play an integral role in supporting the functional development of individuals with learning and developmental difficulties. They assess the psychosocial, emotional and cognitive abilities of individuals with special needs in order to facilitate their learning. Psychologists consult with medical professionals and collaborate with allied health professionals, interventionists, support staff, parents and families, in supporting the holistic development of individuals with special needs.
Social Work
Social Work
Social Workers assist clients and their families to cope with issues resulting from disabilities and helping the clients to realise their full potential.
Social Workers offer the following services:
Information and Referrals
- Follow up on referrals to the Association
- Arrange initial screening sessions with Trans-Disciplinary team of professionals regarding the suitability of referred clients for enrolment into any programmes
- Refer clients to suitable service agencies in the community if necessary
Casework and Counseling
Provide psycho-social assessment of the clients’ family situation
- Home visitations
- Provide counselling to individual clients and their families to clarify options and strengthen decision making
Financial Assistance
Provide means testing of clients to establish their eligibilities for subsidies from various existing schemes
Assess families for financial assistance applications to purchase recommended equipment from internal and external resources
Link with Community Resources
Provide linkages with other social service providers and community groups to meet the multiple needs of the clients
Connect clients and their families to appropriate resources and support networks in the community
Parents and Caregivers Support
Facilitate training sessions for parents on relevant topics to enable them to be effective caregivers
Facilitate mutual support among parents to reinforce positive caregiving behaviours
Conduct support groups for parents and caregivers
Agency Visits
Organise agency visits for parents of graduating students to assist them in their child’s transition planning
Speech & Language Pathology
Speech & Language Pathology Department
Speech & Language Pathologists (SLP) focus on the Assessment and Management of Speech, Language, Communication, and Feeding and Swallowing difficulties. A team of professionals work together to help children to achieve their fullest potential.
Our team of SLPs hold post graduation degrees from renowned universities. Most of them hold certifications like Hanen, Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), Neuro Developmental Therapy (NDT), VitalStim, Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) . They are also trained in Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) and Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT).
Clinical activities
The Speech and Language Pathology Department carries out routine initial screening to assess the current status of a client’s speech, language, cognitive-communication, and feeding and swallowing skills prior to intervention. The SLPs provide therapy services for articulation, language and literacy, social communication, and dysphagia. We also provide intervention through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) by using high tech and low tech devices for clients who have problems with speech intelligibility and for clients with complex communication needs. Our caseload includes a wide range of clients with Global Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders and clients with feeding and swallowing difficulties. Depending on the client’s needs, speech therapy can be provided on an individual, group and classroom basis SLPs work closely with teachers to ensure the clients benefit maximally . In addition, we carry out hearing screening for our clients in our Audiology Clinic whenever necessary.
Speech therapy services are offered to different programmes like
Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (6 months to 6 years)
CPAS Special School (7 to 18 years)
Out-patient therapy services
Specialised Clinics
Feeding/Swallowing Clinic:
Speech and Language Pathology department conducts a “Feeding & Swallowing Clinic” once in a month on consultation basis. The clients with feeding and/or swallowing issues from the CPAS Special School, Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children EIPIC, DAC, GROW and Out-Patient clients will be referred the clinic. The main focus of this clinic is to evaluate and manage feeding and swallowing issues. It also facilitates active participation among parents, caregivers & teachers in order to improve the quality of life of the clients.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation:
We provide therapeutic intervention for the treatment of dysphagia through Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) via VitalStim. It is an intervention that is non-invasive and uses external neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy that re-educates the throat muscles needed for swallowing. Speech and Language Pathology Department conducts specialised VitalStim therapy after selecting suitable clients enrolled in various CPAS programmes, based on appropriate referrals from other professionals involving in these programmes.
Parent/ Caregiver Training
The Speech and Language Pathology department conducts various training programmes regularly for parents, caregivers, teachers and foreign domestic workers on communication, feeding/swallowing and oro-motor techniques.
These include special workshops such as Foundation skills in handling children with communication and language issues, Foundation skills in handling children with eating, drinking and swallowing issues, as well as Hanen – It Takes Two to Talk and Hanen- More Than Words .
The caregiver trainings are supported and funded by AIC. The department also organise trainings like Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Functions Courses (MORE) for allied health professionals . All trainers are recognised by AIC.
Advocacy and Outreach
Speech and Language Pathology department commemorates Speech Therapy Week every year in the first week of November to create and promote awareness among the public about the role of SLPs in the management of communication, speech, language, literacy and swallowing disorders. The department also organise open houses, public talks and other activities in conjunction with this event. It also encourages visits from local, regional and international communities by both professionals and non-professionals alike. .
Clinical Education
SLPs at the department are recognised clinical educators by the National Education Association Singapore. The department also welcomes students on SLP programmes from local, regional and international education institutes for clinical placements.
Sensory Integration Clinic
Clients with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Global Developmental Delay, and/or Cerebral Palsy may encounter sensory processing or sensory integrative disorders. Our therapists conducting the Sensory Integration Clinic are all certified in Sensory Integration techniques.
Objectives of the clinic:
- Provide thorough assessment and intervention services for individuals with sensory integrative or sensory processing disorders by working closely with teachers, parents and caregivers to identify the nature of sensory issues that affects the client’s function, their causes, and ramifications.
- Make appropriate recommendations and provide home programme and classroom accommodation for follow up service.
- Conduct training for teachers, parents and caregivers
Special Seating and Seating Clinic
Seating Clinic at CPAS offers children and adults with physical disabilities a variety of seating and mobility services. It is held by the Occupational Therapy Department every other month to provide comprehensive evaluation and recommendation for a proper seating system.
Prior to the Seating Clinic appointment, the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist evaluate each client, and together with the parent/caregiver, decide the type of special seat /mobility device that will best address the needs to perform activities of daily living. During the clinic, an Orthopaedic Surgeon examines the clients, looks into the medical aspects of the seating system and endorses our therapist’s recommendation for a proper special seat. Upon endorsement, the therapist briefs the parents/caregivers on funding, delivery and service of custom equipment.
Once payment is made, the therapist contacts the vendor for measurement, fitting and delivery of equipment. This service will ensure that the fit of the prescribed equipment is appropriate, and the wheelchair and seating system are adjusted to maximise function and postural support.
Our Services
The following services are provided in the clinic to address each client’s specific seating and mobility needs:
- Seating and Posture Evaluation is performed by therapists to determine the flexibility of postural impairment and recommend appropriate seating system to address balance and pressure issue, improve posture and enhance functional independence.
- Wheelchair evaluation is performed by the Occupational Therapist to determine the most efficient and functional means of mobility.
- Wheelchair training is provided to clients to optimise the functions in organisation premises, home environment and community settings.
- Referral to our Social Work Department is made by the therapist for financially needy clients to arrange funding for seating and mobility equipment.
- Collaboration with wheelchair vendor to ensure appropriateness of equipment.
Once the equipment arrives, clients and caregivers visit the clinic for an extensive customisation, fitting and training session to ensure that goals are met. During these visits, the therapist teaches clients and caregivers how to use the equipment, make minor adjustment and provides guidance for transfer, safety and care considerations.
Follow-up services such as repair, modification and maintenance are provided to guarantee that the equipment maintains a proper fit in case of growth or medical changes.
Our Team
The Seating Clinic includes skilled specialists with expertise in determining the seating solution that best meet the needs of our clients. Our team consists of:
➢ Orthopaedic Surgeon
➢ Occupational Therapist
➢ Physiotherapist
➢ Nurse
➢ Teacher / Training officer
➢ Wheelchair Vendor
Neurodevelopment Clinic (NDT)
Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT) is a problem-solving approach to the examination and treatment of the impairments and functional limitations of individuals with neuropathology primarily children with CP, developmental delay in motor skills and other motor related conditions. These individuals have dysfunction in posture and movement that lead to limitations in functional activity. NDT focuses on the analysis and treatment of motor impairments and functional limitations that physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), and speech and language pathologists (SLP) can address. This approach provides occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech and language pathologists with a common language and conceptual structure for the analysis of motor skill performance.
Functions of the clinic:
Therapist who are certified in Neuro-Developmental Treatment conduct the clinic to
identifies the client’ s motor/movement difficulties that affects his/her daily activities and their causes
provides intervention by working closely with parents/ caregivers and others professionals.
provide appropriate home program and recommendations following the clinic for continual implementation at home and school.
review and re evaluate the clients
Hand Clinic
Occupational Therapy Department holds Hand clinic at Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore every alternate month. The purposes of this clinic are to assess children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological disabilities for their difficulties using upper extremities in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and provide recommendations and referrals for non- surgical interventions such as splinting, bracing, exercises, medication etc… and/or surgical interventions to improve hand functions and increase participation in self- care, social, educational and vocational activities. In our clinic Hand surgeon and Occupational Therapist examine the clients, holds discussions and take collective decisions, together with parents/caregivers, to efficiently address the issues of spasticity and muscle weakness affecting hand functions.
Children with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions affecting muscle tone often present with high tone or hyper tonicity in their bodies, especially in their arms, hands and legs. Often called spasticity, this tone can be very painful, leading to constant muscle spasm or clonus and can eventually cause contactures or fixed deformities and shortened tendons. Spasticity also limits movements and makes manipulating an object, walking and talking, or even just moving difficult or impossible for some children.
While spasticity affects hand functions of the majority of children with cerebral palsy, it can be prevented and treated to some degree. There are a variety of treatments options available to manage spasticity. The non-surgical preventive methods and treatments that are commonly used to address spasticity and its consequences are passive range of motion (stretching) and splinting.
Splinting
Splint is a medical device used to support or immobilise specific parts of the body to facilitate healing, prevent or correct deformities, and improve functions.
The Purpose of Splinting:
One of the main purposes of splinting is to improve hand functions in clients. A splint is custom-made for the client by occupational therapist using low temperature plastic materials and is fitted to each individual. Splints are helpful if there is limited joint range of motion, and they assist in correcting or reducing deformities. They are also used in appropriate positioning of one or several joints. There are two basic types of splints such as static and dynamic splints.
Static Splints
Static splint has no moving parts and are generally used to place the hand in a functional position. Static splints can be used to:
Protect weakened muscles from over stretching or to keep functioning muscles from contacting.
Support the hand to allow for resting or healing
Prevent or correct deformities
Dynamic Splints:
Dynamic hand splint consists of a static base and one or more moving parts. This allows mobility in certain directions but also controls the degree and directions of movement. A dynamic splint is used to assist weak muscles or serve as a substitute for absent or significantly decreased muscle power and mobilize stiff joints. Dynamic Splints are usually used to:
Correct or prevent a deformity, as with tightening joints or contracting muscles
Prevent weakened muscles from overstretching
Provide an even muscle balance where there is an imbalance
Assist in strengthening weak muscles or tendons
Prepare for surgical procedures such as gaining better range of motions prior to surgery
Commonly Used Splints:
Anti Spastic Splint
Elbow Night Splint
Night Resting or Paddle Splints
Wrist Support Splint/ Cock-up Splint
Thumb Spica Splint
Finger Extension Splint
Our Services
Assess clients with upper limb issues affecting hand functions and ADLs
Recommend clients for upper limb splints and exercises
Refer clients to external agencies such as SGH, KKH, and TTSH for surgical and non-surgical interventions
Provide follow-up services
Our Team:
Hand Surgeon
Occupational Therapist
Nurse
Teacher / Training Officer
Feeding and Swallowing Clinic
Individuals with special needs such as those with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, global developmental delay, oral motor difficulties etc., may encounter difficulties in feeding and swallowing. A team of professionals, including Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) and Occupational Therapists (OT) conduct the clinic once a month for in-house clients with feeding and swallowing issues to facilitate better eating, drinking and oro-motor skills.
Functions of the clinic
Identifies the nature of feeding and swallowing difficulties, their causes, and ramifications and provides intervention for clients with feeding and swallowing problems by working closely with teachers, parents and caregivers.
Makes appropriate recommendations on feeding techniques, strategies and/or use of feeding adaptive devices for continual implementation at school and home.
Provides parents/caregivers with feeding special assistive devices (e.g. special spoon, bottle, cup, plate, etc.) and oral motor tools depending on the availability of items at nominal charges.
Conducts training courses on “Foundation skills for handling clients with eating and swallowing disorders, and Foundation skills for handling clients with food refusal issues” for Caregivers, Parents, and Foreign Domestic Workers. These courses are approved for Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) and Foreign Domestic Workers’ Grant (FDWG) by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).
Audiology Clinic
Audiology clinic conducts hearing screening and diagnostic testing for individuals with hearing related issues. Individuals with Cerebral Palsy are prone to have middle ear infections due to their difficulties in feeding & swallowing. This calls for a need to monitor the middle ear status of these individuals. Early identification of middle ear conditions(s) is essential to treat and prevent hearing loss in them. Hearing also might deteriorate due to ageing in these individuals similar to the typical population.
Therefore, periodical hearing evaluation is required for individuals with Cerebral Palsy and other associated conditions.
Functions of the Clinic:
Provides services such as
- Behavioural Observation Audiometry (BOA) for assessing the hearing acuity in infants and children, using reflexive and orientating responses to sound
- Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA) to test the hearing acuity in children using conditioned responses to sound by engaging in play-oriented activities
- Conventional Audiometry to assess hearing sensitivity through a specific response (such as hand-raising or button pushing) to an acoustic stimulus
- Aided Audiometry for individuals using hearing amplification system (i.e., Hearing Aids/Cochlear Implants)
- Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex Threshold (ART) for identifying the middle ear problems
- Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) for screening the inner ear function
Assistive Technology Clinic
Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Professionals in the Assistive Technology Clinic assess children and adults diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and other conditions, prescribe AT equipment and devices, and train clients, parents, caregivers and teaching staff in their use to maximise our clients’ potential to participate in activities meaningful to them and their families.
AT devices include the following :-
Wheeled Mobility Devices and Walking Aids
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) equipment
Electronic aids for daily living
Sensory and vision aids
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
Classroom and architectural modifications
Alternative computer access
Home and workplace modifications
Seating and positioning aids
Contact
65 Pasir Ris Drive 1
Singapore 519529
Tel : 6585 5600
https://www.facebook.com/cpasingapore/
http://www.cpas.org.sg/
Company OverviewFormerly known as Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS), was established in 1957 to provide persons with Cerebral Palsy and multiple disabilities with early intervention, special education, rehabilitation services, day activity centre programmes, vocational training and gainful employment in Singapore.
Our Services:
- Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC)
- Special Education School
- Adult Services: Goodwill, Rehabilitation, and Occupational Workshop (GROW)
- Adult Services: Day Activity Centre (DAC)
- Home Management Programme
- Rehabilitation Centre
Vision, Mission, Core Values
Vision
Empowering all persons with Cerebral Palsy to realise their full potential and lead fulfilled, dignified lives.
Mission
Dedication to:
- Delivering fully integrated programmes and services at the highest standards with passion, integrity, care, and excellence
- Creating awareness of Cerebral Palsy, and advocating equal opportunities for all persons with the condition
Core Values – HEART
Hope
We seek to inspire hope in the hearts of our clients
Empowerment
Our aim is to empower our clients to overcome their challenges and live a life without limits
Aspiration
Never content with the status quo, we aspire not to only enhance the lives of our clients, but also our service and capabilities
Respect
Respect is a fundamental value that guides the actions of our staff
Trust
Above all, we value the trust that clients place in our organisation’s programmes and services
WHAT IS CEREBRAL PALSY?
Cerebral (brain) Palsy (lack of muscle control) is an inclusive term to describe a group of non-progressive disorders occurring in young children in which injury to the brain causes impairment of motor function.
The degree of the disabilities range from extreme tightness or looseness of the body muscles, improper head, shoulder or hip control to speech impairment. Cerebral Palsy is not curable. This can occur during pregnancy, at birth, or in the early years of the child due to illness or injury to the brain.
Early Intervention Programme For Infants and Children (EIPIC)
The Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) was established on 1 April 2005. It provides early therapy intervention for children aged from a few months to 6 years old who suffer from one or more disabilities.
EIPIC equips them with skills which will prepare them for admission into either a Special Education School or mainstream school.
The aim of EIPIC is to maximise the developmental growth of each child by providing holistic and individual developmental programmes.
Roles and Responsibilities of EIPIC
To provide holistic and individual developmental programmes
To prevent and minimise the risk of secondary disabilities through support and training for the child and family
To provide rehabilitative, therapeutic and supportive services
To provide integration support to mainstream preschool
CURRICULUM
Every child enrolled in EIPIC is required to attend a mandatory of 260 hours (18 months and above) of lessons on a yearly basis as stipulated by the National Council of Social Services (NCSS) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to qualify for subsidies.
The EIPIC initiatives and programmes include:
COPE (Children’s Outreach Programme and Education)
COPE is an integration programme to bridge the gap between the Early Intervention Programme and mainstream preschools. The programme offers students with different childhood disabilities the opportunity to participate in regular education preschool experiences alongside typically developing children.
Interventionist visits the student’s preschool to facilitate the child’s participation in the classroom. Support may include provisions of various prompts, or the implementation of specific skills acquisition programmes and motivation systems aimed at promoting a student’s independence and responsiveness to new teachers or peers. Regular meetings with preschool teachers and parents are held to ensure that all parties are working on similar goals and expectations.
Music and Movement Class (Within school hours)
A special education trained Music instructor is employed to conduct Music and Movement Classes for all EIPIC students. Students will be exposed to various forms of music, instruments, movement and rhythm to facilitate the learning potential through Music.
EIPIC Water Play Based Class (Not in school hours)
Water Play Based Classes, in collaboration with the Physiotherapy department, focus on helping children with Cerebral Palsy to relax their muscles and move their limbs freely in the water. The water buoyancy provides support, relieves weight-bearing pressure on the joints, and enables them to move their limbs much easier as compared to being on land. The warm water also reduces pain and relaxes muscle spasms.
Holiday Programme
CPAS EIPIC provides Holiday Programmes to allow exploration for creativity of the students, explore some hands on experiences through activities, and provide sensory integration for children with special needs. Activities likes Creative Arts, Camping, Music and Drama, Cooking, playing games etc. The aim of the programme is to maximize the learning potential and development of gross motor skills, fine motor skills, cognitive skills, social emotional skills and communication skills through different activities.
Community Integration Programme
This programme plays an important role in enhancing emotional well-being of children with special needs by developing healthy interpersonal social skills in unstructured situations.
About Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School (CPASS)
At CPASS, we offer the SPED Curriculum, as recommended by the Ministry of Education. In this curriculum, students pursue learning outcomes in three areas:
Living
Learning
Working
Students will achieve learning in six domains:
Social-Emotional
Academic (Literacy, Numeracy and Science)
Daily Living
Vocational
Physical Education and Sports
The Arts
Information Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT is a key enabler for teaching and learning, and Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) as the foundation for a values-based special education to nurture and instil a sense of belonging to the nation.
Mission
To equip our students with a holistic education to Live Meaningfully, Learn Continuously, Work Productively
School Vision
A Community of Happy Learners in Living, Learning, Working
Values
Confidence; Respect; Resilience
Beliefs
Everyone is Special; Everyone can Learn; Everyone can Serve
About GROW
Goodwill, Rehabilitation and Occupational Workshop (GROW)
GROW was established in September 1984. It is a sheltered workshop that provides vocational training and sheltered employment for adults aged 16 years old and above with Cerebral Palsy and other associated disability conditions.
We train and involve the trainees in work activities at our social enterprise initiatives and sheltered workshop. Such vocational activities provide meaning to our trainees; fulfil their desire for self-development, self-esteem and provide an avenue for them to reach out socially to the public.
Objectives
Manage commercial sub-contract work for trainees
Operate social enterprise initiatives
Provide additional caregiver support, welfare services, and rehabilitative therapy for our trainees
Value-Added Services for Trainees
Besides vocational training and on-the-job training, trainees can look forward to:
Therapy Services
Counselling Services
Social and Vocational Skills Development
Community Integration Activities
Contract Out-sourcing Services for Commercial Businesses
CPAS is a voluntary welfare organisation that aims to match your company’s interest with the capabilities of our disabled workforce.
We can provide you with quality manpower possessing good work ethics, to handle your outsourced contract work requirements. Our trainees are well-trained to carry out labour-intensive projects under the close supervision of our Workshop Instructors to ensure quality assurance and to meet project deadlines.
Our services include
Manual sorting and packing
Assembly work
Labelling
Pamphlet/brochure/letter shopping and mailing
Many more…
Social Enterprise Projects
We also operate social enterprise initiatives, either in-house or collaborate with business partners, in areas of F&B and retail business. These social enterprise projects serve as training grounds for trainees to learn various vocational or business skills and customer service, under the close supervision of our Workshop Instructors. These projects also provide trial-employment opportunities, advocating the economic and social self-sufficiency of our trainees, building on an enterprise foundation.
Examples of social enterprises which we operate include
Orange Garden Cafe
Goodwill Thrift Shop
Goodwill Push Carts
Goodwill Gifts
Seasonal Greeting Cards
Recycling
We are an enterprise, where artistic and gift-making talents of our disabled community are show-cased through the creation of unique and inspiring corporate and consumer lifestyle gift items for sales, aimed at generating sustainable earnings for operation-ability. Our range of products features from the adaptations of world art, inspired and hand-drawn by our in-house disabled artists. Therefore, the products are unique (each design is one of a kind) and appeals to consumers and corporate customers alike. These are high-quality and environmental-friendly products, created to meet consumer needs, while pitched to support a social cause.
About DAC
Day Activity Centre (DAC)
Established in February 2006, DAC provides care and skills training to persons with Cerebral Palsy and other associated physical disabilities, aged 16 to 55 years, who are not suitable for sheltered employment or whose family members are unable to take care of them during the day.
Mission
- Develop the optimal capabilities of our clients and enrich their lives
- Provide some respite for caregivers to give them the space to pursue their personal economic activities or rest, with the knowledge that their loved ones are well cared for
- Nurture self-help skills through a balanced and structured curriculum covering extensive daily living activities and community living skills training. In addition, we also enhance the curriculum with various forms of therapy rehabilitation care, healthy meals and fun recreational activities
- Help our clients to lead more independent and meaningful lives by providing a holistic and client-based programme
About Home Management Programme and Outpatient Programme
Home Management Programme (HMP)
The Home Management Programme provides therapy and social intervention to clients with Cerebral Palsy who are severely disabled and in need of therapy, but who are not able to travel and whose caregivers are unable to bring them to the Outpatient programme at CPAS.
The therapies provided include physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The therapists will travel to the homes of the clients for therapy sessions.
Outpatient Programme (OP)
The Outpatient Programme provides therapy and social interventions for clients with Cerebral Palsy and other physical disabilities that are in need of therapy. Some of the therapies provided include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and also speech and language pathology.
Our Outpatient programme takes place at the centre, hence, it caters mainly to those who can travel around or arrange for their own transport via their caregivers.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy is the use of purposeful activities and a variety of treatment methods to obtain a desired level of functioning in self care, work and leisure.
Occupational therapists address the functional needs related to
Sensory processing and integration
Visual perception/cognition
Hand function prewriting and writing skills
Activities of daily living and life skills training
Posture and movement
Positioning and special seating
Sensory Integration
This programme involves assessment and treatment of sensory issues affecting the client’s function.
As defined, sensory integration is the neurological process that organises sensation from one’s body and from the environment which makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment.
The focus of this treatment is the client’s sensory experience and the adaptive response in the context of play and purposeful activities to prepare him/her for learning higher level skills.
Visual Perceptual and Cognitive Skills
This training has the primary objective of helping clients to develop and/or improve visual perception which means the ability to interpret and use what is seen. This is one of the important pre-requisite skills to develop and/or improve cognitive components such as attention, memory, concept formation and problem solving which are necessary for higher level learning and education. Therapists use remedial activities and train clients to use different strategies.
Hand Function, Pre-Writing and Handwriting Programme
This is done in individual or group therapy sessions wherein therapists use practical approaches to develop and/or improve pre-writing, writing, scissoring and other school-related skills based on knowledge from biomechanical and ergonomic principles, neuro developmental, perceptual-motor and sensory integration incorporated in creative activities.
Activities of Daily Living and Life Skills Training Programme
One on one goal-directed therapy intervention is provided to clients to help them develop and/or improve movement and posture, gross and fine motor skills, strength and coordination needed to acquire daily living skills such as eating, dressing and grooming with maximum independence, with or without the use of assistive devices.
Clients are also trained to perform advanced daily living skills and pre-vocational skills through age-appropriate activities.
This training is carried out on an individual or group basis. It assists clients to develop or improve task-coping and self-coping skills through simulated and actual training such as mobility in the community, taking public transport, managing money, consumer skills such as shopping, and performing basic household tasks such as meal preparation and cooking.
Consultation and provision of professional advice on environmental modification at school, home and work to promote accessibility and independence. Occupational Therapists recommend special wheelchairs and daily living equipment such as special feeding devices to help in life skills.
Specialised Service
Occupational Therapists are qualified to provide consultation in Neurodevelopmental Clinic, Sensory Integration Clinic, Hand Clinic, Seating Clinic, Assistive Technology Clinic, and Feeding Clinic.
- Special Seating and Seating Clinic
- Hand Clinic
- Sensory Integration Clinic
- Assistive Technology Clinic
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment Clinic
- Equipment Loan Library
Parents / Caregivers and Teachers Training Programme
The department has trained professionals with advanced certification in training and assessment.
The department conducts various training programmes for parents, caregivers and teachers on:
- Seating and positioning
- Pre-writing and handwriting skills
- Visual perception and cognition
- Upper limb facilitation, hand function, fine motor skills
- Sensory stimulation and sensory integration
- Activities of daily living
- Assistive technology
- Visual perception
- Motor planning
- Transitional skill for vocational training – pre-vocational skills
Physiotherapy
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy involves the assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of pain, injury, or any other physical dysfunction, through the use of education, exercise, manual therapy, electro-physical agents, technology or any other treatment for those purposes (Allied Health Professions Act, 2011).
How can Physiotherapists Help?
- Teach the correct handling and positioning of your child so as to prevent contractures and joint deformities.
- Advise and prescribe the correct (Orthopaedic) orthotic, mobility equipment for your child.
- Facilitate motor development and enhance your child’s independence
- Advice on the use of walking aids for your child.
- Modify home environment to increase accessibility
- Physiotherapists, using in-depth knowledge of child development, motor training and movement science, can help facilitate and enhance your child’s ability to move and function as independently as possible.
Services Rendered
Therapeutic Management
- Individualised Therapy Management Programme: Intensive customised physiotherapy intervention
- Trans-Disciplinary Programme: Consultations provided on physiotherapy interventions in classroom and home environment
- Tough and Trim Programme: Programme to reduce or maintain weight for children who are overweight or are at risk of becoming overweight
- Hydrotherapy (if provided as a physiotherapy management): This programme utilises buoyancy and support of water to facilitate functional movement
- Horse-riding (Hippotherapy): This programme is run in conjunction with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). Horse-riding helps improve balance and confidence
- Equipment Loan Programme: Therapy equipment is loaned out to caregivers to carry out the therapy at home
- Gymnasium Activity Programme: Programme focuses on the adults in the Goodwill, Rehabilitation, and Occupational Workshop (GROW) to improve and maintain physical status
- Day Activity Centre (DAC) Group Therapy: Programme focuses on the adults in the DAC to maintain physical status
- Home Management Programme: Customised physiotherapy services provided in collaboration with an Occupational Therapist for adult clients with Cerebral Palsy at their home to maintain physical status
Specialist Clinics
Orthopaedic Clinic and Paediatric Neurology Clinic
Specialists from various hospitals carry out routine check-ups on children and offer advice to parents.
Psychology
As mental health professionals, psychologists play an integral role in supporting the functional development of individuals with learning and developmental difficulties. They assess the psychosocial, emotional and cognitive abilities of individuals with special needs in order to facilitate their learning. Psychologists consult with medical professionals and collaborate with allied health professionals, interventionists, support staff, parents and families, in supporting the holistic development of individuals with special needs.
Social Work
Social Work
Social Workers assist clients and their families to cope with issues resulting from disabilities and helping the clients to realise their full potential.
Social Workers offer the following services:
Information and Referrals
- Follow up on referrals to the Association
- Arrange initial screening sessions with Trans-Disciplinary team of professionals regarding the suitability of referred clients for enrolment into any programmes
- Refer clients to suitable service agencies in the community if necessary
Casework and Counseling
Provide psycho-social assessment of the clients’ family situation
- Home visitations
- Provide counselling to individual clients and their families to clarify options and strengthen decision making
Financial Assistance
Provide means testing of clients to establish their eligibilities for subsidies from various existing schemes
Assess families for financial assistance applications to purchase recommended equipment from internal and external resources
Link with Community Resources
Provide linkages with other social service providers and community groups to meet the multiple needs of the clients
Connect clients and their families to appropriate resources and support networks in the community
Parents and Caregivers Support
Facilitate training sessions for parents on relevant topics to enable them to be effective caregivers
Facilitate mutual support among parents to reinforce positive caregiving behaviours
Conduct support groups for parents and caregivers
Agency Visits
Organise agency visits for parents of graduating students to assist them in their child’s transition planning
Speech & Language Pathology
Speech & Language Pathology Department
Speech & Language Pathologists (SLP) focus on the Assessment and Management of Speech, Language, Communication, and Feeding and Swallowing difficulties. A team of professionals work together to help children to achieve their fullest potential.
Our team of SLPs hold post graduation degrees from renowned universities. Most of them hold certifications like Hanen, Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), Neuro Developmental Therapy (NDT), VitalStim, Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) . They are also trained in Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) and Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT).
Clinical activities
The Speech and Language Pathology Department carries out routine initial screening to assess the current status of a client’s speech, language, cognitive-communication, and feeding and swallowing skills prior to intervention. The SLPs provide therapy services for articulation, language and literacy, social communication, and dysphagia. We also provide intervention through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) by using high tech and low tech devices for clients who have problems with speech intelligibility and for clients with complex communication needs. Our caseload includes a wide range of clients with Global Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders and clients with feeding and swallowing difficulties. Depending on the client’s needs, speech therapy can be provided on an individual, group and classroom basis SLPs work closely with teachers to ensure the clients benefit maximally . In addition, we carry out hearing screening for our clients in our Audiology Clinic whenever necessary.
Speech therapy services are offered to different programmes like
Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (6 months to 6 years)
CPAS Special School (7 to 18 years)
Out-patient therapy services
Specialised Clinics
Feeding/Swallowing Clinic:
Speech and Language Pathology department conducts a “Feeding & Swallowing Clinic” once in a month on consultation basis. The clients with feeding and/or swallowing issues from the CPAS Special School, Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children EIPIC, DAC, GROW and Out-Patient clients will be referred the clinic. The main focus of this clinic is to evaluate and manage feeding and swallowing issues. It also facilitates active participation among parents, caregivers & teachers in order to improve the quality of life of the clients.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation:
We provide therapeutic intervention for the treatment of dysphagia through Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) via VitalStim. It is an intervention that is non-invasive and uses external neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy that re-educates the throat muscles needed for swallowing. Speech and Language Pathology Department conducts specialised VitalStim therapy after selecting suitable clients enrolled in various CPAS programmes, based on appropriate referrals from other professionals involving in these programmes.
Parent/ Caregiver Training
The Speech and Language Pathology department conducts various training programmes regularly for parents, caregivers, teachers and foreign domestic workers on communication, feeding/swallowing and oro-motor techniques.
These include special workshops such as Foundation skills in handling children with communication and language issues, Foundation skills in handling children with eating, drinking and swallowing issues, as well as Hanen – It Takes Two to Talk and Hanen- More Than Words .
The caregiver trainings are supported and funded by AIC. The department also organise trainings like Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Functions Courses (MORE) for allied health professionals . All trainers are recognised by AIC.
Advocacy and Outreach
Speech and Language Pathology department commemorates Speech Therapy Week every year in the first week of November to create and promote awareness among the public about the role of SLPs in the management of communication, speech, language, literacy and swallowing disorders. The department also organise open houses, public talks and other activities in conjunction with this event. It also encourages visits from local, regional and international communities by both professionals and non-professionals alike. .
Clinical Education
SLPs at the department are recognised clinical educators by the National Education Association Singapore. The department also welcomes students on SLP programmes from local, regional and international education institutes for clinical placements.
Sensory Integration Clinic
Clients with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Global Developmental Delay, and/or Cerebral Palsy may encounter sensory processing or sensory integrative disorders. Our therapists conducting the Sensory Integration Clinic are all certified in Sensory Integration techniques.
Objectives of the clinic:
- Provide thorough assessment and intervention services for individuals with sensory integrative or sensory processing disorders by working closely with teachers, parents and caregivers to identify the nature of sensory issues that affects the client’s function, their causes, and ramifications.
- Make appropriate recommendations and provide home programme and classroom accommodation for follow up service.
- Conduct training for teachers, parents and caregivers
Special Seating and Seating Clinic
Seating Clinic at CPAS offers children and adults with physical disabilities a variety of seating and mobility services. It is held by the Occupational Therapy Department every other month to provide comprehensive evaluation and recommendation for a proper seating system.
Prior to the Seating Clinic appointment, the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist evaluate each client, and together with the parent/caregiver, decide the type of special seat /mobility device that will best address the needs to perform activities of daily living. During the clinic, an Orthopaedic Surgeon examines the clients, looks into the medical aspects of the seating system and endorses our therapist’s recommendation for a proper special seat. Upon endorsement, the therapist briefs the parents/caregivers on funding, delivery and service of custom equipment.
Once payment is made, the therapist contacts the vendor for measurement, fitting and delivery of equipment. This service will ensure that the fit of the prescribed equipment is appropriate, and the wheelchair and seating system are adjusted to maximise function and postural support.
Our Services
The following services are provided in the clinic to address each client’s specific seating and mobility needs:
- Seating and Posture Evaluation is performed by therapists to determine the flexibility of postural impairment and recommend appropriate seating system to address balance and pressure issue, improve posture and enhance functional independence.
- Wheelchair evaluation is performed by the Occupational Therapist to determine the most efficient and functional means of mobility.
- Wheelchair training is provided to clients to optimise the functions in organisation premises, home environment and community settings.
- Referral to our Social Work Department is made by the therapist for financially needy clients to arrange funding for seating and mobility equipment.
- Collaboration with wheelchair vendor to ensure appropriateness of equipment.
Once the equipment arrives, clients and caregivers visit the clinic for an extensive customisation, fitting and training session to ensure that goals are met. During these visits, the therapist teaches clients and caregivers how to use the equipment, make minor adjustment and provides guidance for transfer, safety and care considerations.
Follow-up services such as repair, modification and maintenance are provided to guarantee that the equipment maintains a proper fit in case of growth or medical changes.
Our Team
The Seating Clinic includes skilled specialists with expertise in determining the seating solution that best meet the needs of our clients. Our team consists of:
➢ Orthopaedic Surgeon
➢ Occupational Therapist
➢ Physiotherapist
➢ Nurse
➢ Teacher / Training officer
➢ Wheelchair Vendor
Neurodevelopment Clinic (NDT)
Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT) is a problem-solving approach to the examination and treatment of the impairments and functional limitations of individuals with neuropathology primarily children with CP, developmental delay in motor skills and other motor related conditions. These individuals have dysfunction in posture and movement that lead to limitations in functional activity. NDT focuses on the analysis and treatment of motor impairments and functional limitations that physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), and speech and language pathologists (SLP) can address. This approach provides occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech and language pathologists with a common language and conceptual structure for the analysis of motor skill performance.
Functions of the clinic:
Therapist who are certified in Neuro-Developmental Treatment conduct the clinic to
identifies the client’ s motor/movement difficulties that affects his/her daily activities and their causes
provides intervention by working closely with parents/ caregivers and others professionals.
provide appropriate home program and recommendations following the clinic for continual implementation at home and school.
review and re evaluate the clients
Hand Clinic
Occupational Therapy Department holds Hand clinic at Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore every alternate month. The purposes of this clinic are to assess children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological disabilities for their difficulties using upper extremities in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and provide recommendations and referrals for non- surgical interventions such as splinting, bracing, exercises, medication etc… and/or surgical interventions to improve hand functions and increase participation in self- care, social, educational and vocational activities. In our clinic Hand surgeon and Occupational Therapist examine the clients, holds discussions and take collective decisions, together with parents/caregivers, to efficiently address the issues of spasticity and muscle weakness affecting hand functions.
Children with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions affecting muscle tone often present with high tone or hyper tonicity in their bodies, especially in their arms, hands and legs. Often called spasticity, this tone can be very painful, leading to constant muscle spasm or clonus and can eventually cause contactures or fixed deformities and shortened tendons. Spasticity also limits movements and makes manipulating an object, walking and talking, or even just moving difficult or impossible for some children.
While spasticity affects hand functions of the majority of children with cerebral palsy, it can be prevented and treated to some degree. There are a variety of treatments options available to manage spasticity. The non-surgical preventive methods and treatments that are commonly used to address spasticity and its consequences are passive range of motion (stretching) and splinting.
Splinting
Splint is a medical device used to support or immobilise specific parts of the body to facilitate healing, prevent or correct deformities, and improve functions.
The Purpose of Splinting:
One of the main purposes of splinting is to improve hand functions in clients. A splint is custom-made for the client by occupational therapist using low temperature plastic materials and is fitted to each individual. Splints are helpful if there is limited joint range of motion, and they assist in correcting or reducing deformities. They are also used in appropriate positioning of one or several joints. There are two basic types of splints such as static and dynamic splints.
Static Splints
Static splint has no moving parts and are generally used to place the hand in a functional position. Static splints can be used to:
Protect weakened muscles from over stretching or to keep functioning muscles from contacting.
Support the hand to allow for resting or healing
Prevent or correct deformities
Dynamic Splints:
Dynamic hand splint consists of a static base and one or more moving parts. This allows mobility in certain directions but also controls the degree and directions of movement. A dynamic splint is used to assist weak muscles or serve as a substitute for absent or significantly decreased muscle power and mobilize stiff joints. Dynamic Splints are usually used to:
Correct or prevent a deformity, as with tightening joints or contracting muscles
Prevent weakened muscles from overstretching
Provide an even muscle balance where there is an imbalance
Assist in strengthening weak muscles or tendons
Prepare for surgical procedures such as gaining better range of motions prior to surgery
Commonly Used Splints:
Anti Spastic Splint
Elbow Night Splint
Night Resting or Paddle Splints
Wrist Support Splint/ Cock-up Splint
Thumb Spica Splint
Finger Extension Splint
Our Services
Assess clients with upper limb issues affecting hand functions and ADLs
Recommend clients for upper limb splints and exercises
Refer clients to external agencies such as SGH, KKH, and TTSH for surgical and non-surgical interventions
Provide follow-up services
Our Team:
Hand Surgeon
Occupational Therapist
Nurse
Teacher / Training Officer
Feeding and Swallowing Clinic
Individuals with special needs such as those with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, global developmental delay, oral motor difficulties etc., may encounter difficulties in feeding and swallowing. A team of professionals, including Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) and Occupational Therapists (OT) conduct the clinic once a month for in-house clients with feeding and swallowing issues to facilitate better eating, drinking and oro-motor skills.
Functions of the clinic
Identifies the nature of feeding and swallowing difficulties, their causes, and ramifications and provides intervention for clients with feeding and swallowing problems by working closely with teachers, parents and caregivers.
Makes appropriate recommendations on feeding techniques, strategies and/or use of feeding adaptive devices for continual implementation at school and home.
Provides parents/caregivers with feeding special assistive devices (e.g. special spoon, bottle, cup, plate, etc.) and oral motor tools depending on the availability of items at nominal charges.
Conducts training courses on “Foundation skills for handling clients with eating and swallowing disorders, and Foundation skills for handling clients with food refusal issues” for Caregivers, Parents, and Foreign Domestic Workers. These courses are approved for Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) and Foreign Domestic Workers’ Grant (FDWG) by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).
Audiology Clinic
Audiology clinic conducts hearing screening and diagnostic testing for individuals with hearing related issues. Individuals with Cerebral Palsy are prone to have middle ear infections due to their difficulties in feeding & swallowing. This calls for a need to monitor the middle ear status of these individuals. Early identification of middle ear conditions(s) is essential to treat and prevent hearing loss in them. Hearing also might deteriorate due to ageing in these individuals similar to the typical population.
Therefore, periodical hearing evaluation is required for individuals with Cerebral Palsy and other associated conditions.
Functions of the Clinic:
Provides services such as
- Behavioural Observation Audiometry (BOA) for assessing the hearing acuity in infants and children, using reflexive and orientating responses to sound
- Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA) to test the hearing acuity in children using conditioned responses to sound by engaging in play-oriented activities
- Conventional Audiometry to assess hearing sensitivity through a specific response (such as hand-raising or button pushing) to an acoustic stimulus
- Aided Audiometry for individuals using hearing amplification system (i.e., Hearing Aids/Cochlear Implants)
- Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex Threshold (ART) for identifying the middle ear problems
- Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) for screening the inner ear function
Assistive Technology Clinic
Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Professionals in the Assistive Technology Clinic assess children and adults diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and other conditions, prescribe AT equipment and devices, and train clients, parents, caregivers and teaching staff in their use to maximise our clients’ potential to participate in activities meaningful to them and their families.
AT devices include the following :-
Wheeled Mobility Devices and Walking Aids
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) equipment
Electronic aids for daily living
Sensory and vision aids
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
Classroom and architectural modifications
Alternative computer access
Home and workplace modifications
Seating and positioning aids
Contact
65 Pasir Ris Drive 1
Singapore 519529
Tel : 6585 5600
