The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) is a voluntary welfare organisation, founded in 1951. It is affiliated to the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and is an approved Institution of a Public Character (IPC). The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) is located at 47, Toa Payoh Rise, Singapore 298104.

The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) was formed to aid the visually handicapped help themselves. The objectives of the association are are

To represent the visually handicapped

To promote the welfare of the visually handicapped residents of Singapore

To use the services and increased participation of the visually handicapped in the daily administration and other related activities of the association and its management.

To ensure that the visual handicapped face no barriers in terms of architectural, attitudinal, social, cultural, educational, employment and they receive equality and totally integrated treatment.

To encourage eye-care and safety and research in the prevention and cure of blindness and related diseases

To do all that is possible for attaining the above mentioned objectives as well appeal for financial aid things which aid in the attainment of the above objects.

The association is ever ready to serve Singapore citizens and permanent residents of all age groups provided they have low vision (partial sight), or are blind. This includes people who are born blind as well as those who have lost their vision through accidents or illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, tumour, eye infection and others. Clients are visually handicapped Singapore citizens who can opt for a wide range of services provided by the Association free of charge. Clients may also opt-in for subsidy of assistive devices.

On the other hand members of the Association are those people who have completed the membership form and paid the prescribed membership fees. These people have been proposed and seconded by other members. These members could be people with normal vision or visually impaired.A life member has to pay a one-time membership fee of S$150.00, an Ordinary Member (visually handicapped) has to pay S$5.00 a year and a Sighted Ordinary Member has to pay S$15.00 a year.

The Association performs the following services for the visually impaired

Social Work Services

Low Vision Clinic Services

Vision Rehabilitation Programme

Skills Training

Sheltered Workshop

Assistive Devices Centre

Braille Services

Library Services

Audio Services

Technical Support Unit

Social and Recreational Activities

Social Work Services

These services go a great way in making the visually impaired get in touch and experience the real world. The special training given to them makes them independent. Special vision aids are provided at low cost. The Library and Braille service to a large extent help to increase the knowledge and awareness of the impaired people. Moreover the association organizes many social and recreational activities which bringing about interaction of such people with each other. It also tries to revive if possible the vision of the visually impaired people. The association also train them in vocational areas such as

Telephony / Telemarketing

Typewriting

Computer Literacy/Competency

Internet/Email Usage

English and Chinese Braille

Conversational English and Mandarin

Foot Reflexology and Massage

Piano Lessons

Piano Tuning

Guitar Lessons

Basic Computer Music

Arts and Crafts

Through these activities the visually impaired people can be included in the mainstream of the society and try to lead a normal life as far as possible. Focus Singapore thus presents an exhaustive write up on Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped.

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