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Step into the historic campus of the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), their home since the 1950s, and gain rare insight into the world of the visually impaired. This immersive programme will take you behind the scenes to meet the dedicated staff who support clients in navigating life without sight — from teaching vital mobility skills to navigating pavements and public transport, to producing braille versions of popular novels, and even using smartphones and AI-powered tools to “see” the world.
Participants will begin their journey at the Low Vision Clinic, where clients are first assessed and supported based on their degree of vision loss. Then, explore the Assistive Devices Centre, where you can get hands-on with tools that empower independence — including walking canes, magnifiers, talking clocks, and more.
The visit continues to the Braille Library, a vital resource for the blind community, and the Day Care Centre, which supports elderly clients with visual impairment.
You’ll also go behind the scenes at the Braille Production Centre, where printed materials are painstakingly converted into braille, tactile graphics, and audio books. Meet Jason Setok, supervisor of the centre, and Hafiz Misran, librarian at the SAVH Braille Library — both of whom are visually impaired — as they share their personal stories of resilience, adaptation, and growth. Learn how access to knowledge and evolving technology have supported their journeys toward greater independence, alongside the unwavering support of family, mentors, and loved ones.
Throughout the tour, you’ll meet and hear from visually impaired staff members who will share deeply personal reflections — including the challenges of losing sight later in life, and the strength it takes to relearn everyday tasks, reconnect with the world, and live independently again.
Jason Setok’s Journey
Jason Setok’s path into vision loss began with a deeply traumatic experience. Diagnosed with glaucoma, his sight declined gradually and then suddenly. A former software engineer, Jason found himself unable to rely on the very tools that once defined his career. Even basic tasks, like using a computer, became overwhelming. “I had to relearn everything,” he recalls. He started with small yet significant changes liker arranging his home for better mobility, relying on muscle memory, and most importantly, leaning on the support of friends and a new community he found at the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH).
Through SAVH, Jason joined a support group, connecting with others navigating similar challenges. His journey of rebuilding began with Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training, which equipped him with the skills to move safely and confidently through daily environments. He also completed Braille development training, a stepping stone that enabled him to take on meaningful employment within the organisation.
Today, Jason plays a key role at the Braille Production Centre at SAVH, where he oversees the conversion of printed materials into Braille ensuring information remains accessible for individuals with visual impairment. Recognising his dedication and capability, SAVH promoted Jason to a supervisory position in 2022. His lived experience and professional growth have made him a respected leader and a role model within the organisation.
Jason’s resilience also shines beyond the workplace. From tackling vision loss to rock climbing, he continues to challenge limits and inspire others. He often reflects on one key lesson: the importance of regular eye pressure checks which is something he now encourages others to prioritise.
Hafiz Misran’s Path
Born with retinitis pigmentosa, Hafiz Misran has lived with low vision since childhood. Today, he retains just 7–8% of his sight. A graduate of Lighthouse School, Hafiz joined SAVH as a young adult and has since become an integral part of the team. As a librarian, he manages a free reading service that loans out audio and Braille books to SAVH members and oversees a growing podcast library, accessible via Dropbox or thumb drives. His work is essential in promoting accessible reading and lifelong learning for the visually impaired community.
Hafiz also benefitted from Orientation and Mobility training, which helped him build confidence and independence in his daily life. His creativity and enthusiasm extend well beyond his professional role whom he is an avid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner at Evolve MMA, and a talented guitarist and singer. Hafiz embodies the spirit of self-expression and determination, demonstrating that visual impairment is not a barrier to leading a full and active life.
The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), formerly known as the Singapore Association for the Blind (SAB), is one of the Social Service Agencies (SSAs) for the visually impaired. Founded in 1951, the association is affiliated to the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and is an approved Institution of a Public Character (IPC). Their mission is to help the visually handicapped help themselves by acquiring new skills and gaining self-reliance to cope with the integration into society.
Angeline Soo is a geography teacher and a committed volunteer with My Community’s community design team. In her volunteer role, Angeline works directly with residents in Queenstown and Dawson, helping them to co-design shared community spaces. Her focus is on listening carefully to residents’ stories and ideas, supporting them to reflect what they want to see in their neighbourhoods.
Outside of her teaching and volunteering, Angeline enjoys rock climbing and bouldering. She often spends her free time outdoors, exploring climbing gyms or nature spaces in Singapore.
Through her involvement with the community design team, Angeline helps support My Community’s aim of working with residents to shape places that feel meaningful and personal to them.
Her role is less about leading tours or events, and more about creating spaces for dialogue and participation—ensuring that community members have a chance to share what matters to them and contribute ideas to the future of their neighbourhoods.
Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed.
Limited parking is available at SAVH.
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
