DFG Talk 2017: Seeing Ability in Dis-Ability

Our annual Design For Good (DFG) talk successfully ended on the 11th March!

It has been yet another heartening and humbling year for us as we witnessed the gathering and representation of the ecosystem behind dis-ability.

Our inspiring speakers took the stage to share their own slice of insight and took us on a rewarding session from designing environments to redesigning lives.

Here are some of our DFG highlights from distinguished speakers:

1. Mr. Alfred Yeo

Mr. Yeo started the session by offering fresh perspectives as a member of the Deaf community himself. He shared on how simple changes like including captions in movies and adding kiosks to order a Mcdonald's meal can greatly benefit the community. Inclusion goes beyond sharing the same space- it seeks to cater to the needs of everyone.

2. Mr. Phua Hong Wei

Mr. Phua took the audience further to elaborate on the thought process behind the afamed Enabling Village. The blueprint of the buildings explored dynamic relationships between the user and architecture, and shouldered the responsibility to facilitate a space accessible for everyone, including nature. Interesting elements like upcycling sea containers contribute to the detail-oriented project, giving the village an unique identity and voice of her own.

3. Ms. Ruth Lee Li Sian

Ms. Lee weaved in another refreshing portion as she touched on how a comprehensive, bio-psycho-social model is required to help someone #returntowork. Every journey should be individualised to cater to the potential employee. With empathetic innovation, dedicated return-to-work planners help to matchmake them to new avenues of employment.

4. Dr. Subhasis Banerji

Dr. Subhasis Banerji took the stage and brought in his research and product design of SynPhNe to the DFG table. Rethinking heathcare, he explained the theories of brain and muscle function. Demonstrating the functionality of the wearable device, Dr. Subhasis also shared clips of how stroke patients made considerable improvements in just a few sessions. This case study ended with a live demonstration to facilitate better understanding.

From here, we would like to express our utmost gratitude to everyone who made this happen.

The speakers, our beloved MTC crew and every participant involved in creating an auditorium of joyous, sign-language clapping.

You are the reason why DFG is held year after year, and we appreciate it.

Thank YOU for your continued support!