Year in Review

President's Message

2021 was a year like no other.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged ARC, the staff and beneficiaries like never before.

We join the nation in the battle against the virus. Home-based learning, working from home and major operational adjustments to ensure safe distancing, have all become the new normal.

Technology, already a key feature in ARC’s services, is applied even more widely and intentionally. This is especially evident in the lifelong learning offerings in our flagship organisations, Pathlight School and The Autism Intervention, Training and Consultancy Services.

ARC’s services have impacted thousands of persons on the autism spectrum, their caregivers and professionals in the sector.

At the national level, ARC has led the development of the first Autism Enabling Master Plan with inputs from more than 500 stakeholders. This is achieved through robust consultations and study of local and overseas best practices. We also listened to government and non-government agencies, autistic individuals, families, and professionals. The objective of the Autism Enabling Master Plan is to maximise the potential of the autism community.

We are grateful for the active contributions and support from The Autism Network Singapore in developing the Autism Enabling Master Plan. Members of the network include the Autism Association (Singapore), AWWA, The Rainbow Centre and St. Andrew’s Autism Centre. (ARC is one of the founding member of the Autism Network Singapore.)

The Autism Enabling Master Plan will guide the future and direction of ARC. We have identified the top priorities: learning for life, end-of-life planning, residential living and employment options. The mantra,“ The best way to predict your future is to create it," remains strongly in our DNA.

ARC will continue its partnerships with all its supporters, including co-funders of its signature services. For instance, work is already underway with the Ministry of Education and SG Enable to plan for Pathlight School’s future campuses at Tampines and Tengah.

Thanks to the resilience of all our fellow travellers on this amazing purpose-driven journey, we have remained relevant; maybe a little daunted at times but never defeated.

Please accept my deep appreciation and gratitude.

Thank you for caring and making the difference.

 

Denise Phua Lay Peng
For and on behalf of
Management Committee
Autism Resource Centre (Singapore)

August 2021