1) Could you tell us about SIGNapse NUS and your team’s motivations for initiating it?

SIGNapse is an interdisciplinary interest group with the passion for the Deaf community and sign language. The group  hopes to be the bridge between the Deaf community and healthcare providers. Recognising the importance of sign language in communicating and understanding patients and clients who belong to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (HOH) community, SIGNapse continues to offer free basic and advanced sign language lessons for students from NUS Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Social Work. The content of the lessons have been specially and carefully curated and tailored to the needs of healthcare students, with syllabus including healthcare terminologies.

2) What was the impact of your project?

In AY20/21, SIGNapse reached out to 310 distinct students through our sign language classes, equipping them with the skills to communicate with the Deaf community. Raising awareness was a key mission for SIGNapse, as we collaborated with other groups including Society of Social Work Students (SSWS), NUS Rotaract Club, NUS Dance Blast! to share about the Deaf culture and sign language syllabus relevant to the group/society. In addition, we actively participated in online campaigns such as the Purple Pledge Parade and SPD Ability Walk of Run 2020, and organized various initiatives during International Week of the Deaf. Through these collective efforts, we were able to promote a more inclusive society!

3) What challenges did your group face while working on it and what motivated you to keep going?

Amidst the pandemic, it was a challenge for SIGNapse to adjust to the COVID-19 restrictions while still achieving our goals. The committee had to conduct online sign language classes, which created challenges for participants to accurately observe and imitate signs, as well as in conveying the meaning of the signs through facial expressions and body language. Nonetheless, with the determination of the committee, we successfully reach out to 310 students through our sign language classes. In addition, the committee was more proactive in initiating, collaborating, and participating in events in AY20/21, successfully completing 19 projects over the course of the year, up from about 9 projects in AY19/20.

4) Are there any recent developments or updates to your project?

After passing the baton over to 2 batches of committee members, SIGNapse has slowly made a smooth transition from online to hybrid, and ultimately physical sign language classes and events. SIGNapse continues to work in collaboration with other organisations such as Equal Dreams and TOUCH Silent Club to raise awareness and support the Deaf community. The committee is exploring the possibility of hiring certified instructors to teach Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) and create more opportunities to interact with the Deaf community.

5) Are there any other projects you have worked/are working on?

Besides SIGNapse, all three of us were also actively involved in other areas of service. Poh Yee was a grassroot leader in her neighbourhood, and Brandon and Amelia were volunteers for academic coaching with one of the residential committees in Clementi.

6)  What are your fondest memories of NUS?

Poh Yee: One of my fondest memories would have to be my student exchange programme in Hong Kong. Despite the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, it taught me the importance of adaptability and independence. During my time there, my friends and I regularly volunteered at an organization, providing support to rough sleepers and seniors. These experiences provided me with a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by different communities, which I wouldn't have gained as a mere tourist in Hong Kong.

Amelia: Having the opportunity to participate and subsequently serve in the Social Work Freshmen Orientation Camp (SWFOC) as well as other activities for social work students was really a blessing. Not only did it allow me to build connections and grow together with like-minded individuals, it also provided a platform for me to share about SIGNapse and our committee’s belief and goals.

7) What have you all been up to since you graduated from NUS?

Brandon graduated as the class of 2021, and returned to serve his bond with the Republic of Singapore Navy where he now serves in the Naval Diving Unit. Amelia graduated as the class of 2022, and now works full-time as a social worker who works with children and youths at-risk. Poh Yee had just completed her final semester and will be graduating as the class of 2023, where she will then enter the force as a social worker who is excited to make a positive difference in the lives of others.