Making a cup of coffee, dressing up yourself, or writing a simple message to a loved one – these are seemingly simple things that we do on a daily basis without much thought or effort.

But what if we lose the ability to use our dominant hand, be it through an accident or illness? These could become daunting tasks that challenge our self-reliance every day, and leading to a slow relearning process of using our non-dominant hand.

Globally, about 10%* are left-handed and they face many day-to-day challenges, similar to people who lose their ability to use their dominant hand. Many left-handers have learnt to overcome their challenges and we believe people with disabilities can do so too!

About Terence

45-year-old Terence is among the many individuals whom SPD is supporting and had to learn the most basic activities of daily living, very often with his non-dominant hand.

He studied interior design in the polytechnic and was offered the chance to go abroad. But when he was 23, Terence contracted Viral Encephalitis, a viral infection to the brain. He lost the ability to walk, speak and the control of his bladder.

Terence had to relearn everything at our day activity centre – walking, speaking and holding the pencil to draw again.

Every day, our therapists worked with people with disabilities (PWD) like Terence to help them learn and maintain their functional mobility so as to perform daily tasks.

Watch Terence’s story at www.youtube.com.

SPD Left Hand Challenge

SPD is initiating the SPD Left Hand Challenge to encourage individuals like you to step into the shoes of a person with disability to experience and overcome one day-to-day challenge.

In doing so, you can not only raise awareness of these day-to-day challenges faced by people with disabilities but also raise much needed funds to help them access therapy services and care to learn how to overcome their challenges.

You can choose from a range of activities such as:

• Writing an encouraging message for PWDs
• Opening a can drink or pack of potato chips
• Playing sports e.g. basketball or bowling
• Putting on makeup
• Drawing or cooking

For more information, visit here.

#SPDSingapore #SPDLeftHandChallenge

*Source: Yusra Masud., and M. Asir Ajmal. (2012). Left-handed People in a Right-handed World: A Phenomenological Study, 2012. Government College University, Lahore

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