The
students from the Aviation Management and Services course from Temasek
Polytechnic, School of Engineering partnered with Singapore Youth Flying Club
volunteered to help introduce aviation to the visually handicapped from the
Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped.
We
let them experience sounds of the jet engine as well as the propeller. It was a
meaningful activity as they depend heavily on sounds, and hearing and
describing them will help them better picture an aircraft.
Explaining
how the propeller and jet engine worked while they had a feel of model
airplanes and helicopters, another sense that they are more familiar
with.
Next
up, it was the activity of fixing their very own toy gliders. There was also a
very interesting explanation given on the gliders that they were holding while
they were feeling around with the models.
Next
activity was bringing the clients to touch as well as sit in an actual
aircraft, the DA40. They get to touch the controls, as well as learn what each
control does. The activity is definitely one that they do not get to experience
everyday. All in all, it was a very meaningful experience for not only the
participants, but also for the helpers.
Samuel
Fok, planner said, “Planning for the event wasn’t easy but on the day when you
see both the volunteers and the clients enjoying themselves. You just know that
what you did was worth it.”
Toh
Ying En, volunteer said, “ At first it was awkward as you don’t know how to
approach them but as I talk to the client the awkwardness began to fade away. I
had fun and I gain experience such as how to handle a visually impaired person.
For example, you shouldn’t pull their hand but let them hold your elbow or
shoulder instead.”
Written By:
Jonathan Kua & Samuel Fok
