Aloysius Low, who has moderate support needs, started attending St. Andrew’s Autism Centre’s (SAAC) Day Activity Centre (DAC) in 2010.
Now 31, he is a talented artist whose work has been affirmed by the estate of Antoine de Saint-Exupery (The Little Prince). His work has also featured on the takeaway box for Conrad Centennial Singapore’s afternoon tea in 2022.
At the DAC, Aloysius receives vocational training in urban farming, packing and craftwork.
Urban farming is part of the Dignity of Work programme by SAAC – there are plans to turn it from vocational training into a supported employment farm. The latter will recruit 10 to 12 persons with autism, who will work about 4 hours every weekday and be paid every month.
Read on to find out what Aloysius enjoys about working at the farm and about coming to DAC every day.
Do you like working at the farm?
Yes, I like the farm on the rooftop… (use) water (to) clean up the rooftop… clean up the tray… put (plants) in a clean pot. And I cut the vegetables.
What did you do this morning at the farm?
Washing (vegetables). I also did… transplanting. I like growing, transplanting, harvesting, packing… I like packing most. Yes, I am good at farming… Hey, I’m Matilda.
Do you like farming or painting more?
Painting. Painting red and painting orange and painting pink and painting yellow and painting green and painting blue… and heart.
Are you good at painting and drawing?
Yes.
Can you show me your drawings?
[Opens his sketchbook] Noddy. This is Little Red Riding Hood. This is Mary, Peter, pig, and cat. Humpty Dumpty.
Do you draw every day?
Yes… [Continues flipping the sketchbook] Big Bad Wolf. Nursery. Titch… the wicked witch. Hansel and Gretel children. The end.
Do you like to come to DAC?
Yes, because… friends (in Groundbreakers class).
What do you want to do after this?
Go home.
Our DACs play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for persons with autism. Our primary goal is to foster independence and develop essential life skills for Special Education (Sped) graduates who are not work-ready at the point of graduation. We firmly believe that persons with autism can find meaningful engagement and even productive employment when provided with the right support. More info here.
