meet our educator / guides!
Melissa Yeo
About Melissa:
Hi! My name is Melissa. I lost my eyesight due to retina detachment 17 years ago, when I was aged 35, and now, totally blind. Contrary to popular belief, I am not seeing complete darkness, despite the fact that I have no light perception. I am able to see shades of white, black, green and red occasionally, but they have no representation whatsoever.
I am a mother of 3 wonderful daughters. When I lost my sight, they were merely 6, 4 and 3 years old. Losing my sight was undoubtedly a major life event, especially when it was unanticipated. Nonetheless, this did not and will not stop me from living my best life in the present day.
I continue to work, cook, socialise and learn despite my disability.
I hope for everyone to be educated on disabilities and the people alike- that we have the yearning to learn, the necessity to have financial independence, and the need to belong.
I have optimism and faith that able-bodied people will have the opportunity to interact with people with disabilities as time goes by, eventually seeing us as individuals who are capable of great things. Even if those great things might have some hurdles of adaptation, technology and with the need of social support.
I believe that the world will continue to grow into a more inclusive place, and I implore you to be the start of it! Let’s grow and move forward together.
Sebastian Quek
Hi, I’m Sebastian, and I am 50 years old. I live with glaucoma, one of the world's leading causes of blindness. This disease causes fluid to build up in the eye, raising intraocular pressure until it gradually damages the optic nerve and deteriorates vision.
I first noticed issues nearly 30 years ago while I was in polytechnic—classroom slides looked far too bright and blurry. After seeking a check-up, I was diagnosed with high eye pressure. At the time, I felt like I was losing my sight, my independence, my social life, and even a part of myself.
And that leads me to the present. I am an outgoing person who loves to socialise, catch up with friends and family, and engage in outdoor sports. I maximise my time by moving around a lot, often taking brisk walks with my three-year-old Labrador guide dog, Vogue. I am also a proud father to two children, aged 13 and 17.
My disability has fostered resilience, independence, and strong problem-solving skills. As PWDs, we constantly adapt to everyday challenges in a world not designed for us. This is why we need the support of our peers and community—we must acknowledge both our strengths and our weaknesses.
I rely on technology in various ways, and it's amazing how far it has come to help me regain most of the independence I had lost.
My journey taught me that resilience isn’t about denying difficulties or pretending to be strong. It’s about accepting change, adapting, and having the courage to embrace help. For me, that resilience came through many forms—learning to use a white cane, asking for support, and finding a partner and companion in Vogue.
I wish that the mindset of inclusion and empathy for differently-abled people could progress just as quickly as our economy and technology do.
Roger
I am a 38-year-old Executive who blends administrative precision with a passion for creative design. Born with congenital heart disease, my journey took an unexpected turn when I survived a stroke at the age of 20, which resulted in weakness on the left side of my body. Far from letting this define my limitations, I have mastered the ability to function independently and effectively, adapting to perform all tasks using my right side. I bring this spirit of resilience and adaptability to my professional life, offering robust operational support alongside strong design capabilities to deliver unique value in every role I undertake.
Stephen Yeo
As a pioneer in Singapore’s disability landscape, I co-founded the Singapore Handicaps Friendship Club in 1969, which evolved into the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA), where I championed critical advancements in accessibility and specialised transportation. My advocacy has extended to international platforms in Japan, Manila, and France, reinforcing my commitment to global disability leadership. My journey is defined by profound resilience; having triumphed over thyroid and gall bladder cancer as well as a stroke, I have channelled this strength into a career of professional excellence. Whether securing safety certifications for MS Marine or receiving the SQ Glowing Star Award at NUHS and multiple Long Service Awards at StarHub, I have dedicated my life to high standards of customer care and operational integrity, embodying the belief that personal challenges only strengthen one's capacity to serve.
Janell
Hi! I’m Janell. When I was 12 years old, my life took an unexpected turn due to a rare condition called Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). Navigating the transition from being able-bodied to living with a disability certainly wasn’t easy, but looking back, I am so grateful for the person I’ve become through it. That journey taught me the true meaning of resilience and sparked a growth in me that I carry into everything I do.
I’m a naturally active person with a huge heart for people. In my free time, I love baking, playing sports, and volunteering. If you haven’t guessed by my hobbies, I thrive on interaction and helping others! It’s this passion that drives my ambition to pursue a career in the social service sector, where I hope to turn my lived experiences into meaningful support for others.
I’m always looking for ways to stay engaged and give back to the community. I believe that despite any hurdles, we can still live vibrant, connected lives—so feel free to 'jio' me out anytime! Let’s connect and make something great happen together