Stories to Inspire
Lee Pei Ling
Lee Pei Ling was a trainee under the IT Apprenticeship Programme (ITAP) which gives people with disabilities the opportunity to undergo on-the-job training and structured courses to pick up skills needed in the workplace. Through the programme, Pei Ling managed to step into the open market. Pei Ling’s employment as a Visual Communications Designer involved the collective effort of different departments in SPD and her story is published in the April 2009 issue of Extrapage.
Pei Ling possesses a creative flair that cannot be suppressed, as can be seen from the beautiful floral patterns she paints on her friends' nails. Despite a muscle degenerating condition that limits her movement of her limbs, her dream remained to be a designer.
When Concept Educational Consultancy approached ITAP to fill up the position of a Visual Communications Designer they had available, the trainers saw an opening for Pei Ling and immediately worked out a plan with the firm which produces educational materials.
While doing so, one challenge emerged. Apart from creative work, designers are typically required to make on-site trips for assessments, measurements or to source for suitable places to display their creations. These would be difficult for Pei Ling who uses a bulky motorised wheelchair.
Understanding the difficulties, Julie Choo, director of Concept Education, agrees to Pei Ling working from home whilst she makes the onsite trips instead. Since joining the firm in November 2008, Pei Ling has poured her creativity into various murals she has created for different local schools.
“I'm thankful that Julie has been very understanding and supportive towards me. I'm happy to finally be able to put my imagination into reality with the design software skills I learnt at ITAP,” Pei Ling said.
”We prepare our trainees so that they join the workforce as staff who are competent and capable in their scope of work. ITAP helps them adapt as quickly into their companies as possible. We hope that more employers will give people with disabilities a chance to increase their work experience and find employment and hence, be independent,” said Royson.
The IT Apprenticeship Programme serves to bridge the gap between training and employment for people across disability types. On-the-job training and structured courses provided help equip trainees with the necessary skills set for employment..