At SPD’s Day Activity Centre (DAC), care is woven into the everyday moments. Every reassuring smile, patient ear and guiding hand helps create a safe and supportive environment where persons with disabilities can learn, grow and connect.
In this second instalment of the Power of Care series, we meet Pasia Maria Vanessa Barias, project officer of the DAC Without Walls (DWW) initiative who shares how she brings warmth and dedication to her role.
UPDATES: What does your role as a project officer involve?
Vanessa: I began my journey as a training officer at the DAC and, after more than 10 years, took up the role of a project officer for the DWW programme in 2022.
In DWW, we work on including adults with mild to moderate disabilities into accessible community settings. I assist in the planning and implementation of events and activities such as badminton sessions and volunteering at the public library.
I am constantly finding ways to improve the programme, ensure quality, and collaborate with volunteers and external partners. I focus on training our clients to be more independent by helping them gain real-world experience and learn essential skills needed in community settings.
UPDATES: What challenges do you face and how do you overcome them?
Vanessa: Community outings can bring unexpected challenges such as bad weather, commuting or accessibility issues. Teamwork becomes crucial. Once, when a client felt unwell during a badminton session, the team responded quickly to provide care without causing distress to the other clients.
UPDATES: How do you define “care”?
Vanessa: To me, “care” means showing genuine concern, respect, and empathy. It is consistent and intentional.
In my role, care also means being patient, attentive and proactive, which includes assisting with daily tasks, helping clients develop life skills and simply being present and listening. It is about building trust and creating a safe, supportive environment where our clients feel valued.
Working with clients who have multiple disabilities requires understanding, calmness and the ability to react to different situations.
UPDATES: What do you find most satisfying about your job?
Vanessa: Seeing the progress our clients make over time, whether it is learning a new skill, becoming more independent in the community or simply gaining more confidence in themselves. Even small improvements can be very meaningful. It is also rewarding to know that I have positively impacted their quality of life. Building strong bonds with clients and caregivers and seeing their joy and trust in us makes the work truly fulfilling.
UPDATES: Can you share a memorable achievement/milestone that you’ve witnessed within the team and/or with your clients?
Vanessa: I’m amazed at how much progress our clients have made and the independence they’ve gained in the community. When I first started working with them, many were not used to going out or taking public transport due to the lack of opportunities. At first, simple tasks such as tapping their EZ-Link cards, taking escalators and lifts, crossing the road safely and even taking public buses and trains felt like big challenges for them.
However, with consistent guidance and support from the team, I saw a tremendous change over time. They became more confident using public transport, remembered to tap in and out on their own and showed good road safety awareness. Seeing them confidently choose and buy their own food during our outings was especially rewarding too. Watching them take those small but meaningful steps toward independence reminded me why this work is so important, and how much impact we can have when we believe in their potential.
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For Vanessa, care is not just a value but a daily practice that empowers clients to thrive. Her story is a reminder that at SPD, care is the foundation of inclusion and community.