At NUSS, we proudly celebrate the achievements of our members, especially those who exemplify resilience and excellence. Cassandra Chiu, a valued NUSS Graduate Club member, has received the prestigious Goh Chok Tong Enable Award 2024 for her outstanding contributions.
As Executive Director of K9Assistance and President of the Disabled People’s Association, Cassandra, with her guide dog, Erke, advocates for disability empowerment and global inclusivity.
NUSS Mandalay Guild House was chosen as the filming location for her inspiring story, reflecting our commitment to a supportive, inclusive community. We had the privilege to ask Cassandra a few questions.
Click here to watch the reel on the NUSS YouTube channel.
What motivated you to join NUSS during the 70th Anniversary Membership Campaign?
I’ve visited several Guild Houses over the past decade and live near one. During the 70th Anniversary Membership Campaign, I saw it as a great opportunity to become a member, allowing me to bring my family and guests to enjoy the environment I appreciate.
Mandalay Guild House offers a welcoming environment with an open field and guide-dog-friendly policies. Was this a factor in your decision, and how do you see NUSS fostering inclusivity?
All Guild Houses are guide dog-friendly, and over the past decade, I have always been warmly welcomed with my guide dog, Erke. Mandalay Guild House, the newest addition, stands out with its charming colonial ambience and exceptionally friendly service staff.
Since joining, what aspects of NUSS have stood out to you? Are there initiatives or activities you’d like to see more of?
I have yet to participate in other activities as a member. It would be great to see more talks and events at Guild Houses beyond KRGH. The membership portal and EDMs are not accessible to the visually impaired, unlike many other apps and websites. As a result, I rely on others to read event details to me.
As a champion for inclusivity, how can social and professional networks better support accessibility and inclusion?
Consider improving the accessibility of websites, portals, newsletter EDMs, and magazines to ensure inclusivity for all. Established resources like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) offer valuable guidelines. Making information accessible allows persons with disabilities (PWDs) to fully engage and benefit from professional networks and opportunities.
Winning the Goh Chok Tong Enable Award is a remarkable achievement. How does this recognition shape your advocacy, and how do you see yourself engaging with the NUSS community?
I am humbled by the nomination and recognition from my disabled community. This award does not change who I am or the work I do. Equal opportunities for persons with disabilities are still a work in progress, and there is much more to be done. I will continue to advocate for equal opportunities to the best of my abilities.
While there are only a few disabled NUSS members, as the oldest graduate membership network in Singapore, NUSS has an opportunity to lead in fostering a more inclusive society. Should NUSS pursue this endeavour, I would be happy to offer my support.
If you were to choose a quote, which one would it be and why?
“God makes each one of us with an ability; society creates the “dis” – Anonymous
People with disabilities, are not foreign or distant. Let’s work together to co-create a more loving, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment for everyone. Singapore can become a place where individuals with all kinds of disabilities are an integral part of this incredible fabric we call home.
The Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards, launched on 15 January 2019 by the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund, recognise individuals with disabilities who have made significant achievements in their fields. These awards aim to inspire others and motivate those with potential to excel in their endeavours.
