RETA Stories
Soofrina, a Lead Educational Therapist with 12 years of experience, advocates for the use of educational technologies and inclusivity to support individuals with special educational needs.
“If you have special educational needs or work with people with special educational needs, my advice would be to focus on your strengths and embrace your unique abilities. While there may be challenges and obstacles, individuals with special needs also have a wealth of strengths and talents that can be nurtured and developed.
It’s important to seek the support and resources you need to succeed. Whether it’s accessing specialised educational services, seeking out assistive technology or accommodations, or working with a mentor or coach, there are many ways to get the support you need to achieve your goals.
Communication is vital when working with individuals with special educational needs. Whether you are an educator, caregiver, or family member, it’s important to establish open and honest communication channels to understand the individual’s needs and goals, and to work collaboratively to develop effective strategies for success.
Finally, it’s important to foster a sense of inclusivity and acceptance in all aspects of life. This means creating a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates diversity and values every individual’s unique contributions. By working together and supporting each other, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for individuals with special needs.”
The above are strong words of advice from Soofrina, a Lead Educational Therapist at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore Limited (DAS) and a Fellow member of the Register of Educational Therapists, Asia (RETA).
Soofrina has 12 years of experience in the Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) field. She has a keen interest in incorporating educational technologies in her lessons, making the learning and teaching both efficient and within reach for all. Guided by the mantra “As slow as we must but as fast as we can” Soofrina explored classroom differentiation using EdTech tools and now passionately shares knowledge for the professional development of teaching colleagues.
A deep passion for making a positive impact in the lives of individuals who face unique challenges and require additional support to thrive drove Soofrina to embark on her journey in the SpLD field. She firmly believes that every individual deserves an opportunity to receive an education that is tailored to their specific needs, abilities, and strengths.
She finds this field to be incredibly rewarding. It allows her to utilise her skills and expertise to make a real difference in the lives of her students. Working with individuals who have special educational needs requires a high level of patience, creativity, and dedication, which she believes are essential qualities for any successful educator.
The SpLD field also presents constant opportunities for professional growth and development. By staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field, Soofrina is able to continuously improve her teaching strategies and better meet the unique needs of her students. She finds it a privilege to be able to make a positive impact in the lives of her students.
It is for the above-mentioned reasons that she was motivated to be a RETA member. Being a member allows her to actively support and promote the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities or specific learning differences.
RETA has provided Soofrina with opportunities to connect with other like-minded individuals who share her passion for this important work. Collaborating with or hearing from others dedicated to advocating for individuals with specific learning differences has enabled her to learn from their experiences, exchange ideas, and broaden her perspective on the field.
Being a member of a RETA has provided her with a sense of purpose and fulfilment in her professional life, as she works toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society for individuals with specific learning differences.
When asked “What is the one thing you would do to improve special education in your country?”
She shares two things that come to her mind:
1. Increase public awareness and understanding of special education, to reduce stigma and promote inclusivity. This could involve creating public education campaigns and initiatives, and partnering with community organisations and advocacy groups to build support networks for families and students with special educational needs.
2. Increasing collaboration and communication between schools, families, and community organisations could help foster a more integrated and holistic approach to special education in Singapore. By working together and sharing resources and expertise, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their challenges or disabilities.