TOUCH Ubi Hostel (TUH)
A residential training hostel designed for adults with mild intellectual disabilities to experience communal living and develop greater independence.
Guiding Persons with Disabilities Towards Independent Living in the Community
Located in a housing estate, TUH offers an excellent training ground for trainees to experience communal living with flatmates in a simulated living environment.
Our goal is to help trainees improve their daily living skills and maximise their potential for life. This reduces their dependency on caregivers, allowing for smoother and more sustained integration into the community.
Beyond functional skills training, we also contribute to the holistic development of our trainees by organising regular social activities and providing them with guidance in other areas of their lives. Our programmes include:
- Competency-based training
- Employment support
- Casework management and care coordination
- Enrichment and recreational activities
- Caregiver support
How We Help
Competency-based Training Programme
We tailor the training plan for every individual to ensure we meet their unique needs. Generally, the programme covers their development in these areas:
- Communal living skills
- Activities of daily living skills
- Community living skills
- Social skills
Employment Support
We support trainees in their employment and train them to sustain their jobs. This is done through:
- Job preparation and training
- Job placement and support
- Exploration of alternative job opportunities
Casework Management and Care Coordination
Working alongside caregivers, we identify strengths, assess areas of support, and leverage community resources to meet the needs of the community. Supported by our team of social workers, we provide:
- Social-emotional support
- Long-term care planning
- Trainees and/or their caregivers with essential services that address their medical needs, provide financial support, and more
Enrichment and Recreational Activities
The training programme at TUH includes engaging activities to foster social, mental, and physical well-being and improve our trainees’ overall quality of life. Some of the things we do are:
- Health and fitness activities
- Visual art activities
- Volunteering work
- Community involvement
- Recreational outings
Family and Community Support
Caregivers play an important role in our trainees’ support system. Using a family-centric approach, we assist and collaborate with caregivers, allowing them to deliver the best care possible for their loved ones. This includes:
- Long-term care planning
- Family bonding events
- Respite care aimed to alleviate caregiver stress
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 to 55 years old
- Citizenship: Singapore citizens or permanent residents
- Diagnosis: Mild to moderate intellectual disability (IQ: 50 to 70)
- Support need: Be of high functioning level and independent in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Also do not require personal assistance in mobility, feeding, toileting, personal grooming, hygiene, and is able to travel independently
- Employment status: Currently in open, supported, or sheltered employment, or unemployed but with good employment potential
- Behavioural issues: None or mild, manageable with appropriate interventions
- Learning ability: Able to participate in training and have good prognosis of attaining independent living and work skills
Note that TUH will not be able to accept applicants who are:
- Diagnosed with untreated infectious diseases
- Suffering from serious psychotic disorders and/or serious behavioural problems that require them to be under close supervision or nursing care
What You Can Expect
Trainees live in TUH and participate in a training programme full-time on weekdays. They head home on Friday evening and return to TUH on Sunday evening.
This arrangement aims to foster a better relationship between trainees and their family, as well as give them an opportunity to use the skills they learnt at TUH during the week.
Hear From Those We’ve Helped
Special Needs
Empowering Resilience
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn at TUH. Whenever I face difficulties, the coaches will give me support and guidance to overcome them.”
Mr How Hon Fai, 47, TOUCH Ubi Hostel
Special Needs
Shoban: A Son’s Love and Strength Despite Disability
Shoban, 43, TOUCH Ubi Hostel
Get in Touch with Us
Support Us as an Essential Care Volunteer
In this role, you will assist the life skills coach in guiding TUH trainees through their training programme. You’ll help with ensuring their safety and overall well-being, as well as befriend and form connections with the trainees.
Resources Beyond TOUCH
The Enabling Guide
The Enabling Guide is more than just a resource portal. It’s a gateway to a world of possibilities for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Whether you need information on disability support or other specific services, the Enabling Guide is here to help you make the best choices for every stage of your life.
i’mable
i’mable (pronounced “I’m able”) is a celebration of what people with disabilities can do. It’s a movement that invites you to join us in making a positive difference for disability inclusion – enabling lives and building a united community.
Understanding Persons with Disabilities
Published by the National Council of Social Services, this booklet sheds light on different types of disabilities and the challenges that people with them face in their daily lives. Discover some of the myths and stereotypes that often surround these disabilities and learn how to interact respectfully with individuals who have them.