St. Andrew's Autism Centre's Annual Autism Advocacy Walk
Walk of a Lifetime is St. Andrew's Autism Centre's annual autism advocacy event. It invites the community to deepen their understanding of autism and learn about the diverse experiences of persons on the spectrum and their families. We aim to break down misconceptions, build empathy, and champion a more inclusive society.
About the Event:
Walk of a Lifetime 2025 brings together SAAC's students, clients, residents, their families, and the wider community for a meaningful and engaging experience. It's more than just a walk; it's a collective stride towards building a more inclusive society.
Key Highlights and Aims:
- Promoting Awareness: The event features Autism Awareness booths where participants can learn more about autism, the challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum and their families, and the impactful work SAAC does.
- Fostering Inclusion: Participants walk alongside persons with autism, fostering direct engagement and showing solidarity. The atmosphere celebrates the uniqueness of every individual.
- Fundraising for a Cause: All proceeds from Walk of a Lifetime 2025 directly support SAAC's various programs and services, including the special education school, day activity centers, and the residential home. These funds are essential in enabling SAAC to continue providing quality education, training, and care.
- Community Engagement: The walk encourages friends, families, and the wider public to come together, creating a sense of shared purpose and community spirit.
About St. Andrew's Autism Centre (SAAC)
Our Vision: Enabling persons with autism to lead dignified and meaningful lives.
Our Mission: Enriching the lives of persons with autism and their families through quality education, training, and care, distinguished by Christian love and compassion.
St. Andrew's Autism Centre (SAAC) is a non-profit organization in Singapore dedicated to serving persons on the autism spectrum and their families. Established in 2005, SAAC addresses the growing need for specialized education, training, and care for those with autism, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
As a service of St. Andrew's Mission Hospital (SAMH), SAAC operates with a person-first philosophy, always relating to persons with autism as unique individuals deserving of love and dignity, just like anyone else.
Our Services and Programs
SAAC offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support persons with autism across different life stages:
- St. Andrew's Autism School (SAAS): A special education school for children and youths aged 7 to 18. SAAS provides a developmental curriculum with individualized education and transition plans, focusing on developing essential life skills to help students achieve their aspirations and well-being.
- St. Andrew's Adult Autism Services (SAAAS): This includes:
- Day Activity Centres (DACs): These centers aim to foster independence and develop essential life skills for adults with autism who may not be work-ready after special education.
- St. Andrew's Adult Home (SAAH) (Sengkang): Singapore's first purpose-built residential facility for persons with autism, offering long-term care for individuals who require it.
- Public Education, Advocacy, and Community Outreach: SAAC actively engages in public education to promote greater understanding of autism and advocates for an inclusive society where persons with autism are welcomed, respected, and valued.
SAAC is committed to its core values of Love, Integrity, Growth, Honour, and Teamwork, striving to provide quality services that empower beneficiaries to lead purposeful lives. "Autism lasts a lifetime. No one should walk that journey alone" – SAAC embodies this belief by building a caring and connected community.