Digital transformation as the new norm
Digitalisation has undoubtedly changed the way we live and interact with others. This was even more prominent after the COVID-19 pandemic hit us in early 2020. As Social Service Agencies (SSAs) shift from a traditional high-touch service delivery to a technology-enabled service delivery mode, the question of how we incorporate high-tech with a human touch to better serve end-users inevitably surfaced. Below is a successful case where both concepts were converged successfully, enabling the SSA to better serve its service users.
Metta Home for the Disabled and Metta Home Day Activity Centre (referred to as “The Centre”) serves adults between the ages of 18 and 55 years old who are diagnosed with conditions such as Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental delay. The Centre approaches persons with disability in a holistic manner, integrating therapy, daily living skills, community living skills together with behavioural management. The programmes are designed to address the needs and challenges that are unique to the service users’ disability profiles and tailored to their needs, learning paces and abilities. The Centre designed these programmes based on service users’ activities of daily living (ADL) or community living skills (CLS) to ensure quality care plans for persons with disabilities.
Below are three technologies that have been implemented:
Samsung Flip
 |
Samsung Flip is an interactive digital flip chart built for real-time collaboration. It includes several capabilities in an intuitive user interface with a host of features - brush mode, annotations etc. The Centre uses the device to run interactive activities such as colouring and other group activities for the service users. |
 |
Mototiles are portable digital jigsaw tiles that have both LED and Touch Sensors. Service users have been actively using this therapy equipment to participate in pre-configured games. These games help enhance service users’ balance, strength and agility skills. Apart from keeping the service users highly engaged during these sessions, the scores from the games are recorded and saved for the therapist’s analysis of the service user’s progress over time. |
OMIVista Mobii
 |
OMIVista is an equipment that creates an interactive surface (such as tables or floors) by projecting activities or applications directly on it. OMIVista helps to train one’s fine and gross motor skills, cognitive abilities and interaction skills. It is built with a precise sensor system to enable objects to react immediately to the user's movements. Besides the fixed 150 activities, it also comes with a software package to create custom activities, with the user's own material, such as pictures, video and sound. |
Digitalisation can transform the way we deliver our services, and at the same time maintain high touch with service users. In your agency, could you also similarly undertake digitalisation initiatives to create better outcomes for your service users? NCSS provides a range of support initiatives to help you in your digitalisation efforts such as Tech-and-Go, Tech Booster and The Invictus Fund. Do visit the links to find out more!
_Research.png)
_Donate.png)
_Volunteer.png)
_Grants.png)