'Hearing the Voices of Those with Special Needs'

The EP family conference, ‘Hearing Voices’, was held at ARPC @ Tengah on 21 - 22 March.

To watch the full messages on Hearing the Voices of Elderly, Special needs individuals, Parents, and Youths, please access this link below

'Hearing Voices'

This article summarises the second session, titled 'Hearing the Voices of Those with Special Needs'

The speaker, Ms. Esther Kwan, is currently the Principal of Grace Orchard School (a school for special needs children and teens under PCS), having worked there by 18 year; she also has a brother with special needs. Hence, her sharing was not just based on her professional knowledge, but from a place of of deep empathy. Her experience reminds us that understanding disability isn’t just about definitions, but about relationships.

Most of us have encountered someone with a disability — whether by name, within the community, or in passing. Yet few of us have built friendships with them. This reveals not a lack of exposure, but a lack of connection.

Our society often adopts the medical model of disability — seeing the issue as something “wrong” with the person, to be treated or fixed. While medical support is important, this view can lead us to overlook the dignity and wholeness of the individual.

From a biblical perspective, disability is not a mistake. Psalm 139:14 says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God. Exodus 4:11 reminds us that the Lord creates each person uniquely — whether seeing or blind, speaking or mute.

The stories Ms Kwan shared illustrate how society often fails to rightly see people with disabilities. One student with muscle degeneration shared how she’s sometimes denied help crossing the street. Ms Kwan’s brother is often spoken about rather than spoken to. These moments highlight the need to listen more, assume less, and value people as individuals — not just diagnoses.

The speaker offers a powerful image: disability as “perfect imperfection.” Like “kintsugi”, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, perceived flaws can be seen as part of a beautiful whole. For in God’s eyes, all are broken, yet all are deeply loved and made with purpose.

She introduces SPACE, five common barriers faced by people with disabilities: systemic (excluding policies), programmatic (inflexible programs), Attitudinal (fear, stereotyping, pity), communication (unclear or complex language), environmental (inaccessible spaces). When we address these barriers (through re-design or providing support), we reflect the heart of Christ, who welcomed the outcast and gave dignity to the overlooked.

May we listen and respond to these voices of those with special needs: “Don’t look down on me. Our gifts are just different.” “I wished people would offer help when I needed it.” “Kindness ought to be a reflex, a responsibility.”