Kuching Autistic Association to open new vocational training centre by Q3

KUCHING (Jan 27): The Kuching Autistic Association (KAA) is expanding its facilities with a new vocational training centre that is expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year, said its president Dr Catherine Chen.

She said once operational, the centre will boost KAA’s capacity to provide more learning and training opportunities for teenagers and young adults with autism.

“To meet the rising demand for our services, we are expanding with a new purpose-built vocational training centre, which is currently under construction,” she said during the handover ceremony of a new van sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the association.

Dr Chen noted that demand for KAA’s services has been increasing each year. The association currently has 170 students enrolled, with a waiting list of 94 children, most of whom are below eight years old.

To accommodate this growing demand, she said KAA plans to hire more teachers this year, which will inevitably increase operating costs.

“At KAA, we provide early intervention therapy, as well as personal hygiene, social and communication skills training for children aged 12 years and below,” she said.

She added that the secondary instruction programme for teenagers aged 13 to 19 focuses on living skills, social skills and vocational training.

“Students are exposed to activities such as art and craft, beadwork, housekeeping, laundry and gardening as we seek to identify their preferences, talents and abilities,” she said.

Also present at the handover ceremony was Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.