Despite being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and needing the help of a wheelchair to move around, Mr Osland Bin Othman completed his part-time certificate and diploma in Human Resource, and is currently working as an executive at Apple Computer.
All these did not come easily for Mr Osland though. His family is in Malaysia, and he has been staying in Singapore Cheshire Home since 1980. He was 19 then, had just completed his O levels, and was unable to find a job.
“The idea of people with disability working was not widely accepted by the society then and it was difficult to find employers who were willing to hire us. Cost of transport to and from the workplace was a problem too.” Mr Osland said.
He felt terrible, not knowing what lies ahead for him in the future. However, his passion for music and the friendship of volunteers at the Home were what kept him going.
Music was something that helped eased his pain. He loves singing and playing the guitar, and would perform in concerts in the Home and even take part in competitions with his fellow friends from the Home. He has also performed in many Community Chest performances.
Volunteers from the Home who became firm friends kept him connected to the “outside world”. They were around his age and visited the Home often, and they would go to the movies or to the beach for picnics together.
“I’m still in touch with many of them, even now.” he said.
After 10 years of staying in the Home, he was offered a 3 month internship stint at Apple Computer by Bizlink. Things fortunately went well and he was offered a job on a contractual basis after the internship. He proceeded to take up night classes for certificate and diploma in Human Resources to upgrade himself. He was eventually offered a permanent position in the company.
“Staying at the Home provided me with many opportunities; to learn and interact with others, and eventually the opportunity to work. If I had stayed at home, I may have closed myself up and have limited contact with the outside world.” Mr Osland said.