Singapore Association for the Deaf

What Singapore Association for the Deaf does

The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) is a Singapore-registered charitable society and Institution of Public Character (PC 000444), founded in 1955 to serve the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind community in Singapore. It delivers a comprehensive suite of human-delivered services spanning social casework and counselling, financial-aid facilitation (SMF, ATF, SAF schemes), employment matching, sign-language interpretation, notetaking, a Hearing Care Centre staffed by qualified audiologists, early-childhood intervention via the Little Hands Bilingual-Bicultural Programme, learning support and speech therapy, deaf education at partner schools (Mayflower Primary, Beatty Secondary), a Legal Clinic, and the Deafblind Programme launched in 2021. Its primary technical capabilities are operational rather than software-based: staff interpreter deployment, Video Relay Service routing, and partner-mediated healthcare (e.g., subsidised $30 dental visits at Mount Alvernia Outreach Clinic). The organisation is not a technology company and has no disclosed AI, API, or proprietary software platform.

SADeaf's revenue mechanics combine three streams: (1) fee-for-service programmes including Singapore Sign Language courses, Deaf Awareness workshops, interpretation, notetaking, and audiology, many of which are subsidised for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents; (2) charitable donations with 2.5x tax-deductible status for gifts of S$10 and above, channeled via GIRO, bank transfer, cheque, PayNow, and an online donation portal; and (3) annual fundraising events (Charity Golf, Gala Dinner, Flag Day, Walk with a Difference, Deafinitely Durian Extravaganza) underwritten by corporate sponsors such as Lee Foundation and Seletar Country Club. It is GST-registered effective 1 March 2026 with 9% GST added to programme and service fees thereafter.

Its customer base is segmented across Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing/DeafBlind individuals (primary segment), their families, government and corporate buyers of interpretation and Deaf Awareness training, mainstream schools, and the general public attending sign-language courses. SADeaf's go-to-market is community-led: direct delivery at its offices (relocating from 227 Mountbatten Road to 254 Outram Road in January 2026), partner-venue delivery (schools, Enabling Village, courts), and awareness/ fundraising events. Marketing is primarily organic social (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram) supplemented by earned media (Mediacorp's DETIK Semasa segment 'Bahasa Tanpa Bicara') and a Signal newsletter. The organisation is governed by an Executive Council, led by Executive Director Josh Lye (appointed 2024), and operates with no parent company, no subsidiaries, and no disclosed equity funding.

Name

Singapore Association for the Deaf

Legal name

The Singapore Association for the Deaf

Website

https://sadeaf.org.sg

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) is a 70-year-old Singapore-registered charity and Institution of Public Character providing sign-language interpretation, notetaking, hearing care, counselling, education, and employment support to Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals and their families in Singapore.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability and Accessibility Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Educational Support Services (611710), Translation and Interpretation Services (541930), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Note-Taking, Interpreting & Communication Access Services (EDALAGAD), Deaf/Hard of Hearing & Vision Services (Audiology, Interpreting, Orientation & Mobility) (EDAJAKAI), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Specialized Learning Support (Dyslexia/LD Coaching, Assistive Strategies) (EDAJALAJ)

Keywords

• Sign language interpretation
• Deaf community services
• Hearing care services
• Deaf education support
• Disability social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Singapore

HQ country

Singapore

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Social and Support Services: SADeaf provides casework, counselling, financial aid facilitation, employment support, hearing care, interpretation, notetaking, and sign language courses. Many services are subsidised or free for eligible clients; some services (interpretation, notetaking, sign language courses) are paid programmes.
2. Sign Language and Training Courses: SADeaf offers Singapore Sign Language courses, Deaf Awareness programmes, and customised workshops to organisations. These are fee-based programmes open to the public and frontline professionals.
3. Donations and Fundraising: SADeaf is a registered charity with IPC (Institution of Public Character) status. It raises funds through donations (tax-deductible at 2.5x for donations of $10 and above), GIRO, bank transfer, cheque, and PayNow. Major fundraising events include the annual Charity Golf, Gala Dinner, Flag Day, and community events. SADeaf also received a Charity Transparency Award.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

SADeaf is a registered charity and social service nonprofit that delivers a comprehensive range of accessibility and support services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind community in Singapore. Its offerings include Video Relay Service (VRS), sign language interpretation, notetaking, a Hearing Care Centre with audiology, casework and counselling, financial aid facilitation, employment support, learning support and speech therapy, Singapore Sign Language courses, the Little Hands Bilingual-Bicultural early intervention programme, the Deafblind Programme, deaf education, and a Legal Clinic.

Product overview

SADeaf is a non-profit organization providing a comprehensive suite of services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Singapore. The organization operates as a service provider rather than a technology product company. Its core offerings include Video Relay Service (VRS) enabling phone communication via sign language interpreters, sign language interpretation and notetaking services, a Hearing Care Centre with audiology services, casework and counselling, financial aid and employment support, learning support and speech therapy, Singapore Sign Language courses, The Little Hands Bilingual-Bicultural Programme for early intervention, a Deafblind Programme, deaf education support services, and a Legal Clinic. These services are delivered directly to beneficiaries and are not structured as a platform-plus-modules software architecture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Little Hands Bilingual-Bicultural Programme (LHBBP): An early intervention programme for young Deaf children run by SADeaf that combines bilingual-bicultural approach with Singapore Sign Language and English.
• Video Relay Service (VRS)
• Deafblind Programme
• Signifique

Products and services

• Video Relay Service (VRS) A service that enables Deaf individuals to make phone calls via a sign language interpreter, allowing them to communicate with hearing individuals for tasks such as scheduling hospital appointments and contacting banks, businesses, and government services (CPF, IRAS, MSF).
• Sign Language Interpretation Services Professional sign language interpretation provided by experienced staff interpreters deployed across diverse settings including schools, law courts, corporate workshops, government functions, and other venues for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals.
• Notetaking Services Note-takers deployed primarily to deaf clients studying in institutes of higher learning such as ITEs, polytechnics and universities, carefully matched to clients based on their skill-sets and background.
• Hearing Care Centre (HCC) Audiologist-staffed full-spectrum hearing care service providing hearing tests, consultations, ear moulds, and accessories (batteries and other items at nominal rates) for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind clients and members.
• Casework & Counselling Confidential support for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals across all ages facing financial, personal, family-related, psychosocial, and emotional issues. Information is kept confidential between the case manager and the client.
• Financial Aid & Employment Support Facilitation of financial assistance scheme applications including the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF), Assistive Technology Fund (ATF), and Special Assistance Fund (SAF), plus job placement assistance such as job matching and career guidance for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals.
• Learning Support & Speech Therapy (Itinerant Support Service) One-to-one intervention for students with hearing loss attending mainstream schools from pre-school to tertiary level, plus speech therapy to enhance students' listening, articulation, and language comprehension skills.
• Singapore Sign Language Courses and Deaf Awareness Workshops A range of fee-based Singapore Sign Language courses and customised awareness workshops and programmes, including specialised training for frontline professionals such as medical staff, police, emergency, and social workers, plus an online micro-learning introduction course.
• The Little Hands Bilingual-Bicultural Programme (LHBBP) Early intervention programme for young Deaf children incorporating Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) and a bilingual-bicultural approach to support language and cognitive development.
• Deafblind Programme A programme providing counselling, case management, workshops, and training support to help Deafblind individuals integrate and contribute to society. It is the only such programme in Singapore.
• Deaf Education (Mayflower Primary School, Beatty Secondary School, SPED Courses) Educational support services including deaf education at Mayflower Primary School and Beatty Secondary School, and SPED (Special Education) deaf education courses.
• Legal Clinic Legal services provided for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to help them navigate legal matters with accessible communication support.

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Seletar Country ClubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2024Hosted the SADeaf Charity Golf & Dinner event on 27 September 2024, providing the venue for the fundraising event.
• Mount Alvernia Outreach Clinic (MAOC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMAOC collaborates with SADeaf to provide subsidised primary healthcare and dental services (scaling, polishing, fillings, extractions) to the Deaf community at Enabling Village. This partnership creates accessible healthcare pathways for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals who face communication barriers in mainstream healthcare settings.
• YWCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYWCA shares space with SADeaf at the Outram Road location, enabling SADeaf to continue programmes such as SgSL courses, interpreter training, and the Little Hands Bilingual-Bicultural Programme during the transition.
• ERA SingaporeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerERA Singapore shares venue space with SADeaf for programme delivery at their venues, supporting continuity of services during the office transition.
• NTU Welfare Services Club (WSC) Regular Service ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNTU WSC RSP runs the Tuition and Enrichment Programme (TEP) in partnership with SADeaf since 1991, providing one-to-one tuition to deaf students at mainstream schools across four centres (Clementi, Kallang, Toa Payoh, Woodlands), from kindergarten to post-tertiary level.
• Burger KingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner and sponsor of SADeaf's 68th Anniversary Charity Car Wash and Carnival in May 2023, providing vouchers and volunteers for the car washing activities.
• MediacorpcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMediacorp featured SADeaf on DETIK Semasa, a popular Malay-language programme, in a segment titled 'Bahasa Tanpa Bicara' (Language Without Words) to raise public awareness of sign language and deaf culture.
• Various Secondary Schools (Flag Day)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecondary schools including Tampines Secondary, Queensway Secondary, West Spring Secondary, Broadrick Secondary, Yio Chu Kang Secondary, Clementi Town Secondary, CHIJ Secondary Toa Payoh, CHIJ St Theresa's Convent, and Choa Chu Kang Secondary participated in Flag Day 2024 fundraising.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SPD (formerly Society for the Physically Disabled): Singapore IPC charity serving people with disabilities across employment, therapy, and assistive-tech services. Closest comparable: similar IPC status, similar multi-service disability platform, similar donation-plus-fee model in the same Singapore regulatory environment.
• TOUCH Community Services: Singapore IPC charity offering integrated social services across youth, family, elderly, and disability segments. Comparable integrated multi-segment social-service platform with similar IPC and donation-revenue model.
• Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS): Large Singapore IPC nonprofit providing schools, employment, and social services for the intellectually disabled. Comparable scale, IPC status, school partnerships, and integrated service platform in the same disability-services sector.
• AWWA (Asian Women's Welfare Association): Singapore IPC nonprofit delivering disability, elderly, and family services. Comparable social-service nonprofit operating a bundled care platform in the same regulatory and funding environment.
• Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped (SAVH): Singapore IPC charity for the visually impaired offering rehabilitation, training, and community services. Direct analogue to SADeaf in mission, governance, and operational structure, differing only in sensory disability focus.
• Singapore Children's Society: Established Singapore IPC charity providing integrated child-protection, youth, and family services. Comparable nonprofit governance, IPC status, donation model, and broad service portfolio serving vulnerable populations in Singapore.
• Canossian School: Singapore special-education school serving children with hearing impairment alongside other disabilities. Directly comparable in deaf-education delivery and sign-language instruction within the Singapore SPED ecosystem.
• St Andrew's School for the Deaf: Singapore school dedicated to the education of deaf children, with dormitory and therapy services. Overlaps with SADeaf's deaf education, learning support, and Little Hands Programme on the same beneficiary population in Singapore.

Broad incumbents

• Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID): Large UK charity for deaf and hard-of-hearing people providing services, advocacy, and information. Same mission scope (deaf services, hearing care, accessibility) at a much larger scale, operating as the established incumbent in a different geography.
• National Association of the Deaf (US): US civil-rights organisation of, by, and for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, focused on advocacy and community empowerment. Comparable mission and sign-language preservation role, but operates at national advocacy scale rather than direct service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@TheSADeaf
• Facebookfacebook.com/SADeafSG
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-singapore-association-for-the-deaf
• Instagraminstagram.com/sadeaf_sg
• Xx.com/sadeafsg

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Singapore Association for the Deaf