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A Place For Us
Disability is neither strange nor distant. Part autobiography, part reflections of social advocate Cassandra Chiu’s experiences as a person living with visual impairment, A Place For Us is the story of the first woman to be a guide dog handler in Singapore and the first Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum in Southeast Asia who happens to be blind.
Cassandra’s story starts with her growing-up years in 1980s Singapore, chronicling how her life unfolds with the onset of Stargardt disease, which causes progressive vision loss. From pursuing an education, navigating motherhood, to building a career as a psychotherapist, Cassandra openly discusses the attitudes towards disability and her journey towards true independence with her guide dog Esme.
In inimitable frankness, A Place For Us offers an illuminating perspective of a person living with disability beyond the pity party of her life, and advocates for a more equal and sustainable future for people with disabilities.
Cassandra’s story starts with her growing-up years in 1980s Singapore, chronicling how her life unfolds with the onset of Stargardt disease, which causes progressive vision loss. From pursuing an education, navigating motherhood, to building a career as a psychotherapist, Cassandra openly discusses the attitudes towards disability and her journey towards true independence with her guide dog Esme.
In inimitable frankness, A Place For Us offers an illuminating perspective of a person living with disability beyond the pity party of her life, and advocates for a more equal and sustainable future for people with disabilities.
- GenresNonfiction
216 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 8, 2021
cassandra chiu was among the first owners of a guide dog in singapore and this is her journey.
this. is. such. an. important. book. !!!!!!!! can i just urge everyone to just take this book from the shelves right now to read it immediately and probably share it around bc more people need to be aware of this book's existence????
ok anyways yes im probably just mad at myself for not reading this sooner too lmao
its so obvious that i absolutely adore this book. im always into inclusion and reading this is such a boost of motivation to just go out there to make a difference. its always good to know what is happening around us but i always believe that truly what we need is also experiences ((u can always find opportunities hehe)) to hear and understand from them on the ground. i have never seen a guide dog before, nor have i interacted with a person who is blind but i really would like to do so one day.
"while i was ready to give it my all, i was not sure if society was ready to look beyond my disability and give me an equal opportunity"
and yes, lets be real, society is not there yet even up till today. i can totally understand cassandra so much because as a volunteer in an organisation to build an inclusive society, i have seen a lot of encounters where its mostly always the society that its not accepting/willing to understand. and as part of society, its really important to advocate our own selves to advocate others because in the end, we must remember that it takes two hands to clap.
i think it will be great if it would include a mini brief guide on the dos and donts of helping a blind person but nevertheless, im still very thankful for the awareness. thank you so much cassandra for being personal & honest in your story - youre inspiring 💚
this. is. such. an. important. book. !!!!!!!! can i just urge everyone to just take this book from the shelves right now to read it immediately and probably share it around bc more people need to be aware of this book's existence????
ok anyways yes im probably just mad at myself for not reading this sooner too lmao
its so obvious that i absolutely adore this book. im always into inclusion and reading this is such a boost of motivation to just go out there to make a difference. its always good to know what is happening around us but i always believe that truly what we need is also experiences ((u can always find opportunities hehe)) to hear and understand from them on the ground. i have never seen a guide dog before, nor have i interacted with a person who is blind but i really would like to do so one day.
"while i was ready to give it my all, i was not sure if society was ready to look beyond my disability and give me an equal opportunity"
and yes, lets be real, society is not there yet even up till today. i can totally understand cassandra so much because as a volunteer in an organisation to build an inclusive society, i have seen a lot of encounters where its mostly always the society that its not accepting/willing to understand. and as part of society, its really important to advocate our own selves to advocate others because in the end, we must remember that it takes two hands to clap.
i think it will be great if it would include a mini brief guide on the dos and donts of helping a blind person but nevertheless, im still very thankful for the awareness. thank you so much cassandra for being personal & honest in your story - youre inspiring 💚
April 30, 2020
Lots of great info about guide dogs in a Singaporean context and a glimpse of what it's like to be blind in this city. However, while I respect Cassandra Chiu's advocacy a lot, I disagree with the foundation of her views, which is that productivity is what gives a life its value. I just cannot get behind that and I think it's a very misguided approach to equality and human rights. Also wasn't a huge fan of the writing, but that would not have bothered me so much if it weren't for the focus on productivity! Regardless, a good book to read for the interesting information on guide dogs and mobility for blind people.
September 8, 2021
"The beginning is always the hardest, so don't lose hope or faith. Sometimes, people react in different ways because they lack the knowledge, the exposure, or the experience."
This is the story of Cassandra Chiu and her lifelong fight for equal opportunities for the disabled. It's raw and gripping as she tells her struggles as a visually impaired person and her experiences owning a guide dog. Despite all the setbacks that she went through, her positivity still radiates through the pages. I especially loved reading the parts when she spoke on matters that are hardly ever mentioned, such as the societal attitude towards the disabled and the lack of opportunity for them to realise their potential. She truly is a remarkable woman that would not let her disability define her capability.
Reading this has made me realise how little we have progressed as a society and the actions we need to take to ensure inclusivity. This book also made me reflect on the way I view guide dogs and how I would react to them if I ever bump into one in the future. It allowed me to understand how important guide dogs are and made me research the Islamic opinion for using guide dogs.
"Islam commands us to do good to all creatures, including animals. Hence, we are very much encouraged to be kind those who need to use guide dogs to get around. Do not react in any way which may offend the owners of the guide dogs or hurt the dog itself." - MUIS
The MUIS Advisory on guide dogs can be found here:
https://www.muis.gov.sg/officeofthemu...
This is the story of Cassandra Chiu and her lifelong fight for equal opportunities for the disabled. It's raw and gripping as she tells her struggles as a visually impaired person and her experiences owning a guide dog. Despite all the setbacks that she went through, her positivity still radiates through the pages. I especially loved reading the parts when she spoke on matters that are hardly ever mentioned, such as the societal attitude towards the disabled and the lack of opportunity for them to realise their potential. She truly is a remarkable woman that would not let her disability define her capability.
Reading this has made me realise how little we have progressed as a society and the actions we need to take to ensure inclusivity. This book also made me reflect on the way I view guide dogs and how I would react to them if I ever bump into one in the future. It allowed me to understand how important guide dogs are and made me research the Islamic opinion for using guide dogs.
"Islam commands us to do good to all creatures, including animals. Hence, we are very much encouraged to be kind those who need to use guide dogs to get around. Do not react in any way which may offend the owners of the guide dogs or hurt the dog itself." - MUIS
The MUIS Advisory on guide dogs can be found here:
https://www.muis.gov.sg/officeofthemu...
May 14, 2019
If I were to rate this book based on writing merit alone it would be a 3 out of 5, but the content was excellent and it made think a little differently about how I view disability, so I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars. I found myself often exclaiming while reading : I never thought of it that way! And I highlighted intensely!
The take home message of this memoir about a Singaporean psychotherapist, who has a guide dog is inclusion. Until society shifts from a mentality of empathy to one of empowerment and inclusion , people with disability can’t become fully independent and active members of society. Also, including them in the decision making process is vital . Who knows more about what it’s like to be blind than a blind person? I found so many similarities between the Asian society she described to my middle eastern one and I kept mulling over her ideas about including access as part of the agenda from the start to cut costs. Insightful book. I highly recommend it ! #nonfiction #bookstagram #aplaceforus #singapore #disabilityawareness
The take home message of this memoir about a Singaporean psychotherapist, who has a guide dog is inclusion. Until society shifts from a mentality of empathy to one of empowerment and inclusion , people with disability can’t become fully independent and active members of society. Also, including them in the decision making process is vital . Who knows more about what it’s like to be blind than a blind person? I found so many similarities between the Asian society she described to my middle eastern one and I kept mulling over her ideas about including access as part of the agenda from the start to cut costs. Insightful book. I highly recommend it ! #nonfiction #bookstagram #aplaceforus #singapore #disabilityawareness
February 17, 2023
This was a fantastic read. The voices of PWDs have been left out of far too many conversations, so A Place For Us provides an important perspective and insights into what it’s like being blind in Singapore and being the first person to get a guide dog here. I did hope that there would be more of an advocacy angle, but regardless, Cassandra’s story is much needed in a space where disability isn’t really talked about in the first place. I’m glad that this is gradually changing with the release of Not Without Us.
Having read this and thinking back to our state delegation’s Constructive Dialogue with the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities last year, it feels like not much has changed since the book was published. Granted, these things take time, but Enabling Masterplans aside, a lot more needs to be done to create a truly inclusive society. I think one thing that struck me in both the constructive dialogue and A Place For Us was the representation (or lack thereof) of PWDs in policy-making to begin with and how important it is. In her book, Cassandra writes:
“The simple fact of the matter is: the blind are the ones that live with the disability. We are the ones closest to the ground to understand what works and what does not; we also understand the challenges, strengths and limitations of our particular disability. It is much more effective when well-adjusted peers suffering from a similar condition teach you how to overcome it. Nobody would consider placing lawyers, or clergymen to manage a doctor's association, they would instead seek the most suitable doctor in the house for that role. The only reason we allow experts in other areas to manage the blind is because we discount the abilities of the blind to manage their own affairs.”
If we don’t include more PWDs at the highest levels of decision-making when policies concerning them and their needs are being made, I wonder how inclusive we can truly be. I suppose we can only wait and see, starting with the upcoming anti-discrimination legislation.
All in all, a great read!
Having read this and thinking back to our state delegation’s Constructive Dialogue with the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities last year, it feels like not much has changed since the book was published. Granted, these things take time, but Enabling Masterplans aside, a lot more needs to be done to create a truly inclusive society. I think one thing that struck me in both the constructive dialogue and A Place For Us was the representation (or lack thereof) of PWDs in policy-making to begin with and how important it is. In her book, Cassandra writes:
“The simple fact of the matter is: the blind are the ones that live with the disability. We are the ones closest to the ground to understand what works and what does not; we also understand the challenges, strengths and limitations of our particular disability. It is much more effective when well-adjusted peers suffering from a similar condition teach you how to overcome it. Nobody would consider placing lawyers, or clergymen to manage a doctor's association, they would instead seek the most suitable doctor in the house for that role. The only reason we allow experts in other areas to manage the blind is because we discount the abilities of the blind to manage their own affairs.”
If we don’t include more PWDs at the highest levels of decision-making when policies concerning them and their needs are being made, I wonder how inclusive we can truly be. I suppose we can only wait and see, starting with the upcoming anti-discrimination legislation.
All in all, a great read!
November 6, 2023
I decided to read this book on a whim because I was curious about Cassandra’s story. The book has far surpassed that as it offers insights into how blind people can live their lives with mobility, independence, dignity and what Cassandra values - purpose.
She doesn’t shy away from the typical questions that she gets posed - how blind people can cook, put on makeup, how they navigate around places, study or read etc and outlines all these things in a matter of fact way, whilst sharing her fears and worries as a normal human being navigating these challenges. She’s honed so many skills with time and practice that it’s really amazing.
Lastly, I also appreciated how she tries to view things on a macro level and points out the stark reality that systemic restrictions are still in place. Organizations that aim to help the blind are actually being majority managed by people who aren’t blind, which means they don’t have the shared same lived experiences as those who are blind and therefore Cassandra argues that the organizations and their programmes cannot be truly effective in helping blind people to lead normal lives. Rather, the attitude of non-blind people is to safeguard, protect and shield the blind which further isolates them. I do think that Cassandra’s message for true inclusivity makes sense.
I hope more people can read this book to understand what true inclusivity of disabled people means and how we can all play our part.
She doesn’t shy away from the typical questions that she gets posed - how blind people can cook, put on makeup, how they navigate around places, study or read etc and outlines all these things in a matter of fact way, whilst sharing her fears and worries as a normal human being navigating these challenges. She’s honed so many skills with time and practice that it’s really amazing.
Lastly, I also appreciated how she tries to view things on a macro level and points out the stark reality that systemic restrictions are still in place. Organizations that aim to help the blind are actually being majority managed by people who aren’t blind, which means they don’t have the shared same lived experiences as those who are blind and therefore Cassandra argues that the organizations and their programmes cannot be truly effective in helping blind people to lead normal lives. Rather, the attitude of non-blind people is to safeguard, protect and shield the blind which further isolates them. I do think that Cassandra’s message for true inclusivity makes sense.
I hope more people can read this book to understand what true inclusivity of disabled people means and how we can all play our part.
March 17, 2019
This book was so great and readable, I devoured all 210 pages in one sitting! A Place For Us is an autobiography of Cassandra Chiu’s life as a young girl and then later, a woman living with visual disability in Singapore. Her guide dog, Esme, is the first guide dog bred and trained to work in Singapore. Ever since I encountered Cassandra Chiu and Esme on the train one morning on the way to work, I had been curious about Cassandra and Esme’s life. I was thrilled to know that she would have a book coming out, and finished it on the same day as I got it from the bookstore.
Cassandra Chiu’s enthusiasm, attention to facts and detail, sense of humour, lust for life and “can do” spirit is truly infectious. Her advocacy for equal rights for people with disabilities is empowering and inspiring. A very motivating, eye-opening and important read for anyone and everyone. I loved reading about her relationship with her mother and her guide dog, Esme, and especially love Cassandra Chiu’s tenacity and personal ethos.
Cassandra Chiu’s enthusiasm, attention to facts and detail, sense of humour, lust for life and “can do” spirit is truly infectious. Her advocacy for equal rights for people with disabilities is empowering and inspiring. A very motivating, eye-opening and important read for anyone and everyone. I loved reading about her relationship with her mother and her guide dog, Esme, and especially love Cassandra Chiu’s tenacity and personal ethos.
June 9, 2021
This book comes closer to a 3.5 for me, but only because I'd hope for more of an advocacy-lean on the book, like in the second half of the book. At first, I found Cassandra's form of advocacy mildly grating in how she puts forth incidences of discrimination in public. However, upon reflection, I think it is more disturbing that I had expectations of members of marginalized communities to articulate and package their narratives of exclusion in a more palatable manner. They have no such obligations to do so, and I am thankful to have the book challenge my unreasonable expectations. I found the statistics of gainful employment of persons with disabilities to be the most depressing takeaway, and I can only hope for society to see that these differently-abled individuals have the potential and can contribute so much more than busking and tele/door-to-door marketing.
April 16, 2020
Cassandra is blind, but not disabled. Being the first person to have a guide dog in Singapore, Cassandra recounts how she grew up, gradually losing her sight because of Stargardt, and finally having Esme (her guide dog) in her life (and in Singapore)!
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Cassandra’s journey is wrought with challenges, not stemming from her limitations, but rather from the inability of the people around her to embrace the unfamiliar. The encounters with security, with management and sales people made me gasp a little!
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The book is easy to read, and an eye opener - it provokes the reader to see how our society really sees.
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Cassandra’s journey is wrought with challenges, not stemming from her limitations, but rather from the inability of the people around her to embrace the unfamiliar. The encounters with security, with management and sales people made me gasp a little!
•
The book is easy to read, and an eye opener - it provokes the reader to see how our society really sees.
March 14, 2023
This book could have been much better edited. I think that’s probably it’s biggest weakness. However, I enjoyed learning about the author’s experience not only as a blind woman, but also as an advocate for blind people. Her earnest and direct prose really helped me see how even small changes in design and accomodation can allow people to become much more independent, and how valuable that independence can be. I also enjoyed learning about her experience with her guide dog, although I would have enjoyed learning more about the role of guide dogs and their daily lives with the people they guide.
March 28, 2019
This book was really an eye-opener for me. I could really understand what it means to be an inclusive society based on Cassandra’s heartfelt sharing. It really touched my heart strings when I realized how the world could be so cruel and insensitive to the needs of the disabled. I hope that there will be greater awareness of the disabled in Singapore through this sharing and to truly have a place for everyone to live and love.💕
June 22, 2019
This book was really an eye-opener for me. I could really understand what it means to be an inclusive society based on Cassandra’s heartfelt sharing. It really touched my heart strings when I realized how the world could be so cruel and insensitive to the needs of the disabled. I hope that there will be greater awareness of the disabled in Singapore through this sharing and to truly have a place for everyone to live and love.💕
August 9, 2020
Simply written, this is a book about a Singaporean who went blind and her journey in Singapore. She learns how to cope with her disability. It's a good insight into the challenges faced by the disabled.
I found the last chapter the most helpful: she ends off with how Singapore can improve its acceptance of people with disabilities (for example, an equality act).
I found the last chapter the most helpful: she ends off with how Singapore can improve its acceptance of people with disabilities (for example, an equality act).
July 31, 2023
An interesting insight into living in Singapore with a visual impairment, with some really important points raised relating to facilitating independence, responsibility and authority in the context of disability (the last chapter in particular). I was a bit distracted by the writing style and the comma splicing haha but it didn’t detract much from the content of the book.
July 3, 2025
a good book, which immerses the reader in what it's truly like to live with blindness. It empowers people with disabilities. I liked Cassandra's personnality, she seems very independant, smart and fun.
I thought the book needed a better proofreading and editing. for exemple, there were too many exclaimation points for my taste.
overall enjoyed it
I thought the book needed a better proofreading and editing. for exemple, there were too many exclaimation points for my taste.
overall enjoyed it
January 21, 2020
The world can be a beautiful place, even with your imperfections and limitations you have as a human.
March 4, 2021
Heartwarming and encouraging story. Cassandra has shown that with persistence & determination, she can overcome overwhelming odds.
April 6, 2023
Important book to read!
December 22, 2024
Beautifully well written, I finished the book in two days. Engaging, captivating and inspiring. Excellent book!
January 5, 2025
The description here on Goodreads is definitely apt - Part 1 is an autobiographical take on Cassandra's life since young, her close ties with parents, befriending new people at her school, managing her education, her adulting journey, struggles as a mother, and eventually her training month with Esme and others at Australia GDV. As a reader with a preference for memoirs, I enjoyed Part 1 the most.
Part 2 reads just like Goodreads said: reflections on her social advocacy thus far. She highlights several incidents and exposes Singapore's selfishness and ignorance towards persons with disabilities, even showing us the exact nasty comments several netizens had directed at her. I wish I could tear apart those netizens myself urgh!
Because this book has such a change in content from part 1 to part 2, I became disappointed. I wanted to continue to follow her emotions throughout her journey coping with her disability, to applaud her parents' love for Cassandra, to squeal along with excitement as she met Esme for the first time, to smile at Esme's antics. Part 2 is extremely informational (not saying it's bad!), at some point feeling slightly like an extended acknowledgement checklist/a thanks-to towards people who had helped Cassandra.
Part 2 reads just like Goodreads said: reflections on her social advocacy thus far. She highlights several incidents and exposes Singapore's selfishness and ignorance towards persons with disabilities, even showing us the exact nasty comments several netizens had directed at her. I wish I could tear apart those netizens myself urgh!
Because this book has such a change in content from part 1 to part 2, I became disappointed. I wanted to continue to follow her emotions throughout her journey coping with her disability, to applaud her parents' love for Cassandra, to squeal along with excitement as she met Esme for the first time, to smile at Esme's antics. Part 2 is extremely informational (not saying it's bad!), at some point feeling slightly like an extended acknowledgement checklist/a thanks-to towards people who had helped Cassandra.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews