SINGAPORE: A new strategy governing the employment of the disabled is now set to be rolled out.

For 60 years, the Willing & Able Foundation has been constantly evolving. It is now embarking on an exciting new chapter, creating better pathways for personal growth and enhanced employment opportunities for people with disability throughout the Hastings region.

Starting life in 1966 as Q Robin, a small school in Wauchope for children with intellectual disability, Willing & Able has become one of the best-known institutions in the area.

Head to the Op Shop for some beautifully arranged flowers.

Now based on Jindalee Road in Port Macquarie, the organisation currently boasts its iconic op shop and coffee shop, a Return ‘n Earn bottle and can recycling facility, X-rays recycling, furniture upcycling, a commercial laundry, woodworking, car washing for local dealerships, and a real estate signs business.

All these initiatives mean Willing & Able can offer a range of meaningful paid work options. They also offer daily group activities and personal supports for people with disability.

And they’re heading down a new pathway that will open up an exciting future for both the organisation and the local community.

“Our focus is changing,” said Penny Poulton-Carr, Willing & Able’s CEO.

“There’s a major shift away from the government’s old approach to disability employment. The new thinking emphasises more person-centred, flexible support, and a more inclusive approach, and it is anticipated that supported employment in the future will tie in with the newly formed Inclusive Employment Australia program.

CEO Penny Poulton-Carr presenting awards to some of the supported employees.

“There’s a much greater focus on skills development, ongoing support, and long-term career progression. It’s a much-needed transition, and we want to be at the forefront of it,” Penny said.

“There is currently a lot of review, consultation and discussion going on in the disability employment space and in preparation for the upcoming changes, we have a new strategy in place and are developing a tailor-made model that will work for our situation,” said Penny.

“This includes branching into new initiatives to enable us to continue to offer supported employment, but also open employment pathways within our own social enterprises and in the wider business community, and alongside that, guidance for school leavers.”

With a drive for change in society underpinning greater acceptance, diversity, and inclusion for people with disability, the time seems right for the next evolutionary step for Willing & Able.

You can visit the Op Shop from Monday to Friday, 8am to 3.30pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.