Milestones

2009
The Catholic Social and Community Council invited ABLE’s Founding Chairman, Mr Raymundo Yu, to explore establishing a charity dedicated to supporting persons with physical disabilities. A group of committed and like-minded individuals was formed to develop a mission driven by dignity, independence, and community inclusion.

2010
ABLE was incorporated on 25 October as a member of Caritas Singapore, the social mission arm of the Catholic Church in Singapore. Certification as an Institution of a Public Character was granted on 24 November, enabling ABLE to begin mobilising wider philanthropic support for its cause.

2010–2015
ABLE launched and operated the Centre for the Physically Challenged in partnership with the Handicaps Welfare Association. This pioneering centre provided rehabilitation, training, and return-to-work support for acquired conditions.
Over five years, 326 clients benefited from more than 500 therapy sessions, 160 skills courses, and 182 job or project placements.

2013
Recognising the pivotal role of caregivers, ABLE introduced Agape Respite in collaboration with the Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore, providing meaningful respite activities to restore caregivers’ emotional and physical well-being. The programme supported more than 200 caregivers and 140 care recipients through both centre-based and home-based support.

2015
ABLE relocated to Agape Village and established a comprehensive suite of services under one roof: rehabilitation and training, employment support programmes, respite services, and wheelchair-accessible transport.
In the same year, ABLE SEAS was set up as an inclusive employer, providing persons with physical disabilities with meaningful work opportunities in accounting and payroll services for businesses and the non-profit sector.

2018
ABLE was awarded support under the President’s Challenge Empowering for Life Fund, strengthening capability and enabling long-term rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes for clients and caregivers.

2019
President Halimah Yacob visited ABLE to meet clients, caregivers and staff, gaining deeper insight into the organisation’s impact and leadership in return-to-work rehabilitation and caregiver support in Singapore.

2022
ABLE held its first Charity Golf fundraising event, which has since grown into a key annual platform rallying public and corporate support for rehabilitation, reintegration, and respite services.

2024
ABLE strengthened its person-centred model through the introduction of the 4Rs framework: Rehabilitation, Reintegration, Return to Work, and Respite.
The organisation also deepened strategic partnerships, including collaboration with ETH Singapore and NTUC U Women and Family, to enhance integrated care and caregiver empowerment.
Mr Lim Boon Heng was appointed Patron of ABLE, reflecting continued trust and confidence in the organisation’s mission and future direction.

2025
ABLE expanded its Parish Outreach and community engagement efforts, improving access to care information and pathways for families through the Catholic community network.
Reintegration and return-to-work successes continued to grow, made possible through strengthened partnerships and a holistic rehabilitation approach.
ABLE marked 15 years of service, celebrating the achievements of clients and caregivers while reinforcing its longstanding commitment to enabling people, changing lives, and building a more inclusive society.