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Milestones

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Milestones That Shaped Our Journey

Since 1969, HWA has grown to better support persons with physical disabilities and the elderly in Singapore. Each milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering lives and building a more inclusive community.

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  • 1969

  • HWA officially launched Senior Daycare Centre at Jurong Point on 1 July 2025 expanding it’s services.

  • HWA is accredited with the Progressive Wage Mark for paying Progressive Wages to uplift lower-wage workers.

    • December
      HWA launched an Elderly Day Care Centre at its Whampoa Centre in December 2023 as an additional service for the existing beneficiaries and public.
    • June
      HWA was presented with President’s Certificate of Commendation (COVID-19) on 18 June 2023.
      This award was given to organisation and teams that made exceptional efforts which had significant impact during the pandemic.

  • HWA received the Charity Transparency Award 2022 at the Charity Transparency and Governance Awards Ceremony on 9 November 2022.

    HWA’s President Er Hui Beng Hong and Executive Director Mr Subrata Banerjee received the award from the Chairman of Charity Council, Dr Gerard Ee at the event.

  • HWA proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019, marking a significant milestone in its journey of empowering persons with disabilities and the elderly in Singapore.

  • Mr.Edmund Wan Fook Wing (HWA President, PBM) received the Public Service Medal awarded by his excellency Mr.Tony Tan (Singapore President, Term 2011-2017).

    Announced on the National Day Awards 2017 in recognition to his valuable contributions as the forefront to the association and community for persons with physical disability

  • Mr. Edmund Wan Fook Wing (HWA President, PBM) was presented the NGO Leadership & Excellence Award at the 6th Asia Best CSR Practices Awards 2016.

    Hosted by CMO Asia, it is Asia’s highest recognition of individuals with a significant and positive impact to the community.

  • Personal Care Services is expanded and called Home Care Services to include Medical, Nursing, Therapy and Housekeeping.

  • HWA was presented with Charity Governance Award (Medium Category) in recognition of adopting the highest standards of governance.

    • Centre for the Physically Challenged is a joint operation of Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA) Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE) officially launched on 25th February.
    • The centres’ services include a comprehensive range of intervention and training.
    • HWA officially launched its new Rehabilitation & Training Centre at Jurong Point Shopping Centre In January as an expansion of its rehabilitation programmes to members and public west region of Singapore.
    • HWA celebrated its 40th Anniversary and adopted its new tag line “Impacting Lives, Bridging Communities”
    • HWA was adopted by National Parks as their beneficiary.
    • HWA was adopted by Sloane Clinic as their beneficiary.
    • HWA has introduced a new scheme named “HWA Micro-Finance Assistance Scheme” with funding from Chan Su Lan trust Fund. Members who wish to set up their own businesses could apply an interest free loan up to S$100,000 in total.
    • For demonstrating h5 support towards National Service and Total Defence, HWA was awarded Total Defence Award at 3rd Tier: Meritorious Defence Partner Award from The Ministry of Defence.
    • To better understand our members’ needs and wants, HWA conducted a Needs Assessment Survey to gather information and update member’s particulars. Using the response from members, HWA has improved its existing programs and services.
    • HWA was adopted by 938 LIVE as their beneficiary from January
    • HWA was adopted by Leo Burnett as their beneficiary from April 2007
    • Memorandum of Understanding between HWA & Wheelchair Basketball Association (Singapore) signed on 30th December. This was undertaken for HWA and WBA to work together synergistically to further promote sports and social activities.
    • A Multi-Purpose Court was installed in October. It allows various learn-to-play activities which has not only benefited HWA members like the Wheelchair Basketball Team, but also provides a convenient space for all to enjoy ball games.
    • Launching of HWA Personal Care Service that aims to assist persons with disabilities who need help in Personal Hygiene. The funding is awarded to HWA by National Council of Social Service (NCSS).
    • HWA started an internship placement programme with a year funding received from UPS Singapore.
    • HWA celebrated its 35th Anniversary- Inspiring Dreams & Empowering Lives! with a first-ever Piano Recital event called “A Night with Ben & Friends” on 18th June at the Jubilee Hall, The Raffles Hotel. Performances were staged by people with physical disabilities to showcase their abilities. NMP Eunice Olsen was guest performer.
    • In the Citibank-YMCA YOUTH FOR CAUSES programme, HWA’s team- Wheel Power which comprised of HWA members and volunteers from the wheelchair basketball team was awarded for the “Best Team” prize for the above 21 category on 19th November. Their efforts in creating awareness on disabilities and in raising funds for the “Build-a-Court” project was recognised by the organisers.
    • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore) adopted HWA as their charity organisation to partner with in their bid to serve the people with physical disabilities in Singapore.
    • HWA was awarded with the Annual Sporting Inspiration Award by the Singapore Sports Council in recognition for promoting Sports to improve the quality of living for the physically disabled.
    • Member of Rehabilitation International – International Commission on Technology and Accessibility (ICTA). ICTA supports the concept of a system of linkages to create accessible and equitable environments. It advocates positive terminology and the use of accessible facilities rather than disabled facilities. HWA will proactively network and participate in the cause and activities of ICTA.
    • Member of International Centre for Accessible Transportation (ICAT). ICAT is a not-for-profit, non-government, international organisation established to disseminate the knowledge on, and support the development of, new technologies, systems and related improvements to make transportation more accessible to all travellers, especially those who are less able as a result of a disability or age, regardless of national boundaries. HWA will tap on the expertise of this organisation to work towards a barrier-free environment for people with disabilities in our community.
    • HWA President, Ms Judy Anne Wee was conferred the National Day Public Service Medal by the Singapore Government – the first HWA president to be honoured for outstanding community service. Ms Wee has actively served in the Executive Committee of HWA since 1986 and has made significant contribution, both locally and internationally, in championing the cause for persons with physical disabilities.
    • HWA launched ts first-ever nation-wide Skills Competition cum Public Forum entitled “BRIDGE-Towards a More Inclusive Society”.
    • HWA jointly organised the Asia & Pacific Forum (APDF) Inaugural Meeting & Conference 2003- “Disability in the New Millennium”
    • Launch of Revised Code on Barrier-Free Accessibility in Buildings, 2002
    • Launch of HWA Rotary-Skills Assistance Funds
    • Set Up of HWA IRC for Members
    • 10th Anniversary of HWA Rehabilitation Centre
    • Needs Assessment Survey (NAS) of our members conducted
    • The first-ever medical health screening conducted for members
    • “Honorable Mentioned” for the 2000 ESCAP Human Resource Development Award by the United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific for the empowerment of people with disabilities in Singapore’s knowledge-based economy Setup of Wheelchair Repair Workshop
    • Implementation of the Committed to Life Learning Award (CLLA) – to promote continual learning and helping members to build careers
    • Task Force to revise “Code for Barrier Free Access in Buildings”
    • Launch of “Access Singapore” booklet
    • Launch of Comfort Handicare Cab Service
    • Introduction of the After-Office-Hours Dial A Ride Service
    • Official launch of HWA’s Website
    • Launch of the After Office Hours Dial A Ride Service
    • Official opening of The AST-HWA Computer Centre
    • Launch of the New Code for Barrier-Free Accessibility in Buildings
    • Launch of “Public Awareness Campaign – Have a Heart, Show U Care”
    • Official opening of The AST-HWA Computer Centre
    • Launch of the New Code for Barrier-Free Accessibility in Buildings
    • Launch of “Public Awareness Campaign – Have a Heart, Show U Care”
    • Task Force to revise “Code for Barrier Free Access in Buildings”
    • Expansion of HWA Rehab Centre
    • Set-up of classrooms
    • Takeover of SAP office space
    • HWA’s 25th Anniversary Celebration – open house to showcase the abilities of peoples with disabilities and understanding the access needs of the disabled community
    • Official opening of HWA Rehab Centre
    • Setting up of HWA-SAPES Scholarship for members who are pursuing full-time diploma or degree course
    • HWA started conducting public education talks at schools, tertiary institutions, etc. to raise public awareness for persons with physical disability
    • HWA started a food ration scheme for needy members and a befrienders’ programme to provide friendship and emotional support for its homebound members
    • Special Award by the United Nations Association of Singapore for being the most outstanding civic organisation.
    • HWA’s first “Wheel, Walk or Jog”, which raised about $20,000
    • Gold Award by the United Nations Association of Singapore for being the most outstanding civic organisation.
    • HWA moved to its new home at Whampoa Drive
    • HWA was awarded a Gold Citation by the United Nations Association of Singapore for being the most outstanding civic organisation in Singapore
    • HWA took over the running of the Vocational Assessment and Placement Centre (VAPC), a pilot project initiated by SCSS to provide vocational assessment, vocational/ career guidance and job placement for persons with physical disabilities. The VAPC was transferred back to SCSS in 1988 when it set the Bizlink Centre, a centralized employment placement centre for the disabled.
    • HWA started a Driving Service to teach the disabled to drive a car fitted with a special hand-controlled gadget
    • Donation of 2 vans, one from the Singapore Association of Personal & Executive Secretaries (SAPES) and the other from the Rotary Club of Raffles City. With the 2 new vans, HWA started a Dial-a-Ride service for members as well as the public who require transport for hospital visits, social/recreational activities and other purposes.
    • HWA launched a transport scheme to provide door-to-door transport service for its members who found it impossible or difficult to use public transport to go to work.
    • HWA’s first Flag Day, which raised $39,417.

  • HWA was accepted as a full member of SCSS

  • Set up an office at the Singapore Council of Social Service (SCSS) Building at Penang Lane and employed of 2 full-time staff

  • Association published its own magazine, known as the “Singapore Handicaps Monthly” (renamed the “Handicaps Digest” in 1985)

  • Association’s first fund-raising project – A Jumble Sale

  • Formation of the Association. First registered as the Singapore Handicaps Friendship Club, it changed its name to the Singapore Association for the Disabled in 1975 and in 1976, it was renamed the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA)

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I understand that I retain the right to withdraw my consent, access, or correct my personal data at any time by following the procedures in the Personal Data Protection Policy or by contacting the Data Protection Officer at dpo@hwa.org.sg. I acknowledge that certain statutory data (such as financial and tax records) may be retained in accordance with prevailing legal obligations despite a withdrawal request.

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By submitting this form and submitting my inquiry or feedback, I agree and consent to HWA collecting, using, and disclosing the personal data provided for the following purposes:

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  • Improving HWA’s services, programs, and operations through internal review, quality assurance, and feedback analysis.
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I understand that I retain the right to withdraw my consent, access, or correct my personal data at any time by following the procedures in the Personal Data Protection Policy or by contacting the Data Protection Officer at dpo@hwa.org.sg. I acknowledge that certain data may be retained in accordance with prevailing legal or operational obligations despite a withdrawal request.

Consent to Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Data

By submitting this form, I agree and consent to HWA collecting, using, and disclosing my personal data provided above for the purposes of:

  • Processing my volunteer application and managing my volunteer profile.
  • Contacting me regarding volunteering opportunities, events, and organizational updates.
  • Administrative and record-keeping purposes related to my volunteer activities.

I understand that I retain the right to withdraw my consent, access, or correct my personal data at any time. To exercise these rights, or for any data protection inquiries, I can submit a request via the channels outlined in the Personal Data Protection Policy or directly contact the Data Protection Officer at dpo@hwa.org.sg.

Consent to Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Data

By submitting this form, I agree and consent to HWA collecting, using, and disclosing the personal data provided above for the following purposes:
  • Processing, evaluating, and responding to my rehabilitation service enquiry.
  • Assessing eligibility for the selected services and coordinating initial consultations or assessments.
  • Contacting me or the designated individual via phone, email, or mail regarding service availability and administrative arrangements.
  • Maintaining internal records and service quality administration within HWA.

I understand that I retain the right to withdraw my consent, access, or correct my personal data at any time. To exercise these rights, or for any data protection inquiries, I can submit a request via the channels outlined in the Personal Data Protection Policy or directly contact the Data Protection Officer at dpo@hwa.org.sg.

Consent to Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Data

By submitting this form, I agree and consent to HWA collecting, using, and disclosing the personal data provided above for the following purposes:
  • Processing, evaluating, and responding to my transport service inquiry.
  • Verifying my membership status and assessing service eligibility.
  • Contacting me via phone or email to coordinate transport arrangements and operational schedules.
  • Internal administration, service quality tracking, and record-keeping related to HWA transport services.

I understand that I retain the right to withdraw my consent, access, or correct my personal data at any time. To exercise these rights, or for any data protection inquiries, I can submit a request via the channels outlined in the Personal Data Protection Policy or directly contact the Data Protection Officer at dpo@hwa.org.sg.

Consent to Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Data

By submitting this form, I agree and consent to HWA collecting, using, and disclosing the personal data provided above for the following purposes:

  • Processing, evaluating, and responding to my home care service inquiry or application.
  • Assessing eligibility for home care services and coordinating initial care assessments or home visits.
  • Contacting me or the designated beneficiary via phone, email, or mail regarding care schedules, service arrangements, and operational updates.
  • Maintaining internal records, service evaluation, and quality assurance for HWA home care services.

I understand that I retain the right to withdraw my consent, access, or correct my personal data at any time. To exercise these rights, or for any data protection inquiries, I can submit a request via the channels outlined in the Personal Data Protection Policy or directly contact the Data Protection Officer at dpo@hwa.org.sg.

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