Enabling Village’s multi-use community space is the beacon of universal design. By integrating business, education and technology in one inclusive space, it enables and values every one amidst its verdant surroundings.
Universal Design at the Heart of Enabling Village
In the heart of Bukit Merah is the Enabling Village, an integrated community space in Singapore that emphasises universal design and accessibility, social innovation, training and employment for persons with disabilities. A stone’s throw from Redhill MRT Station, the Village’s lush green surroundings, accessible features and easy to navigate paths make it a safe space for every one in the community, regardless of ability.
The Enabling Village has been thoughtfully designed to support barrier-free access.
This commitment to inclusivity and universal design has been lauded. Enabling Village has received international recognition and awards, notably the 2016 President’s Design Award – Design of the Year and the 2022 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Global Award for Excellence, establishing it as a model for disability-inclusive innovation, setting local standards for accessibility and inclusion.
Assistive Technology Showcased in Tech Able
A key initiative at the Village is Tech Able, a partnership between SG Enable and SPD where customised support services and real-world needs are met through the use of assistive technologies. Tech Able allows individuals to trial devices before making purchasing decisions, ensuring that assistive technology matches their lifestyle and abilities. This practical approach results in better outcomes for persons with disabilities at work and to live independently.
Assistive technology helped Muhammed Sayfullah find his voice. The 22-year-old was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy – the most severe form of cerebral palsy (CP), which is characterised by the loss of motor skills caused by brain damage which has also made his speech hard to understand to most people. He has been using his Augmentative and Alternative Communication device to ‘talk’ with his family and friends. Turns out he is a delightful chatterbox. He even managed to deliver a heartfelt speech at a wedding. With his devoted mother Siti Fadillah, holding the microphone near the device’s speaker, his words to the bride and groom were clear, meaningful, and full of love.
Madam Fadillah remembers the occasion fondly:
“It was such a joy to see him actively and meaningfully taking part in the celebration, using his voice, in his way.”
Since its inception in 2015, Tech Able has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors.
Sarah Yong, principal speech therapist at SPD, said that the future is moving towards having mainstream technologies be more accessible to persons with disabilities using artificial intelligence to customise products and services which can include remote support that can reach more people. She added:
“While the trend leans towards mainstream adoption, specialised devices will continue to play an important role in supporting persons with complex needs.”
Communication and Inclusion Through Technology
Tech Able provides Sayfullah (pictured on the right with his mother Fadillah) with assistive technology that enables him to better express his thoughts and emotions, so that others can understand him.
Tech Able also works with disability advocates like Josh Tseng to conduct their Introduction to e-Accessibility series of workshops. As a person with vision loss himself, Josh shares:
“I hope to use my personal experiences to give practical insights on how to build more inclusive digital experiences.”
For example, one workshop was adapted for a deaf-blind trainee, using Google Docs and a Braille display for real-time communication. Josh is also the Director of Blind Mice Media, a media production company dedicated to creating inclusive media and technology, and he is also an Inclusion Champion with SG Enable, where he champions for greater inclusion through public education.
Expanding Digital Inclusion: The Accessibility Lab
Tech Able’s work in physical assistive technology is now complemented by the Accessibility Lab, a new addition that addresses digital barriers. This facility serves as both testing ground and collaborative hub, where developers, designers and persons with disabilities work together to create more inclusive digital environments.
The Accessibility Lab represents Tech Able’s expansion into digital accessibility, ensuring that as technology advances, inclusive design remains at the forefront of innovation.
Tech Able also partners with Institutes of Higher Learning and start-ups to nurture the next generation of accessibility advocates like Digital Dream, a social enterprise specialising in experiential projection technology that transforms how people interact with digital environments.
Kenneth Chia, senior project manager at Digital Dream, shared more about their collaboration with Tech Able:
“What sets Tech Able apart is their deep understanding of the Special Education community and their hands-on experience with assistive technologies. This has been instrumental in shaping our solutions to be more grounded, effective, and relevant. As we move towards an increasingly digital and automated world, accessibility innovation ensures that no one is left behind as technology advances.”
Digital Dream’s innovations, such as the iCUBE, an Interactive Mixed Reality CAVE (located in Enabling Village’s Caregivers Pod) and iTILES, a modular learning platform (showcased at Tech Able), transform ordinary classrooms into engaging, inclusive environments. These technologies support customised content tailored to specific needs, whether for physical rehabilitation, cognitive stimulation, or collaborative play. Both innovations were supported by the Enabling Lives Initiative Grant, which is funded by Tote Board and managed by SG Enable.
iCUBE, an Interactive Mixed Reality CAVE, uses projections on walls and floors to create immersive and interactive environments for learning.
At Tech Able, the next chapter of innovation is already taking shape. Plans are underway to expand the Assistive Technology Loan Library to include cutting-edge tools, while new partnerships are being forged to spark greater use of assistive technology in classrooms, workplaces, playgrounds, and homes.
Building Blocks for Tomorrow
Universal design, innovative and accessible technology with partnerships that address real-world needs of persons with disabilities at the Enabling Village are the building blocks that can make meaningful change and impact. These efforts push us to reimagine what’s possible when universal design and inclusion drive innovation, a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Visit Enabling Village to find out more.
For a decade, Enabling Village has been a place where possibilities grow and inclusion thrives. As we celebrate 10 years of building a more accessible Singapore, discover the voices, milestones, and everyday moments that have shaped our community – and be part of what comes next.
