In an era where corporate conglomerates have homogenised products and consumer experiences, it is rare to find a thoughtfully curated space that enables businesses to tap into the talents of the often underrepresented differently-abled community.
The i’mable Collective Space, which was officially unveiled on Oct 28, is one such space.
Located five minutes from Redhill MRT station, the 800-square-metre space spotlights the creativity and capabilities of people with disabilities, bringing together retail, gallery, studio, and café experiences in one inclusive place.
The space is a physical extension of the i’mable Collective, which was started in 2019 by SG Enable, Singapore’s focal agency for disability and inclusion, as an initiative to showcase products designed or made by creatives with disabilities, as well as provide them with training and employment opportunities in the design and arts sectors.
Three creatives, whose works are displayed in the retail section of the i’mable Collective Space, share their journeys.
Mr Johnson Dass, 43, has lived in institutional care from a young age after being diagnosed with Mild Intellectual Disability. He graduated from Katong Special School in 1988 and participated in the Special Olympics in 1993, 2001, and 2003.
He represented the country in both football and dragon boating, clinching a total of three gold medals and one silver medal.
Currently a trainee at Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities (THKMC), Mr Johnson practises his housekeeping skills while gaining real-world experience through THKMC’s partnerships with hotels and restaurants, such as the Orchard Hotel, where he previously worked in housekeeping, laundry, and other roles.
He also crafted several sculptural ceramic pieces, such as matching cup sets and reed diffuser holders, as part of the i’mable Collective project with Ceramication, a local ceramic studio, in 2024.
As he explained the production process, Mr Johnson’s outgoing disposition and playful banter shone through. “If you make more, your back pains, you need to stop for a while,” he quipped, adding that, “without pain, I can make up to 10 pieces.”
Previously, such pieces were sold only once a year at the annual i’mable Collective Market event. The new space provides a permanent platform, allowing more people to discover and buy products, increasing visibility and income opportunities for creatives.
Mr Abinesh Ramesh, 22, another creative and THKMC trainee, has also created several ceramic pieces like hexagon-shaped cups.
His pieces are stamped with his maker’s mark, featuring a bicycle and a shuttlecock – a nod to his favourite activities: cycling and playing badminton.
He was diagnosed with Mild Intellectual Disability at age six, and currently resides with his parents, older sister and helper. Mr Abinesh completed his education at APSN Metta School and joined THKMC in 2021, where he was placed in the “Knead with Love” bakery track.
Working with a team of 22 trainees, he bakes cakes, cookies, bread, and buns for THKMC’s events, including items for the annual Purple Parade, online bake sales, and other corporate requests.
“The first items I helped bake were chocolate and chia seed buns. My favourite part is rolling out the dough and working with my friends,” Mr Abinesh said.
Ms Anmol Bhojwani, 24, channels her creativity into fashion and fabric design.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ms Anmol was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at age four. Her father passed away when she was 16 years old, which she described as the “biggest fear of my life”.
She moved to Singapore at 18 to support her mother’s career, and in 2021, she joined Singapore Fashion Runway (SFR). This social enterprise engages youth with special needs in hands-on learning across design, crafting, sewing, retail, and modelling.
“I was facing a lot of sadness, a lot of fear. I was having panic attacks all the time. SFR, it turned my life around. I met a lot of new friends who inspired me, and my mother encouraged me as well,” Ms Anmol said.
She designed a Merlion-themed digital print for cushion covers, which sold out quickly. In response to the demand, SFR will be producing additional pieces. The design features a pink base with small Merlion emblems spaced across it.
“I chose the colour pink because it makes me calm down. When people look at it, I want them to feel relaxed,” Ms Anmol explained.
The i’mable Collective Space is situated within Enabling Village, Singapore’s first integrated community space for persons with disabilities. To celebrate its 10th anniversary on Dec 6, the village will host a vibrant lineup of activities for the public.
ssakti@sph.com.sg For more information, please visit: https://enablingvillage.sg/ev10-anniversary-celebration/
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20 Nov 2025 14:39
