AWWA

“𝙊𝙝, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙’𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣?”

It’s one of the common concerns parents may have when considering an inclusive preschool education for their child. But academic growth and learning alongside peers of differing abilities can go hand in hand, especially in an environment guided by educators trained in inclusive practices.

Beyond the classroom, children also gain opportunities to develop empathy, confidence and social awareness through everyday interactions with one another.

Hear from our inclusive educator Jewelyn from Kindle Garden Preschool as she unpacks the benefits of inclusive preschool education for children of all abilities in our latest newsletter.

https://awwa.org.sg/newsletter/awwassup-issue-01/

From seeking stability to becoming a familiar, trusted face in his community, this is Mr Krishnan’s journey at AWWA’s Senior Community Home.

When he first joined in 2021, he was looking for support and a place to call home. Today, you’ll find him reading, helping out at the Giving Space community fridge, and befriending fellow residents, showing that meaningful contributions can happen at every stage of life.

At AWWA, holistic care goes beyond physical needs. We support seniors to stay connected, purposeful, and actively involved in the community, so they can continue ageing well with dignity.

This year, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our Senior Community Home, stories like Mr Krishnan’s remind us that ageing well is about care, belonging, participation, and human connection.

Want to be part of work that creates lasting change for our seniors every day?
Explore career opportunities with AWWA 💙
https://careers.awwa.org.sg/

A stroke can change life in an instant, affecting how a person moves, communicates, or even manages daily tasks like dressing and eating.

While recovery is a deeply personal journey, a strong network of support, with therapists, caregivers and healthcare professionals working closely together, can make a real difference.

This World Stroke Awareness Month, we honour the strength of stroke survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals walking this path together.

A key aspect of recovery is rehabilitation and therapy. This helps survivors improve their mobility and regain confidence in carrying out their daily routines independently, while supporting caregivers as they adjust to new needs.

At AWWA, our physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists work closely together to support clients across different stages of recovery, including through our Home Therapy services and Rehab and Day Care Centre (RDCC). From mobility support to speech and daily living skills, we journey alongside clients and caregivers to help them navigate life after stroke with greater confidence.

Want to learn more about AWWA Therapy Services? Visit our website to find out more: https://awwa.org.sg/our-services/

What a scent-sational time! 🌿✨

Our adults with disabilities at AWWA Home and Day Activity Centre had a wonderful time creating their own room sprays alongside volunteers from UBP - Union Bancaire Privée 🤝

From exploring different scents and choosing their favourites to mixing and bottling their very own sprays, every step of the workshop was thoughtfully adapted so our clients could participate meaningfully and enjoy the full sensory experience.

More than just crafting room sprays, it was heartwarming to see connections bloom through shared laughter and curiosity 💚

Want to make an impact that smells as sweet as this? Volunteer with us at https://awwa.org.sg/volunteer/

Since 2023, Beatrice Chen has led AWWA’s Board with dedication, working closely with AWWA’s leadership team to help drive the organisation forward in meeting evolving societal needs. But did you know that Beatrice’s AWWA journey first began almost two decades ago, as a volunteer in 2008?

Over the years, Beatrice has witnessed many changes in the social service landscape, particularly in the special education sector. Yet what has remained constant is AWWA’s commitment to staying relevant by investing in capability, innovation and partnerships across the sector, something she is proud to have been part of throughout the years.

Today, in her role as AWWA Chairman and Chairperson of the School Management Committee, Beatrice continues to advocate for more robust and meaningful post-18 support for students with autism, grounded in her belief that persons with autism can thrive with the right support.

From volunteer to Chairman, her nearly two decades of service reflect a deep commitment to building a more inclusive society alongside AWWA.

Read more about Beatrice’s journey with AWWA in our exclusive interview:
https://awwa.org.sg/newsletter/awwassup-issue-01/

Caring for a child with autism can feel overwhelming at times. But with a village behind you, that journey becomes a little lighter, and a lot more empowering.

Meet Farah Juwita, a mother to six children, including her youngest son Ilhan, who is on the autism spectrum and a student of AWWA School @ Bedok.

When Ilhan was first diagnosed, it was Farah’s older children who kept her going. From caring for him as a baby to helping him practise communication and self-regulation skills today, their love and support for their youngest brother have never wavered.

Whether it is trips to the library, taking public transport, playing sports, or cooking together, they continue to encourage Ilhan’s participation in everyday life and make him feel seen, included, and loved.

This International Day of Families, we honour families like Farah’s, whose everyday acts of care, inclusion, and unwavering support continue to inspire us all.

If you would like to journey alongside families across AWWA’s services, join us as a volunteer and help strengthen communities of care and support. 💙

https://awwa.org.sg/volunteer/

Move over Labubus… Kumagi is cute, AI-powered, and helping people feel less lonely 🤖

Meet Kumagi, a social robot (LOVOT) supporting seniors and children with high support needs across AWWA’s care settings.

Last Sunday, Kumagi made a special appearance on CNA938’s Our Town, joining AWWA's Director of Health and Senior Care Sean Tan, Associate Professor Kelvin Tan from SUSS and broadcaster Susan Ng for a conversation on the Social Robots in the Care Sector study by AWWA and SUSS.

At first glance, Kumagi may look like “just a cute robot”. But during the study, the team observed that it helped seniors be more engaged and feel less lonely, while children participated more proactively during activities.

During the live studio demonstration, Kumagi even made soft cooing sounds to connect with Susan 🥺

Most importantly, the conversation explored a powerful idea: technology in care should not replace empathy or human relationships. Instead, when thoughtfully integrated, strengthens care environments and also help to improve caregivers’ mental health and well-being.

🎧 Catch the full CNA938 Our Town conversation on meLISTEN: https://www.melisten.sg/podcast/playlist/Our-Town-2529511/Social-Robots-and-the-Human-Touch-in-Care-3318086

Motherhood looks different for everyone. But the unconditional love a mother has for her children is something that connects mothers everywhere. 💙

Meet Nooreen, a single mother of three, including two boys with autism who are students at AWWA School @ Napiri. After losing her husband to cancer three years ago, her journey through motherhood has been shaped by patience, resilience, and learning to find beauty in the little moments.

This Mother’s Day, she shares how her sons changed the way she sees the world: teaching her to slow down, embrace differences, and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.

To all mothers and caregivers walking this journey with love and courage every single day, we see you, and we celebrate you. ✨

Want to discover what our clients are truly made of beyond their disabilities? Join us as a volunteer and help us build an inclusive tomorrow.

https://awwa.org.sg/volunteer/

Can a robot ease loneliness or even support caregiving?
A new Singapore study explores how AI-powered social robots are being used with seniors and children with high support needs, showing promising improvements in well-being, engagement and caregiver support.
But where do we draw the line between technology and human touch? Join us as we discuss what this could mean for the future of care in our communities.

To learn more: https://www.suss.edu.sg/research/social-robot-as-companion-for-older-adults
https://awwa.org.sg/

Our Town with Susan Ng. Sundays at 11am & 6pm on .

Listen to Our Town podcasts here:
https://www.melisten.sg/podcast/playlist/Our-Town-2529511

Some children just need more time, and that's okay. 💛

As the world celebrates Labour Day, we’re also shining a light on a lesser-known but equally important occasion: Global Developmental Delay (GDD) Awareness Day.

GDD is more common than many realise, impacting about 1-3% of children worldwide. It is a broad term used when children below the age of five experience significant delays in at least two developmental domains, such as motor skills, speech and language, cognition, social and emotional development, and activities of daily living.

Early intervention (EI) plays a crucial role in supporting these children, as the early years are critical for brain development. As one of the largest EI providers in Singapore, AWWA walks alongside children with GDD and other developmental needs, together with their families, unlocking potential through play, therapy and care.

This Labour Day and GDD Awareness Day, we celebrate the people behind that impact: our educators, therapists, social workers and support staff who show up with patience, heart and dedication, helping every child thrive with the right support.

Learn more about how you can be part of our journey in building an inclusive tomorrow through our fundraising efforts on our website: https://awwa.org.sg/donate/