The organisation has doubled its capacity to train persons with varying disabilities to become skilled furniture makers.

It can now train up to 30 apprentices in a wider range of technical skills each academic year, using new equipment and a fully outfitted facility renovated through a partnership with the Digicel Foundation.

The upgrades also gives the organisation the ability to regularise production of items ranging from wooden trays and jewellery boxes, to shelving and other furniture items, which have already ended up in retail stores.

Empower and revolutionise

"This doesn't just enable us to fish, or teach how to fish, it empowers us to revolutionise the furniture industry," said Susan Hamilton, managing director of The Abilities Foundation.

Conservative revenue projections show the furniture department of the non-profit organisation, making multiples of what it generated in previous years. This will help offset operational costs and fund future expansion and training capacity.

"The Abilities Foundation is inspiring all Jamaica by demonstrating that challenges and disabilities are no barrier for your ambitions," said Jean Lowrie-Chin, chairman of the Digicel Foundation, which shares a commitment to enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities.

The Abilities Foundation, celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year, offers HEART Trust/NTA-certified vocational training to over 80 students with varying physical and intellectual disabilities in the areas of garment construction, furniture making, general office administration, ornamental horticulture, landscaping, and data operation.