“I was simply trying to find a path that would work for my son. Along the way, I realised that when we create opportunities based on a person’s strengths instead of their limitations, we don’t just help one individual; we give families hope and help them see new possibilities.”
– William WK Tan, Founder, Caresons
At 15 years old, Cairn Tan, who has moderate autism, started operating his first vending machine at his condominium in December 2019.
What began as an attempt to help him develop vocational skills became something much more meaningful. The vending machine gave Cairn a role he could take ownership of. Over time, it became a way for him to connect with his neighbours and contribute to his community.
For his father, William WK Tan, the founder of Caresons, the vending machine represented more than a business opportunity. It was a pathway for Cairn to build confidence, independence and a stronger sense of belonging.
As a parent, he had spent years thinking about how Cairn could be supported to build independence as an adult. He realised that the usual pathways towards education, employment and independence did not always fit his son. Instead of trying to make Cairn adapt to existing expectations, William focused on creating opportunities that recognised his strengths and allowed him to be more self-reliant.
Finding a Different Path Towards Independence
When Cairn was 13 years old, William began exploring how he could prepare his son for adulthood. He started by observing what Cairn enjoyed and where he naturally showed interest.
One thing stood out: Cairn liked arranging items. During visits to supermarkets, he would organise products on shelves independently. William saw potential in this strength and explored whether retail work could be suitable.
However, many conventional roles were not the right fit. Some required full-time commitments, while others involved levels of customer interaction that could be challenging. William tried different approaches, including packing and delivering items through an online shop and newspaper delivery, with each experience helping him better understand Cairn’s abilities.
Eventually, the idea of a vending machine emerged.
A vending machine offered Cairn a practical way to develop vocational skills, contribute to his community and, most importantly, take ownership of something he could call his own.
The early days involved plenty of uncertainty, from selecting the right machine to deciding what products to sell. But as Cairn became more comfortable managing the machine, it became clear that the impact went beyond the practical skills he gained. It also gave him a reason to leave the house, and a routine to follow.
As neighbours began recognising and encouraging him, the vending machine also helped build stronger connections between Cairn and his community.
From One Young Person’s Journey to a Community Movement
Three years later, with support from a Member of Parliament who understood William’s vision, Cairn started a second vending machine at a community club. Having a regular reason to visit the space gave Cairn the opportunity to be a consistent presence within the community and expand his world beyond his home. As he became more comfortable with the environment and built relationships with those around him, Cairn gradually took part in more activities, volunteering at events and helping out in the community garden.
For William, these experiences reinforced that independence was more than earning an income. Having a role in the community gave Cairn a sense of purpose, strengthened his confidence and allowed others to see his abilities.
As William became more involved in the caregiver community, he realised that many families shared similar hopes for their children’s futures. This led to the creation of Caresons, a non-profit organisation that runs the Vending for Independence Programme (VIP).
The VIP trains young people with special needs in operating and owning their own microbusinesses, with the support of their families and communities.
Building Independence One Family at a Time
VIP supports families through a structured journey of training and operation.
During the training phase, parents learn the fundamentals of running a vending business, including registration, sourcing suppliers and managing operations. Young participants develop practical skills such as stocking products, cleaning machines, organising inventory and building consistent routines.
After completing training, families move into the operation phase, where they manage vending machines placed in community locations. They receive continued guidance through workshops and community check-ins, allowing caregivers and participants to share experiences and learn from one another.
The programme aims to support ten families every six months, building a community where families can encourage one another while developing sustainable microbusinesses.
For William, one of the most significant changes he has observed among participants is the sense of ownership they develop. Having a responsibility that belongs to them gives many young people a stronger sense of identity and purpose.
This was also an important milestone for Karen, whose 23-year-old son, Yi Hang, joined the first batch of VIP participants.
Yi Hang, who was diagnosed with autism at age three, had previously worked part-time at a café. However, managing stress remained a challenge, and Karen worried about whether he would be able to sustain employment and develop independence over time.
Through the programme, Yi Hang began learning how to manage his own vending machine. He now takes part in tasks such as restocking products, cleaning the machine, organising items and ordering supplies.
For Karen, seeing Yi Hang recognise the vending machine as something that belongs to him was a step forward. She hopes to eventually purchase the machine and continue growing the microbusiness together as a family.
How the ELI Grant Made the Vision Possible
When William first considered applying for the ELI Grant, he was hesitant. Building a structured programme would require additional time and resources, and he wanted to ensure that the initiative could genuinely benefit families.
However, he was also reminded of the support that had helped make Cairn’s own journey possible. The first vending machine was made possible because neighbours and community members were willing to support him, while the second machine came about through the encouragement of community partners.
The ELI Grant helped Caresons extend that same opportunity to more families.
Beyond financial support, the grant strengthened the credibility of the programme, allowing Caresons to engage more easily with potential vendors, partners and location providers. It also helped reduce the cost barrier for participating families by subsidising training and access to the vending machine model.
The support created opportunities not only for new participants but also for Cairn himself. Today, he steps up as a training assistant, demonstrating operations and encouraging other young people who are beginning their own journeys.
Creating More Opportunities for the Future
Today, VIP continues to grow with the goal of supporting more families and strengthening a community of caregivers, volunteers and partners.
For William, the vision extends beyond vending machines. It is about creating a future where individuals with special needs are recognised for their abilities and are given opportunities that allow them to participate meaningfully.
What began as one father’s journey to support his son has grown into a network of family-run microbusinesses, giving more young people with special needs a stake in their own livelihoods.
