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This is a dictionary that indicates countable (C) or uncountable (U) and it shows both [C or U] in the BrE (British English) side for the first meaning (which is your meaning), plus a meaning which is S (singular only).

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will
noun (MENTAL POWER) 做意志力時可同時作為單數或複數

B2 [C or U] the mental power used to control and direct your thoughts and actions, or a determination to do something, despite any difficulties or opposition:

From an early age she had a very strong will. 

[+ to infinitive] After six months in hospital she began to lose the will to live (= the desire and determination to stay alive).


C1 [S] what someone wants to happen:

It was God's will. 作意願時只能作為單數: 這是上帝的意旨

Against their will (= although they did not want to), they were forced to hold a meeting.

The government has failed to impose its will upon regional communities (= to make them do as it wants).

做遺囑時可以做為複數

 Millennials are finally embracing one of the cornerstones of adulthood by writing their wills. 

問題與討論:

Idiomatically we do say "a strong will". But can we say "strong wills"? The context is

The optimism and (the) strong will(s) of the handicapped children touched me deeply.

Also, do I need a "the" before "strong will(s)" in this sentence?

Thanks.

I think both are acceptable. Each handicapped child has their own strong will so you can refer to each child's strong will individually with the plural usage, or you could refer to their collective strong will in the singular form. However, you refer to their optimism collectively so it may be best to refer to their strong will collectively as well.

As for the "the", I think its acceptable either way, but I personally think it sounds better to omit it, especially when referring to both collectively.

So basically I think whichever way you phrase it would probably not be incorrect, but for good style I suggest:

"The optimism and strong will of the handicapped children touched me deeply."