ASP X DONTONBORI PARTNERSHIP THRIVES

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) conducted two workplace sensitivity trainings for the Japanese casual dining chain Dohtonbori Philippines in September 2024, at the company’s headquarters in Pasig and at its SM North EDSA branch. A total of 30 crew members, fondly called “buddies,” joined the sessions alongside the HR team.

These trainings were designed as practical workshops, simulating real-life customer situations and everyday restaurant interactions. The Dohtonbori crew welcomed the coaching from ASP Autism Works Country Manager Mona Magno-Veluz, knowing it would equip them to support their teammate on the spectrum better and, more importantly, strengthen their culture of looking out for one another.

This is another milestone in ASP’s long-standing partnership with Dohtonbori Philippines, which began in 2017. From the beginning, the brand has opened its doors to Filipinos with autism, creating jobs in a fast-paced industry where teamwork and service matter most.

In a customer-facing industry, sensitivity training ensures that employees on the spectrum are supported. Co-workers are trained to understand autism and respond with compassion — from recognizing sensory sensitivities to giving clear instructions. This improves morale, strengthens team bonds, and reinforces a service culture that customers can feel.

Businesses that embrace disability inclusive hiring gain employees who are loyal, detail-oriented, and capable of excelling. When a restaurant like Dohtonbori demonstrates a genuine commitment to diversity, it earns trust and goodwill, not only from families who live with autism but from the broader public who value companies with heart.

The journey toward inclusive employment is not one a business should take alone. Success comes from partnering with the right organizations — those who understand both the lived realities of autism and the operational needs of companies. The Autism Society Philippines has been that bridge for countless partners, from retail to food service to technology.

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Posted in: 4public,Asert

ASP FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP FOR SEPTEMBER 2025

Date: 13 September 2025, Saturday

Time: 10:00 AM

Register here to get the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/47zCvaG

Registration deadline: 12 September 2025, Friday at 12 noon

The Autism Society Philippines’ Family Support Group sessions bring together parents, siblings, and other family members to share their journey of living with autism. Participants exchange experiences, drawing strength and insight from others facing similar challenges.

The Autism Society Philippines, together with this month’s host, ASP Cebu, welcomes both members and non-members united by the shared experience of autism. Our goal is to educate, empower, and inspire as we work towards building an Autism-OK Philippines.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

If you have not received your Zoom credentials by 1:00 PM on 12 September 2025 (Friday), please email us at autismphils@gmail.com.

Please do not share your Zoom link. Only one device per registered name will be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Jane Ann S. Gonzales is a retired public servant and mother to a young adult on the autism spectrum. Formerly affiliated with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, she is currently the Program Director and Co-Owner of ILLC Davao Inc., a school that champions inclusive education, job readiness, and work placement. She helped establish the ASP Davao Chapter in 1995 and has since served as a resource speaker on autism parenting and advocacy.

Carlina "Babylin" Roa is the mother of Kalvin, a young adult on the spectrum who has been enriched through the ASP Autism Works economic empowerment program. A licensed Civil Engineer, Mommy Babylin found her true passion in Special Education and Counseling. She is the co-founder of Kite Strings Developmental Center, which supports those with developmental delays and guides families on their journeys.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

ASP LEADS SENSITIVITY TALK AT DOTR DISABILITY TRAINING FOR BUS FRONTLINERS

A sensitivity training aimed at strengthening disability awareness and inclusive practices in public transport was launched on 17 July 2025 by the Department of Transportation – Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT), in partnership with SM Cares and various disability organizations.

A key highlight of the training was the participation of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), represented by former Chairperson Erlinda Koe, a long-time advocate for autism inclusion. Koe delivered a focused session on autism sensitivity and response, equipping bus frontliners and law enforcers with critical insights into the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. She was joined by autism self-advocate Mark Pampolina, who lent his perspectives to the animated discussion.

Her talk emphasized the importance of empathy, clear communication, and non-threatening behavior when assisting commuters on the autism spectrum. She also shared practical response strategies for high-stress situations that may involve individuals with invisible disabilities—crucial knowledge for EDSA Busway drivers, conductors, and transport personnel.

The broader training event sought to deepen the understanding of the rights and needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the context of public transportation. It aimed to ensure that frontline staff could provide compassionate, informed, and equitable service to all commuters, regardless of disability.

Participants included DOTr-SAICT staff, transport organization representatives, and key personnel from the EDSA Busway system. Topics ranged from disability rights and legal mandates to hands-on guidance for assisting individuals with various physical, sensory, and developmental disabilities.

Organizers stressed that true inclusion in transportation goes beyond infrastructure—it requires awareness, respect, and responsive action. The event underscores DOTr’s commitment to aligning public transport systems with national disability laws and international standards on inclusive mobility.

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Posted in: Asert

ASP AND THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE PHILIPPINES SHAPE MORE INCLUSIVE LIBRARIES

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) joined hands with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) and the National Council on Disability Affairs to bring a much-needed conversation to the forefront: how public libraries can better serve Filipinos on the autism spectrum, in observance of the 47th National Disability Rights Week. Held last 17 July 2025 at the Epifanio Delos Santos Auditorium of the NLP, the ASP's Autism Sensitivity and Response Training brought together public librarians and staff from across Metro Manila for a powerful afternoon of learning and reflection.

ASP Co-Founder Ms. Cecile S. Sicam, a long-time autism inclusion champion and a respected SPED educator, led the session with a mix of deep expertise and genuine compassion. She shared real-life stories and practical tips on how library staff can create welcoming environments for individuals on the autism spectrum.

This event reflected a shared commitment to inclusion. By equipping librarians with the right mindset and skills, the National Library is helping shape a future where libraries become safe, engaging, and supportive spaces for every kind of learner and reader. Libraries are vital community spaces, and their role in promoting awareness, representation, and dignity for those on the spectrum cannot be overstated.

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Posted in: Asert

Family Support Group for the August 2025

Date: 16 August 2025, Saturday
Time: 10:00am
Register here to get the zoom link: https://bit.ly/45D6PiX

Deadline of registration is 15 August 2025, Friday at 12 noon

The Autism Society Philippines’ Family Support Group sessions bring together parents, siblings, and other family members to talk about their journey in living with autism. Participants share their experiences and draw enlightenment and strength from others going through the same challenges.

The Autism Society Philippines -- together with this month's host, ASP Tuguegarao -- welcomes members and non-members, bound by a common experience that is autism. We aspire to educate, empower, and inspire to help build an Autism-OK Philippines.

IMPORTANT: Send us an email via autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by 15 August 2025, Friday at 1pm. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Perlita So is currently an ASP National Trustee and the North Luzon Cluster Head. Mom to four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Peng nurtures well-rounded skills, holistic well-being, and social connection of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as well as grows our circle of diverse volunteers and corporate partners -- as the Program Manager of ASP PweDay.

Jacqueline E. Verbo,  currently the Vice President of ASP–Tuguegarao, is a mother of four, including a child on the autism spectrum. She now serves in the academe at a state university in Cagayan, where she continues to advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg