PH Joins 6th World Autism Awareness Day Celebration

World Autism Awareness Day

The country will join the rest of the world in celebrating the 6th World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on April 2, 2013 with the theme “Make the Rights Real of Persons with Autism”.

The celebration is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 62/139 promulgated in December 18, 2007 declaring April 2, 2008 and the succeeding years as the World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). The resolution recognized autism as a world-wide health concern and also a response to urgent call for autism awareness and for the provision of services for those affected with this condition.

Below are the activities of the WAAD National Working Committee headed by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Autism Hearts Foundation (AHF), SM Programs on Disability Affairs, SM Supermalls, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and development (DSWD), Association of Adults with Autism, Philippines (AAAP) and Autism Society Philippines (ASP).

Schedule of Activities

Date	Activities	Venue
March 23	Sem on the Language of Autism	Bridges Foundation, QC
March 25	Sem-Workshop on Autism	ASP Baguio City chapter
April 2 1-3PM                     4PM            5:30PM            6PM	Stem Cell Therapy and Autism Understanding Autism Opening of Exhibit Light It up Blue	Council for the Welfare of Children QC SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City -same venue as above Globe, SM Mall of Asia
April 5 1PM                        5PM	Lecture on UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Opening of Exhibit of Ms. Desley Lim, PWA	ASP Catanduanes Chapter Robinson’s Galleria, Pasig City
April 6  9AM	Sem on Home Management Program	ASP Catanduanes Chapter
April 9  9AM	Children’s Rights Camp	Norfil Foundation, QC
April 12 9AM              1PM	Lecture on UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Understanding Autism	STAC Laoag City STAC Laoag City
April 20 9AM             1PM	Children’s Rights Camp Family Support Group Meeting	Batino Elem School, QC Autism Society Phils.- National Office, QC
April 26-27	Youth Camp for Autism	Brunei, ASEAN Autism Network
April       27AM                                     PM	Siblings Side of the Story and How to Organize  SibsCamP Sem on Dance Therapy	Bridges Foundation, QC
April 27-29	2nd AAN Autism Congress	Brunei, ASEAN Autism Network

ASP is a proud member of the ASEAN Autism Network, an alliance of autism parent support organizations in Southeast Asia with Secretariat at the Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability in Bangkok, Thailand.

Together we can “Make the Rights REAL of Persons with Autism”

For details please call 7-903-5496.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4public,4pwas,leaders,regional,seminar,WAAD

The mission of Tomas

By DANG UY-KOE, ASP Chair Emeritus

Tomas Perez Diaz was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), a condition on the autism spectrum, marked by significant developmental delays − cognitive and motor, play, communication, and difficulty interacting with others. Yet his difficulties did not prevent him from developing a deep personal relationship with God, which he expresses in his everyday life and soulful artwork.

PWA Tomas Diaz

As we enter the end of the Lenten season, Angel Talker Mona Magno-Veluz collaborated with Nati Diaz, PWA mom and autism advocate, to share Tomas' heartwarming story of personal triumph.

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Tomas, the only child of Nati Perez and Jose A. Diaz, was born on April 11, 1986. He was named after his father's favorite saint, Thomas Aquinas - the greatest intellect the Catholic Church has ever known. Growing up as a hyperactive child, he spoke his first words at seven months and talked excessively with little or no sense at all. When he was diagnosed with PDD, no time was lost in finding the right school and therapists for him as early intervention is most crucial for his adaptation.

Tomas was eight years old when he was attracted to colors of crayons and colored pencils.He used it to make rough formless lines and shapes, which he claimed were personages from his illustrated Bible. With admirable patience, he kept doing it day after day, thus improving his hand and eye coordination and at the same time, producing works of compositions in vivid colors. He began toying with facial outlines and later combined it with holy expressions. Tomas also experimented with colors and explored the visual possibilities of pastel on paper. His hues and contours are audacious, with dominant shades of tangerine, crimson and russet.

Only religious imagery engaged him. Through his deft hands, his works progressed from images of angels to people praying to religious compositions. He did not go to an art school to learn how to paint. As a self-taught artist, he was encouraged to develop his own style. Curiously his images are akin to some icons in early church times with pronounced facial attributes and downcast eyes. His favorite subject is the Stations of the Cross, a depiction of Jesus Christ's passion, death and resurrection in 14 stations.

Tomas believes that his talent is a gift from God and paints to give thanks to Him. His uncle Ramon Diaz, a well-known painter, suggested that he try painting superheroes. He replied that there is only one Superhero, then and now.

Because of his dedication to his craft, Tomas has gained admiration from various people. Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan DD of the Diocese of Tuguegarao, for instance, installed Tomas’ first Stations of the Cross in St. Clare Monastery in Iguig, Cagayan in 2005. Fr. Enrique Fuentes, OCD displayed his pieces in the Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Maharlika West, Tagaytay City. Another one of Tomas’ Stations of the Cross now adorn the sacred walls of San Miguel Church in Camiling, Tarlac.

Last December, the Philippine Art Educators' Association showcased Tomas’ works through a one-man show and exhibit titled "Tomas Perez Diaz: Biblical Artist" in the GSIS Museum of Arts. Among those exhibited were more than 50 paintings from the Bible's Old and New Testaments and some of his favorite saints.

Tomas, who serves as an altar server in Mt. Carmel Shrine Parish in Broadway, Quezon City and at the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii’s Masses, wishes that his works would be more accessible to others. He would like to see it on a traveling exhibit to schools and parishes all over the country, reaching out to as many children for them to see, experience and be inspired by God.

In an interview on Radio Veritas, “Pamilya mo, Pamilya Ko” host Bernard Canaveral asked Tomas about his relationship with God and without missing a beat, he quipped "Mas malapit ang Dios sa akin kaysa ako sa aking sarili." (God is closer to me than I am with myself.)

Tomas has the ability for profound thought and expression, and is gifted with unique qualities. His art is proof that persons with developmental disabilities can have true passion and talent. His art is a medium for expressing his love for God and for inspiring others to renew their own commitment to their Christian faith.

(April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. Join the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) in spreading the message of awareness, understanding and acceptance. Act today by posting your thoughts on autism on your Facebook status update, making a pledge on “1Pangako,” participating in the many ASP activities in your area and being a true friend to an individual with autism. Follow ASP on Facebook, Twitter, and blogspot.)

This article appeared in print and online by Manila Bulletin on 25 March 2013.

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DAKILA’s Digibak Workshop: Working for a Fully-Enabled Internet

By Gerard Joseph Atienza

The Internet has been increasingly used as a tool by advocates and activists to promote their respective agendas, such as social justice, equal rights, and accessibility, among others. One, though, has to understand how to use such a tool for good causes, and make use of best practices to make sure their messages are carried across to their target audiences.

This was what DAKILA, the Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, is advocating, through its series of Digital Activism workshops, known as the “Digibak” (short for Digital Tibak, which means “activist”) seminars.

DAKILA is a group of artist advocates joining and working together to creatively spark social consciousness formation toward social change. Among its prominent members include Lourd de Veyra, Buhawi Meneses, Tado Jimenez, and Noel Cabangon, among others.

On 1-2 March 2013, I was invited by Autism Society Philippines (ASP) National Office to become its representative for the Digibak Workshop for organizations of persons with disabilities (PWDs). With assistance from The Asia Foundation, the theme of the workshop revolves on a fully-enabled Internet making it a very useful tool for advocates of PWDs.

I, together with representatives of different PWD groups across the country, attended the seminar at the Cocoon Boutique Hotel in Quezon City, which is known for its branding as a “green hotel,” offering luxurious accommodations with a sense of responsibility for the environment.

Among the topics that have been discussed include Digital Tools and Applications where we were introduced to online tools that can be used to promote our advocacies; The Power and Limitations of Digital Media which tackled on cases that had shaped digital activism and tenets that must be observed in using digital media ethically; and Effective Digital Content where best practices and examples on producing content for digital media for advocacy can be put into use for our respective organizations.

It was also during the workshop that I have interacted with other organizations working for PWDs, and also helped me understand where they come from. While at it, I shared with the group the endeavors ASP is doing to promote the well-being of persons with autism and other disabilities, including our recent social-media campaign, 1Pangako, which aims to stop the usage of autism in a derogatory manner.

My involvement and exposure to different engagements such as this one, I believe, has been brought about by me being constantly active in activities of ASP, both within the Cavite Chapters and the National Office, as well as my drive to become an advocate for myself and my fellows on the autism spectrum. I urge my fellow persons with autism and other members of ASP to be active in our advocacy to make rights real for Filipinos with autism, and be able to connect with others and share our experiences.

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Posted in: 4public,seminar,special

My Cavite Adventures with Sensei Vicente

By Gerard Joseph Atienza

I had the opportunity to be up close and personal with R. Vicente Rubio, and during his adventures in Cavite on 20-21 February 2013, my calling has become much clearer.

ASP Logo

It was Tuesday, 19 February 2013. I together with, Teacher Jen Caseres of The Early Steps Therapy Center and Tita Alona Nolasco of ASP Kawit Chapter, picked up Sensei Vicente from the airport after his seminar series in Cebu. After checking him in at the hotel, having breakfast, and giving him time to rest, we toured him to Tagaytay City, where he appreciated the cool air, the pristine surroundings, and the view of Mount Taal from the ridges. It was indeed a break for him from the hustle and bustle of the urban settings of Cebu and Manila, and a refreshing one at it.

The next day, Sensei conducted a workshop for teenagers and adults on the spectrum at the Holy Nazarene Christian School at Tanza, Cavite. The workshop was done with focus on their well-being and health, as outlined in his book, Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger’s Syndrome: The Way of the Pathfinder. Sensei assigned me to be his assistant. Among those who attended his workshop were Muneer, son of ASP National President Jan Peña, and Moti, son of ASP Bacoor Chapter Chie Marquez.

During the workshop, Sensei introduced to the teens and their parents who were present the importance of well-being to their everyday living and pursuit for independent life. He also engaged the teens to a series of exercises and activities, including running up and down the stairs, basic sword training (using sticks, of course), and proper standing and sitting positions. Of course, being the so-called senpai (“senior”) of the day, I led the teenagers, mostly boys, and motivated them to join the activities.

It was really tiring, especially for the big ones, but it was fulfilling nonetheless, and everybody were treated to home-cooked meals, done by none other than the parents themselves. Of course, as Sensei had mandated, everybody needs to eat only what they can consume, and not eat too much.

Sensei also gave a seminar to parents, teachers, and professionals Thursday, 21 February, at The Early Steps, in Kawit, Cavite. There, he discussed with them the principles embodied in his book, among them the rites of passage of persons on the autism spectrum, and ways on how to help them with their health and well-being, including managing their diets and bringing them back to basics.

It was right after this seminar that the officers of the newly-formed ASP Kawit Chapter were inducted, and the ceremony was led by Tita Jan Peña, President, ASP National. Also, Sensei joined the participants into making 1Pangako, making a promise to help stop the use of autism as a derogatory term in the Filipino language.

During the days we have had with him, Sensei confided that he has great hopes in the Philippines, and from there, he declared me as his apprentice and challenged me to be a role model for my fellows on the autism spectrum. With Sensei’s challenge, my encounters with him has reinforced my calling to become an autistic self-advocate and become the Big Brother for my fellows.

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Posted in: 4parents,4public,4pwas,chapters,regional,seminar

The Launching of ASP Kawit Chapter

By Gerard Joseph Atienza

The family of Autism Society Philippines Cavite Chapters continues to grow as they welcome ASP Kawit Chapter, the newest chapter in the region.

ASP National President Jan Peña swore in ASP Kawit Chapter’s set of officers during the “Autism, Health, and Well-Being” seminar series held on 21 February 2013 at The Early Steps Therapy Center in Kawit, Cavite.

The seminar was facilitated by R. Vicente Rubio, Director of Pathfinder Mentoring and author of Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger’s Syndrome, as part of his series of seminars held in Cebu, Cavite, and Manila.

Sworn in as officers were: Florencia Nolasco, President; Perlilian Pielago, Vice President; Jelly Anne Lumactud, Secretary; Ma. Theresa Carlos, Treasurer; Jill Santos, PRO; Rosemarie Peralta, Auditor; and Jenneth Caseres, Adviser.

The induction of the new chapter brought ASP’s chapter all over the country to 63. Congratulations to ASP Kawit Chapter!

ASP continues to provide hope and build dreams to Filipinos families affected with autism. Interested to organize a chapter in your area? Contact ASP National Office at 7-903-5496 or email at autismphils@gmail.com

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4public,4pwas,chapters,leaders,regional

A Showcase of Dance Movement

SpedDance cordially invites everyone to its 2nd year Recognition Day entitled "Hoola Hooping at the Park" on March 19, Tuesday, 10am at Bridges School Foundation, #22 Scout Limbaga St. QC.

Showcase Dance Movement poster

From the creators and advocates of a world changing program. The Heart At Play, SpedDance is a professional dance instruction service for persons with disabilities of all ages from 2 years old for early intervention, adults and to the geriatric group.

There will also be a SpedDance Summer Workshop on April 1-29 and May 6-22, 2013. For details, Please contact Malou, +63999-348-0176; Cods, +63916-652-4236 or Jay at +632-546-6549.

*this is a paid advertisement*

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Posted in: 4parents,4pwas,4siblings,special

ASP Joins Happy Walk 2013

Autism Society Philippines showed its support to the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI) during its annual celebration of the Down Syndrome Consciousness month by joining the Happy Walk last February 23, 2013. As mandated by Proclamation 157, the Down Syndrome Consciousness month aims to raise the awareness of society on Down Syndrome and the provision of programs and services for persons with Down Syndrome and their families.

ASP family attending Happy Walk

The walk which was participated by about two thousand delegates coming from Metro Manila and nearby provinces started at the Sky Dome of SM City North EDSA going to the SM Annex then to the Main Building and back to the Sky Dome for the formal opening and program. Mr. Hans Sy, the president of SM Prime Holdings, was among the special guests who joined the walk. SM Mall tenants waived their flaglets to signify their support as the contingents led by the SM Marching band passed by their stores. Some even gave candies and tokens to the children who took part in the walk. As always, Engr. Bien Mateo, the Director of SM Programs on Disability Affairs, and its members guided the contingents for the smooth flow of the walk.

Ms. Mary Janette Peña, National President led the delegation of ASP. She was joined by the families of Dang Koe, Grace Adviento, Ranil Sorongon, Abby Mendoza and Cricel Elises. ASP members from Commonwealth, Lagro and Munoz, Quezon City and Cavite chapters also attended the event.

Other parent support organizations like the AD/HD Society of the Philippines, Parents Advocate for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC) headed by their respective officers were present too as their way of showing their support to DSAPI.

Congratulations to the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines headed by Mr. Tony Pasia, Chairman, and Mr. Elmer Lapeña, president, for staging another successful event!

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Posted in: 4parents,4public,special

Busting autism myths

By DANG UY-KOE, ASP Chair Emeritus

The word “autism” and its derivatives have been used erroneously in colloquialisms so often that many of our countrymen are confused about what it is and what it is not. While there are “classic” autism markers, the condition is also a spectrum disorder, making each and every case unique. This may make autism difficult to understand for someone who has never known anyone with the condition.

10 Myths about Autism poster

ASP national secretary Mona Magno-Veluz collaborates with Cebu-based Hannah Dimaronsing on this week's Angel Talk. Hannah is an IT industry professional whose blog HannDs-on-Mama (http://hannds-on-mama.blogspot.com) is a homage to her children and a venue for her autism advocacy.

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We often hear television dialogue, social media updates and friendly banter using the word “autistic” disguised as half-jokes. From the sari-sari stores to the Senate, the word is misused and is, in the perspective of advocates, a brick wall in our struggle for genuine inclusion of individuals with autism in society. Here's a look at common misconceptions.

“Mukha kang autistic” - Individuals with autism do not share any physical characteristics, in as much as they do not share the same developmental or behavioral patterns. The condition is also widely distributed across race and other demographic areas, making physical generalizations baseless. Many autists rate highly on the attractiveness scale, with Alexis Wineman, Miss Montana 2012 who competed in this year's Miss America contest, being a standout example.

“Anong talent mo?” - According to Dr. Darold Treffert in his book “Extraordinary People: Understanding Savant Syndrome,” only approximately 10 percent of persons with autism have some savant abilities. “It is important to remember that not all autistic persons are savants, and not all savants are autistic,” he noted. This myth can skew expectations on the abilities of individuals with autism, and how they should be treated in society.

“May sariling mundo” - Individuals on the spectrum may be non-verbal or may have communication delays, but this does not mean that they are oblivious or have little concern for the world around them. They have the capacity for deep love, nationalistic pride, and even selfless concern for others.

At the ASP Christmas party last year, Carl Veluz, a 20-year-old Person with Autism (PWA), jumped into the swimming pool to aide a younger child with autism who was drifting to the deep end. While the adults around the pool were still assessing how to best help the child, Carl was already in the water. He got to the distressed boy and brought him to safety, way ahead of all the other neuro-typical adults who took an extra split second to act.

“Retarded ang autistic” - Autism is a disorder that may be accompanied by many other conditions — with learning disability being only one among many other potential co-morbidities. Then again, some capabilities associated with autism like hyper focus, obsessiveness and photographic memory are qualities that allow a handful of individuals on the spectrum to excel in academics. Our favorite example is Dr. Temple Grandin, who was non-verbal until she was three and a half years old, and is now a world-renowned author and animal scientist.

“Wala lang disiplina yan” - Individuals with autism suffer from sensory integration disorder, where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Common sounds may be painful or overwhelming and can trigger what outsiders would consider as tantrums. Family members need to isolate the cause of distress, which can be difficult if a child is non-verbal. Compassion and understanding would be the best way to help, as the process of desensitization and of building tolerance to stimuli takes years.

The United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. We enjoin you, our dear readers, to celebrate with us through ACTION. Share this article with a friend and invite them to help spread the knowledge and understanding on what autism is. Get to know someone with autism or someone whose family lives with autism every day. Help Filipino autism advocates in our drive to stop the use of “autistic” in a derogatory way by joining the Autism Society Philippines’ 1Pangako campaign on Facebook and Twitter.

We aspire to create a Filipino society that is not only AWARE of what autism is; but is genuinely RESPONSIVE to the needs of the growing number of Filipinos with autism.

(Autism Society Philippines will hold a family support group meeting on March 16, and a seminar-workshop on “The Language of Autism” on March 23. For details, follow Autism Society Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Blogspot.)

This article appeared in print and online by Manila Bulletin on 11 March 2013.

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March 23 Seminar - Workshop on "The Language of Autism"

THE LANGUAGE OF AUTISM

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The seminar - workshop aims to equip participants with knowledge and understanding of speech, language and communication. It was designed to help parents and carers to handle persons with autism (PWA) focusing on creating communication models and situations that will facilitate spontaneous communication, use enhancement techniques given communication opportunities, expand communication skills of PWAs, repair failed communication attempts and improve social communication. Likewise, it will help participants identify hindrances in order to maximize the child’s communication skills to better facilitate communication.

Ms. Kathy Reyes

Ms. Kathy B. Reyes CSP-PASP is the co - owner of Independently, a family centered clinic in San Pascual, Batangas. A consultant in various provinces in the country. She currently engages in research and continuing education of speech therapists in management of children with various speech and language related disorder. For the past 11 years, Kate has been a clinician, researcher, teacher, and consultant. Her main goal in practice is to help fight for the rights of children with disability and mainstream them in the society.

Venue: Bridges Foundation Inc. #22 Scout Limbaga Street, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City
Seminar Fee is inclusive of certificate, handouts and (2) snacks

Seminar-Workshop
Pre-reg. *until Mar. 20
Member - P 800.00
Non-Member - P 1,000.00

Click here to register online.

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank, Kamias Branch Account # 047-3-04751874-2. Please fax the deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s to ASP office and bring it on the day of the seminar. No on-site registrants will be accepted for this seminar-workshop. There will only be 30 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who did not show up on the date of the seminar. For more details, please call ASP at 7-903-5496.

The ASP Seminar Series serves as a platform to educate Filipino parents and professionals on the various interventions, modalities and theories surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their application and implementation are left at your discretion. The views and personal experiences of the speakers are of their own and don’t necessarily reflect that of the views of the organization.

Sharing HOPES...Building DREAMS

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,seminar

PVI Volunteers getting ready for the summer camp

By Cath Genovia, ASP Program Assistant and PVI Volunteer Batch 2004

Teacher My Sorongon and Chair Emeritus, Dang Koe gave lectures to 65 aspiring and seasoned volunteers of Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc. (PVI) last February 10 and March 3 respectively. The said participants also gave their 1Pangako Pledge as a support for ASP’s campaign to stop the use of the word “autistic” in a derogatory way.

PVI Foundation Inc. is a non-stock non-profit organization, composed of volunteer students and professionals committed to the welfare and development of children with special needs: children who are intellectually and physically challenged; children with Autism or with Down Syndrome; street children, and the abandoned from different government and private institutions, special schools and private homes. PVI members are actively and regularly volunteers in ASP’s special events.

Logo PVI

Aspiring PVI volunteers are required to attend a Training Series to help them face the challenges of dealing with different kinds of children with special needs (like autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, deafness and others with disabilities). Volunteers will serve as counselors or the campers' ate's and kuya's during the yearly camp.

The PVI Volunteers will be holding their 35th Kamp Pagkakaisa in Alfonso Cavite headed by its Kamp Director, Kuya Pio Fortuno Jr. ASP Alfonso Cavite Chapter President, Ms. Jeanette Vidallon partnered with Kuya Ron San Agustin, PVI Volunteer, will be this year’s Local Kamp Coordinators. The PVI family is also thankful for all the support of ASP National President, Mary Janette Peña, ASP Cavite Chapters and Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon.

My Sorongon, ASP EDEIP (Early Detection and Early Intervention Program) Trainer and PVI’s favorite speaker on autism made an exclusively template for PVI. Patterning after ASP’s Mall Orientation format, “Handling special customers” thus for PVI, its “Understanding your CWAs (Campers with Autism)”.

Aspiring Volunteers who will be future leaders have the opportunity to hear from the expert as she talked about Leadership, Ms. Dang Koe who led ASP for three terms as the National President and now as the first and only Chair Emeritus of ASP.

The group also invited speakers from the different Parent Organization Group like Atty. Rey Reyes Jr. of DSAPI and Mr. Pong Tee of ADHD, also professional and expert speakers from their field and a member of ASP like Teacher Landa Bautista, Teacher Randy Tallorin, Teacher Mark Anthony Padil and Dr. Ferdiliza Garcia.

ASP Angels Abby Mendoza, Cricel Elises and yours truly are all active volunteers of PVI and will be this year’s Kamp Treasurer, Kamp Secretary and Activity Coordinator respectively.

Click links below to view the pictures during the trainings.
For 2nd Training
For 3rd Training
For 4th Training

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Posted in: partners,seminar,volunteers

ASP Internship Program graduates Batch 2012-2013

The Autism Society Philippines awarded certificates of completion last 13 February 2013 to students from the Independent Living and Learning Center who completed forty hours of internship at the ASP Office

Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National Secretary and Project Sponsor, opened the round table meeting with the ILLC educators led by Teacher Nina Carmela Almeda, the interns, Cornell, Nina and Michael, and their family members, with a message of appreciation for the students' contribution this school year. Not only did the students learn during their stay at ASP; but they also accomplished exceptional work comparable to neuro-typical employees.

(L-R) Ien Elises, Nina Almeda, Iris Garballo, Nina, Martin, Mona Veluz and Cornell
celebrate the accomplishments of the ASP Internship

The interns were made responsible for the digitization of photographs and records which covered the more than two decades of ASPs existence. Ms. Veluz is confident that this effort it the beginning of an exploration into more work disciplines which are suited for young adults on the autism spectrum. The success of the program can be attributed to the proactive efforts of the team composed of the ASP Secretariat (Ranilo Sorongon as Executive Director and Ien Elises as Intern Coordinator), ILLC (Iris Garballo as Job Readiness Coach), supportive parents & guardians; and the eager and able interns.

If you represent an institution interested in partnering with ASP for internship, please send a letter of introduction/intent to Executive Director Ranilo Sorongon at autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: autism-works,interns

Coalition on UN Convention on the Rights of PWDs Holds Consultation Workshop

The Philippine Coalition on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) held its Consultation-Workshop for Parents of Children with Disabilities on 8-9 February 2013 at the NORFIL Training Center, Quezon City.

The Coalition is an alliance of organizations of persons with disabilities (PWD) and their advocates, including Autism Society Philippines (ASP), who spearheaded the seminar. Such a seminar aimed to equip the participants with knowledge on the UNCRPD, to assess its implementation, and to find ways of improving the welfare of children with disabilities (CWD) and enjoyment of their rights as embodied in the UNCRPD.

UNCRPD group

Facilitating the workshop was ASP Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon, who is also the Cluster Coordinator for Parents of CWDs in the Coalition. Among the topics discussed included the CWD Situation, Disability in the Human Rights Perspective, and Equality and Non-Discrimination, among others.

It was also during this workshop that parents and advocates of CWDs raised issues pertaining to the current situation of their children, particularly in the expected roles of the Philippine government as vanguard of the rights of PWDs, as outlined in the UNCRPD, among which the Philippines is one of those who ratified said convention. The workshop also highlighted non-government organizations that, in spite of the current limitations in society, continue to advocate and work with the government in pursuit for the rights and welfare of PWDs.

This goes to show that ASP works and advocates not only for the well-being of persons with autism and their families, but also for other PWDs. It constantly works with other related organizations and the government to make the rights real for persons with disabilities.

This article is a contribution from Gerard Joseph Atienza, Secretary, ASP Bacoor Cavite Chapter and UNCRPD Documentor

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Posted in: 4parents,seminar,uncrpd