Autism Society Philippines Davao Chapter celebrated the 18th National Autism Week with various of fun filled activities. Despite being under a low pressure area and the looming fear of low participation, the rains stopped in time for opening on 19 January 2014 at 3 pm, with the program at SM Lanang Premier SMX conference hall.
Pastor Ruben Hernani Jr. spoke of giving importance and role of the parents and family in caring a person with autism (PWA). This was followed by an orientation from the Davao City Police Office in handling PWAs involved in misdemeanour and from the DSWD on the rights and responsibilities of Persons with Disabilities. A showcase of talents of our PWAs featured Popo Uy, SPED Bangkal students, Henry Basquez, DAICF students and Andrei Morales.
After the program, the much awaited Angel’s Walk began, wherein more than 300 individuals participated -- walking around the mall, congregating at the Fountain Court. The song 1Pangako played in the background as the sun set on the fulfilling day. We also conducted an orientation to the security force of SM City Davao.
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| Photos from Andrei Morales' Facebook album. |
A Stress Management Workshop was conducted on January 20 at 6:00pm at the SM City Davao Annex Event Center, facilitated by Mr. Atho dela Cruz, a psychologist and biodynamic healing energy therapist. This workshop was intended for parents, teachers and handlers of PWAs. He discussed how one can relieve stress temporarily through music, massage, communication within family. Before the workshop, Ranny Uy’s family ensemble played cool jazz music, entertaining the audience and setting the mood to start with the workshop. The event attracted more than 100 hundred participants.
A sensory-friendly movie titled “The Nut Job” held on January 25 at 10:00 am at the SM City Davao culminated the week’s celebrations. Bringing up the lights, turning down the sound, allowing the PWAs to bring in thier own snacks, eliminating movie previews and advertisements, welcoming audience members to get up, dance, walk, shout, sing, go in and out of the cinema (without compromising safety) supports desensitization training of PWAs towards acquiring socially-appropriate behaviors inside movie houses. During the showing of the film, once could hear laughing, shouting, and crying specially for the first timers. For the second sensory-friendly movie sponsored by ASP Davao Chapter, the theatre was almost filled to capacity.
A tri-media blitz complemented the weeklong activities. ASP Davao leaders spoke about autism and our autism advocacy on Club 88 forum on GMA-7, DXRP-AM Radio ng Bayan, DXAB AM Radio and MOR FM Radio of ABS-CBN, SM Kapehan and the Sun Star Davao.
This article was contributed by Maripet B. Cagas of ASP Davao Chapter.
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