ASP’S Homepowerment Program – Empowering Families thru Training and Therapy Services for CWAs

The Autism Society Philippines is pleased to open the applications for Batch 8 of ASP's HOMEpowerment, a program that offers initial therapy to children with autism 8 years and below from indigent ASP member families.

The program will be composed of occupational, speech and non-traditional therapy sessions. Parents will also receive training on how to continue their child's program at home, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to confidently care for their child with autism. This offering was made possible by the generous donation of Kiehl's Philippines, as part of a global effort to support autism causes.

Here's how you can apply to the ASP's HOMEpowerment program:

1) The applicant family must ...
1.1 live within Quezon City's District 1, District 3 and District 4;
1.2 have a Certificate of Indigency, issued by DSWD or the barangay;
1.3 commit to attending all therapy sessions, parent trainings and to implementing programs at home; and
1.4 allow home visits by a parent-mentor

2) The child with #autism must ...
2.1 have a formal autism assessment report from a developmental pediatrician or a
recommendation from a licensed occupational or speech therapist;
2.2 be born no earlier than 1 September 2011 (approximately 8 years old and below);

3) The applicant family must fill out this form below. ASP will schedule interviews with the applicant families. THERE IS NO NEED TO FOLLOW UP. WE WILL REACH OUT TO ALL APPLICANTS FOR INTERVIEW SCHEDULES. PLEASE BE PATIENT.

4) ASP will select a limited number of children with autism to benefit from the program.

Occupational Therapy shall be conducted at the Quality Life Discoveries, at No. 70 20th Avenue Barangay San Roque, Quezon City, while Speech Therapy is offered at Center for Exploration and Experiential Development at Room 414 Jocfer Bldg., Commonwealth Ave. Quezon City.

The Autism Society Philippines aspires to extend this program to more families and to bring it to the provinces. Our experience from the pilot batch has helped us develop the program to better answer the needs of a growing autism community.

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Posted in: children,HOMEpowerment,therapy

ASP PueDay for Kids: Play with Clay

The Autism Society Philippines "PueDays" -- pronounced [pwe'-deys] -- are activities that aim to provide enrichment for persons on the autism spectrum -- to learn new skills, to socialize with non-family members and to have fun -- in a happy, inclusive environment. (These events are exclusive to ASP members. If you are not yet a member, please register at http://bit.ly/asp-join.)

ASP PueDays for Kids are suited for children and teens on the spectrum, aged 7 to 15 years old; while ASP Wednesday PueDays are suited for youth on the spectrum, 16 years old and up.

What: ASP PueDay for Kids, Play with Clay
When: 31 Aug 2019, 2pm-4pm
Where: ASP National Headquarters

Participant Profile: Children and teens on the spectrum, aged 7 to 15 years old, assisted or independent.  Maximum 15 slots available. Only one caregiver per child will be allowed in the training room.
Cost: Your P200 donation is inclusive of art materials and a simple snack. Most of the materials will be care of La Maison B.

In many parts of the world, clay modeling is being used as a form of therapy. Most children on the spectrum find it difficult to focus on one thing at a time; and by using clay, they are able to build and develop their focus and lengthen their attention span. Also, clay gives them the opportunity to be creative and learn about texture, shape, form and even colors and smells – while having lots of fun!

This ASP PueDay event, in partnership with La Maison B, will allow young learners on the spectrum to explore:
• How to make clay at home using natural ingredients
• How to make basic shapes with clay
• How to explore different textures, colors and smells using clay

Meet Our Facilitators:

Teacher L.A is a graduate of BS Psychology from Batangas State University. She is currently a special education teacher in Independent Living Learning Centre, Inc.- Manila. Her passion for teaching and love for children paved the way in letting her choose the teaching profession. She looks forward to coming to work as she enjoys sharing her knowledge and skills for the development of her students.

Teacher Jon is a graduate of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines who has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She started as a Shadow teacher of both ILLC (Independent Living Learning Centre) and APDM (Academia Progessiva de Manila) on her first year of teaching, and now a two year regular teacher of the ILLC. She's handling the youngest students of the said school. Teacher Jon believes that a teacher is a special vessel of knowledge that enriches the young minds.

Teacher Paulene is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas. She took up the program of Bachelor of Education major in Special Education. She has been teaching in the Independent Living Learning Centre for almost 2 years now. When it comes to Education, she believes that the effectiveness of a strategy and technique depends on the consistency that home, school and community provide in achieving the full potential of a child.

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Posted in: 4pwas

Family Support Group for the month of August

ASPs monthly 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. We welcome members and non-members to this intimate gathering. New ASP members are encouraged to join.

Momie Victoria with son Mico

Ma. Victoria Ramos serves as the current Vice-President of ASP Laguna Chapter. A Trainer for Work, Live and Play Program to young adults with autism at Autism Resource Center (ARC), Marivic is a pillar of the autism advocacy community in Los Baños, immersing herself in special education and training and empowerment programs over the years. As an ASP delegate, she was elected to the board of the Philippine Community Based Disability Inclusive Development Association. She is a single mother to a young adult with autism, Mico, who works at the Autism Resource Center and SM Markets.

Date: 17 August 2019, Saturday
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Venue: Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters
Address: #9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentebella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/1LwgklB

Sign up for the Family Support Group via the on-line form below or call +632 903.5496. Only 15 seats are available.

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Posted in: 4parents

Transition Planning Parent Workshop

August 24, 2019

9am - 12nn

This workshop is for parents who are looking for direction regarding their adolescents with Autism. The parents, together with their sons/daughters, will be encouraged to create a transition plan to help in making the future of these PWAs. The workshop entails defining a transition plan, making the transition team, setting long-term and short-term goals, and planning for follow-ups.

Our Speaker:

Mr. Dominic U. Cheoc, OTRP
Teacher Dom is an Occupational Therapist who has a passion for helping adolescents and adults in the Autism Spectrum. He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines-Manila (UP-Manila) and currently taking up his Master's degree in Psychology, major in Industrial and Organizational Psychology in De La Salle University-Manila. He, together with his colleagues, initiated the Community Living Class in Clinic for Therapy Services-Adolescents and Adults Section - which aims to provide skills training for PWAs in marginalized settings. He is also a clinical supervisor and a lecturer in UP-Manila. Aside from these endeavors, he is the Operations Manager of Chatter Therapy Center, a clinic in Quezon City offering specialized Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Pathology services. He envisions to enhance the Adolescent practice of OT in the Philippines and promote inclusive workplaces for Persons who are differently-abled.

Seminar Rates: (certificate and snack included) 
The Seminar is exclusive to members of the Autism Society Philippines. Seminar rate is until August 22nd only, additional P200 for walkin registration.
P 400 - Seminar only (For existing ASP Members)
P 900 - Seminar + ASP membership

Seminar fees may be deposited to Autism Society Philippines, Metrobank, Kamias Branch Account Number 047-3-04751874-2. Please email the scan copy of your deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s and contact numbers to autismphils@gmail.com and bring it on the day of the seminar. On-site registrants or walk- in will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. There will only be 25 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who do not show up on the date of the seminar. For more details, please call ASP at 02-9035496.

The ASP Education and Empowerment Program 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 their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of the organization.

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Posted in: 4parents

The First Philippine Accessibility Summit

The Autism Society Philippines National President Mona Magno-Veluz was among the 200 participants of the First Philippine Accessibility Summit, spearheaded by the Presidential Human Right Committee. The event was a fitting end to the week-long celebration of the 41st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week; and congruent to our country's commitment to uphold the United Nations Convention to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The full government support and international NGO engagement was evident in the presence of the DSWD Sec. Rolando Bautista, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary to the President Atty. Michael P. Ong, United Nations Human Rights Coordinator Mr. Mika Kanervavuori, Philippine Human Rights Committee Executive Director USec. Severo S. Catura, DSWD USec. Florita Villar and DoTr USec Artemio Tuazon Jr.

The institutionalization of a national disability-centric forum is an admirable development. We need a unified strategic platform to develop disability-inclusive policy frameworks, consistent with aspirations of international and local groups for genuine inclusion. Local programs for persons with disabilities must align to global/national plans and supported/monitored accordingly.

The United Nations found, in its recent compliance audit, how the Philippine policies are still geared towards charity and medical "solutions" to disability. The Philippine government looks to future disability laws and policies, anchored on social- and rights-based premises. The government is dedicated to shifting from simply giving “needs” to honoring human rights — using their regulatory mandate to break down environmental, communications, organizational and attitudinal barriers.

The summit called for the adoption of the PANTHER principle in rights-based disability advocacy — Participation, Accountability, Non-Discrimination, Transparency, Human Dignity, Empowerment, and Rule of Law.

To reinforce the commitment to uplifting the rights of persons with disabilities, the government further committed 1) to address challenges on resource availability; 2) to review and improve laws and policies to be responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities; 3) to care for persons with disabilities and their families, consistent with the Philippine culture; and 4) to pursue initiatives on health, education, housing, environment, consistent in the context of disability rights.

NCDA dove into the difference between, segregation (separating by disability), integration (grouping without supports) and inclusion (grouping with appropriate supports) — with inclusion being the aspiration.

Clear is the government’s call for transformation towards “Nothing about us, without us”. The ASP has heeded this call and in 2018, supported the creation of the ASP Self-Advocates Circle towards nurturing a new generation of leaders and facilitate their participation at the national and international stage.

The DSWD reported that the latest National Disability Survey resulted in a 12 percent population disability rate. We look forward to the clear data, showing the inclusion of persons with non-apparent disabilities in these numbers. The full dis-aggregated statistical report will be available later this year.

This event is a laudable step towards holding government to account on implementing existing disability laws. Glaring was the lack of consideration for the needs of those with developmental disabilities. Noteworthy was the collaborative spirit of USec Nonoy Catura of the Presidential Human Rights Committee who encouraged the private sector to help government fill the gaps.

Autism-OK Philippines? Not yet; but we are getting there.

The Philippine Accessibility Summit ran from 24-25 July 2019 at the Heritage Hotel in Manila. Watch the summit as it unfolded here.

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Posted in: conference,disability