Regional Advocate for Persons with Autism wins Inaugural ASEAN Prize

SINGAPORE, 13 November 2018 – Ms. Erlinda Uy Koe, a prominent community leader of the Philippines is the winner of the inaugural ASEAN Prize. This was announced at the opening ceremony of the 33rd ASEAN Summit in Singapore today. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the Secretary-General (SG) of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi presented the ASEAN Prize at the opening ceremony to Ms. Koe, for her exemplary contributions to supporting inclusivity and forging closer ties in ASEAN.

The ASEAN Prize is an initiative of the ASEAN Secretariat. It aims to recognise inspiring achievements and contributions that foster the ASEAN identity, promote the ASEAN spirit, and champion the ASEAN way. In addition to the trophy, the recipient of the ASEAN Prize would also receive a cash prize of US$20,000. The sponsors of the ASEAN Prize 2018 are Temasek Foundation Connects of Singapore, the Ayala Corporation of the Philippines and Yayasan Hasanah of Malaysia.

Upon conferment of the award, Ms. Koe said that “the profound honour of receiving the inaugural ASEAN Prize was a welcome blessing. In the spirit of servant-leadership, I share this recognition with the 13,000 fellow parents and family members who comprise the Autism Society Philippines and with countless other advocates from the ASEAN Autism Network. These angels labour to engineer institutional mechanism to improve the lives of persons with autism and their families.”

Ms. Koe is the Chair Emeritus of Autism Society Philippines (ASP), in addition to being a full-time corporate executive. Under her leadership, ASP - now with 96 chapters nationwide, has become one of the most vibrant disability organisations in the Philippines.

At the regional level, Ms. Koe served as Chair of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), comprised of autism family support organisations from all ten ASEAN Member States. AAN is a platform for ASEAN member countries to cooperate and unite in developing non-discriminatory strategies and intervention programmes to support persons living with autism and their families.

Over the years, Ms. Koe’s efforts have inspired autism awareness, not just in her native Philippines, but among the ASEAN Member States. Under her stewardship, the ASP spearheaded the Angels Walk for Autism, gathering over 24,000 participants in January 2018, with thousands more converging in simultaneous walks in ten cities. This show of unity and community behind one cause inspired other AAN countries to hold their own Autism Walks.
Ms. Koe is a respected public speaker and has also taken her advocacy to international arena. Her engagements have sparked discussions on project collaborations with Korea, Japan and China. She has also served the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s Working Group of the Asia Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities for 2018-2022.

SG Dato Lim said, “Ms. Koe’s work and dedication to improve the lives of autistic adults and children reflect the spirit that is deeply rooted in an ASEAN Community that engages and benefits the people. We look forward to her continued efforts in contributing towards an inclusive, resilient, people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN.”

“I am thankful for the momentum this recognition will bring in taking our advocacy to the regional stage. Persons with autism need acceptance, accommodation and appreciation -- and we hope to find more receptive minds and hearts among our policymakers to build a genuinely autism-friendly global society,” Ms. Koe added.

Ms. Koe is selected as the ASEAN Prize winner by a judging committee that was made up of the incumbent SG of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi, and former SGs Tan Sri Ajit Singh (Malaysia), Amb. Ong Keng Yong (Singapore) and Amb. Le Luong Minh (Viet Nam). Close to 50 nominations for the ASEAN Prize were received from all ten ASEAN Member States.

***

ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967. The Member States of the Association are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. On 31 December 2015, the ASEAN Community was formally established. The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta.

Temasek Foundation Connects
Temasek Foundation Connects is a Singapore-based non-profit philanthropic organization that funds and supports programs, which seek to build bridges and partnerships, and promote dialogue and mutual understanding across our diverse communities and markets in the region and beyond. Established in 2016, it aims to foster cooperation and growth in a globalised and interconnected world of opportunities.

Ayala Corporation
Ayala Corporation is one of the largest and most diversified business groups in the Philippines, with business interests in real estate, banking, telecommunications, water, power, industrial technologies, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Its social commitment arm, Ayala Foundation, has programs that focus on education, youth leadership, sustainable livelihood, and the promotion of arts and culture. With headquarters in Makati City and operations mainly in the Philippines, it continues to grow its regional and global footprint, serving millions of customers across all market segments.

Yayasan Hasanah
Yayasan Hasanah is an impact-driven organization that envisions a globally sustainable Malaysia with empowered communities, an inclusive society, and a well-managed environment. It strives to create real and lasting positive social and environmental changes for Malaysia through work in education; community development; environment; arts, heritage & culture; knowledge; and public spaces. Within these focus areas, it partners with civil society, communities, corporates, and government agencies to design and implement initiatives that will deliver the greatest impact in realizing its vision.

Read more »

Posted in: 4public,aan,asean

ASP Elections for National Leadership: Nominations

Are you or someone you know interested in serving ASP? Someone with a strong history of volunteerism? Someone who has selflessly served the national organization or a local chapter? Someone with the skills and connections to grow our advocacy into our 30th milestone year? Then nominate them today!

From 05 November 2018 until 29 November 2018, nominations for the 11 ASP National Trustee positions are now welcome!

Nomination Guidelines:
1. For an ASP member to nominate another member to the board, he/she must be an ASP member with an updated membership as of 04 November 2018 and a member for at least six months.

2. An ASP member may nominate himself.

3. Nominees must meet the following criteria:
3.1. an active ASP member in good standing for at least two (2) consecutive years
3.2. related to a person with autism by consanguinity or affinity up to the 4th civil degree
3.3. of good moral character
3.4. able to attend regular and special meetings in the National office in Quezon City as needed
3.5. able to shoulder transportation to and from ASP meetings and events. At least once a month in Metro Manila
3.6. able to head a committee or project

4. If a nominee does not meet the above-mentioned qualifications, the ASP member who nominated him/her may email the EleCom Chair a “Request for Consideration” highlighting the candidate’s other attributes. EleCom Chair shall consult with the ASP National Trustees for a decision.

Nomination Process:
1. To nominate, please fill-up the Nomination Form below.
2. You will receive a confirmation of the nomination you have submitted. However, the nominees must approve or accept their nomination to be included in the final list of candidates. 2. This year’s Election Committee (EleCom) Chair is Ms. Jennette F. Rodriguez. She and other members of the Election Committee, Mr. Cenin Faderogao (EleCom Vice Chair), Carla Dizon and Abby Mendoza will validate the status of all nominators and the qualifications of all the nominees and confirm their eligibility via email and phone.
3. We shall be posting the final list of candidates on 30 November 2018.

Voting Process:
1. Members may cast their ballot via electronic voting from 30 November 2018 to 20 January 2019.
2. The conduct of the elections will be based on the ASP National By-Laws.
3. Decisions of the Election Committee will be final.
4. The new ASP National trustees will be announced on 21 January 2019.

Timeline:
Nomination Period: 05 - 29 November 2018
Online Elections: 30 November 2018 - 20 January 2019
Announcement of Results: 21 January 2019

Read more »

Posted in: elections,trustee

ASP PWAy Day for the month of November

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” ―Peg Bracken

The Autism Society Philippines Wednesday "PWAy Day" aims to provide enrichment for teens and adults with autism who are not currently enrolled in schools. ASP PWAy Days will offer opportunities to learn new skills, to socialize with non-family members and to have fun. This will be every Wednesday, from 2pm to 4pm at ASP Headquarters. This is open to all PWAs, 16 years old and above.

On November 7 - we will have KarAOKe session for the Adults with Autism. Singing lowers stress levels. This activity will releases stored muscle tension and decreases the levels of a stress hormone of the adults with autism. Singing improves mental alertness: Improved blood circulation and an oxygenated blood stream allow more oxygen to reach the brain.

On November 14 - we will Sensory Friendly Movie. To provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for our special audience, ASP will allow bringing up the lights, turning down sound volume, allowing families/PWAs to bring in their own snacks and welcoming audience members to get up, dance, walk, shout, sing, go in and out of the room. Prepare a P100 donation when you get on-site

On November 21 - we will have Parol Making. Adult with Autism will learn how to make a simple parol in time for the Christmas Season. This will help to develop fine motor skills and creativity. Chosen work may be display as Christmas decoration at ASP Headquarters. Bring your own scissor, glue, pencil and prepare a P200 donation when you get on-site

On November 28 - Adults with Autism will prepare Christmas Decor Making. Adult PWAs will learn how to make different Decor for the Christmas Season. This activity will highlights the creativity of the PWAs and freely express themselves in order to develop their natural artistic abilities. It promotes communication, emotional growth and sensory integration while also fostering social interaction in a fun setting. Bring your own scissor, glue, pencil and prepare a P200 donation when you get on-site


"Adults with autism who are no longer in school end up in the fringes of society." Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President shares, "ASP is deeply invested in building a society where a individuals with autism be the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive and socially-accepted members of the community -- no matter where they are on the spectrum. By keeping PWAs active and engaged outside the home, we are also training the society to be more aware of what autism is, to be more appreciative of their gifts and to be more accommodating of their deficits."

Read more »

Posted in: 4pwas

Family Support Group for the Month of October

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.

Marivi and Alex Cabason with son Vinz

Marivi Cabason is one of the Founding Member and now serves as President of Autism Society Philippines - Marikina Valley Chapter. A servant leader and church worker is happily married to Alex Cabason, with four children. Her youngest child, Victor Lorenzo or Vinz, is on the spectrum.

Marivi is a graduate of BS Management Engineering from Ateneo de Manila University and has units in MA in Public Administration from University of the Philippines, Diliman. She recently retired as the assistant to the Dean of Science and Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Date: 20 October, 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.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents

Yoga, Mindfulness and Autism

Common challenges children with ASD face are difficulty with expressive and receptive communication, sensory integration deficits and social/emotional challenges (understanding and recognizing facial expressions, social cues and their emotions as well as emotions of others). Many children ASD may also experience heightened levels of anxiety.

Recently, studies that have been done suggest that yoga can be of significant benefit to children with ASD. In addition to benefits typically associated with yoga such as increased strength, balance, coordination and flexibility, benefits such as increased social-emotional skills, language and communication, body awareness, self-regulation, focus and concentration and a reduction in anxiety, impulsive, obsessive, aggressive and self-stimulatory behaviors have also been noted.


About the Speaker

Elizabeth Montenegro-Rye is a Yoga Teacher for Individuals with Special Needs and the Founder of Perfect Soul Center for Education and Healing, a place serving the needs of neurodiverse individuals.

She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman. She learned yoga from various teachers both in the Philippines and abroad, most notably from Sivakami Sonia Sumar, the grand dame of yoga therapy for children with special needs.

As a special needs parent herself, Teacher Beth hopes to be able to share the benefits of yoga and mindfulness practices with teachers and parents navigating the world of special needs. See you on the mat! :-)


Things to bring:
1. Please bring a yoga mat.
2. Wear comfortable clothing.
3. Please have your last heavy meal at least 2 hours before the yoga session.
4. For individuals with hypertension, spinal injuries, seizure disorders and other health concerns, please inform the teacher prior to yoga practice.


Seminar Details:
Date: 27 October 2018, Saturday
Time: 8:30AM - 12:00NN
Venue: ASP National Headquarters, #9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentebella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/asp-map2

Seminar Fees:
Pre-Registration (until October 23 or until slots last)
ASP Member – P 400.00
Non-member – P 600.00

Onsite Registration
ASP Member – P 500.00
Non-member – P 700.00

Pre-registered participants may pay 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 40 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 02-903-5496.

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.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,4pro,4pros,4public,4pwas