Autism Angel in Congress to File Bills for Autism

By: Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary

“Whatever bills you want me to file, I will do it for you,” said Hon. Irwin Tieng of BUHAY Party-List during the opening ceremonies of the 3rd ASP Chapter Leaders Conference last August 28, 2010. During his speech, he also promised to visit all ASP Chapters around the country to hear their plight.

Through TULAY (Tulong at Alalay para sa May Kapansanan) Foundation, the congressman donated part of the proceeds of their fund raising activity to assist ASP programs and services. Click here to read more.

Autism Angel in Congress Irwin Tieng and ASP- Cavite Chapters Governor Jan Peña

According to ASP Cavite Chapters Governor, Jan Peña, she first met the congressman during one of their church volunteer events. After speaking to him about the concerns of the Bacoor Chapter, where Jan serves as President, the Congressman expressed eagerness to advocate for autism.

"Congressman Tieng supported efforts of ASP Cavite Chapters through their Libreng Therapy Project of Bacoor and also seminars for cluster chapters in Carmona, Dasmariñas, Molino, Tanza, Trece Martirez, and North of Cavite."

Autism is still considered a “curse” in rural areas, where families hide their children from the public for the fear of being ridiculed. But through ASP’s aggressive autism awareness campaigns, families are beginning to come out.

Congressman Irwin Tieng first joined the Angels Walk for Autism in 2007. In 2008, he advised ASP to prepare a position paper and encouraged other disability support organizations to do the same. In January 2009, ASP submitted a proposal for the enactment of a law that will institutionalize a Comprehensive Accessible and Affordable Early Detection and Timely Intervention Services for Children with Disabilities.

Last July 29 2010, he also invited ASP Board of Trustees to the special screening of Ocean Heaven, a story about a father dying of cancer and his journey to seek for services and support for his autistic adult son. The movie is played by action star Jet-Li. Click here to read more. He told the chapter leaders that he will also organize another special screening for them.

=========

ASP continues to work hard for autism awareness and advocacy. We are fortunate to have an ally in Hon. Irwin Tieng, our Autism Angel in Congress. We will keep you posted for more updates on the upcoming bills for people with autism and their families. For more information you may Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or you may call us at 7-903-5496.