ASP Rosales Pangasinan Chapter Conducts Parent-Training

In commemoration of the 15th National Autism Consciousness Week, ASP Pangasinan Chapter conducted a Parents Training Program entitled “Strategies and Techniques on Handling Children with Disabilities at Home” last January 29, 2011, at Don Pablo L. Sim Memorial Center, in cooperation with STAC Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) Rosales, Pangasinan.

This activity was attended by parents from different municipalities namely Rosales, Asingan, San Quintin and Umingan and aimed to further help parents (1) Understand their Children with Autism; (2) Importance of Occupational and Speech Therapies, (3) Special Education, Mainstreaming and Inclusion; (4) Process of Acceptance – addressed especially to parents of children with special needs.

Our guest speaker, Dr. Mary Ann Prudencio, the only Neuro-developmental Paediatrician in the Northern Philippines, discussed the Importance of Early Detection; the impact of diagnosis on parents; and lastly, the parents’ role in the rehabilitation of their children.

Participants raising their right hands

Many parents became emotional when the doctor also facilitated the “Journey to Acceptance”. Parents were encouraged to share the experiences and struggles they go through with their children.

Leslie Kimberly C. Lisay, Speech Language Pathologist, talked about the “Importance of Speech Therapy to Children with Disabilities”.

Leslie Lisay receiving a certificate

While Occupational Therapist Eileen Bitong Navalta, discussed on ”Understanding OT” and demonstrated Sensory Integration Techniques. She gave practical Behavioral Modification Techniques that can be applied by parents to help special needs children at home.

Occupational Therapist Eileen Navalta showing example of holding a hand and an arm

Divina G. Naoe, an instructor at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, talked about “What you need to know about Special Education”. This was followed by a lecture on Inclusion Education.

Divina Naoe leading participants to raise their left hand

After Jessica Susan Folk, a U.S peace Corp Volunteer and educator gave her lecture on the importance of educating children with disabilities. As a result, many parents were aroused and showed interest to enroll their children in school.

Jessica Folk receiving an award

Acknowledgments : Mr. Roberto Huang of San Miguel Corporation, Mr. William Viray of Coca-Cola Bottler Philippines Urdaneta City Branch; Mr. & Mrs. Manolo Quiambao proprietor of MET grocery; Ms. Grace Lamoste of China Bank Makati and Engr. Edgardo Paragas CEO Project Manager III of AGNO Flood Control.