By: Lorish Dane A. Arguelles, Student of Special Education
The University of the Philippines Special Education Council (UP SEC), in celebration of its 11th year anniversary, organized two screenings of Mirana Medina’s Alyana, the first digital Filipino documentary on autism, last July 16, 2011. The screenings, in partnership with ASP Quezon City Chapters, Commonwealth, Diliman, Lagro, Munoz, Novaliches and Proj.4 Cubao, were held at the Benitez Theater, College of Education, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
UP SEC organizers believe that through the Alyana film screening, students will become more aware of autism and its characteristics, and the current local situation of families dealing with autism.
Click here to watch trailer.
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| (L-R) ASP VP, Peng So and Film Maker Mirana Medina |
ASP Vice President, Peng So, gave the welcome remarks, while film maker Ms. Mirana Medina, also the grandaunt of Alyana, teen with autism, came to personally introduce the film to all the viewers.
For four consecutive Saturdays of July 2011, a lecture series “ACHIEVE: Awareness and Conquest in Helping, Educating and Valuing the Exceptionals,” will also be held. The goals of the lecture series aim to (1) heighten disability awareness, (2) reinforce the knowledge of people in the special education community, (3) increase involvement of concerned public school teachers, parents or relatives of children with special needs (CSN); especially those living in depressed areas.
The project heads of the lecture series, Paula Mae Catalan, Kathryn May Deveza and Myline Macabuhay, former president of UP SEC, believe that it is essential for the parents and family members of CSN to know that they too can be equipped to help their loved ones, even at home, without the presence of special education professionals.
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| (L-R) Lorish Arguelles and the audience of the film Alyana |
In this regard, the symposium tapped different topics and disabilities in the field of special education. One of the disabilities chosen was autism. Mr. Julius Bernal gave a lecture on “Practical Tips in Managing Behavior of Children with Autism.”
UP SEC has been supporting Autism Society Philippines (ASP) in its programs, such as Angels Walk for Autism and Autism Family Day, among others. UP SEC believes that through the Alyana film and Autism Symposium, the organization can help ASP in spreading autism awareness and equip educators/families respond to the needs of children with autism.
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To request for the Alyana Film Showing in your area, please email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 7-903-5496 for more information. Donate generously to ASP Programs and Services. Account Name: Autism Society Philippines, Metrobank Kamias Branch Account No: SA 047-3-04751874-2
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