Innovating Advocacy Campaigns for Children with Special Needs

The University of the Philippines and Advocata, an organization of professionals, parents and volunteers who advocate for special children and their families presented a two-day lecture-forum series over two days, “Innovating Advocacy Campaigns for Children with Special Needs,” with four major support groups for autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, at UP College of Education, Diliman Campus last Feb 19 and 21.

Ms. Gina with professionals, parents and volunteers

Rose Villasor, Advocata President, conceptualized the activity in line with the course, Introduction to Special Education (EDSP 101) which she teaches at UP Diliman. It is hoped that through this personal encounter with people who founded the organizations, the students in her class will be inspired to join or create their own advocacy groups.

ASP’s Gina L. Bermudo whose talk focused on how and why Autism Society Philippines was created and what its reason for existence. Gina shared ASPs vision of creating a society where Filipinos with autism become the best of their potentials -- independent, self-reliant, productive and socially-accepted members of the community. She called on the students from different universities who are taking Special Education classes to be involved in ASP’s activities by joining or volunteering their time and services to the organization.

Gina spoke about one of Autism Society Philippines’ public campaigns, called “1Pangako” (http://bit.ly/1pangako), an example of an innovative advocacy campaign Rose can share with her other classes.

Posted in: community,education