Autism is a lifelong developmental exceptionality, which may impair an individual’s ability to communicate, socialize and adapt to the world around him. One in 100 Filipinos are on the autism spectrum, translating to approximately 1.2 million of our countrymen living with autism today.
The Autism Society Philippines is one with the nation in celebrating the Philippine National Autism Consciousness Week (NACW) to be held next year -- from 15 to 23 January 2016. This annual observance was made possible by President Fidel Ramos' Proclamation 711 of 1996 – in inspiring awareness, acceptance and inclusion of persons with autism (PWAs) in society and in promoting action by the public and private sectors towards enabling PWAs to live with dignity, enjoy equal rights and access, function independently and contribute productively.
This year's theme "Onwards to an Autism-OK Philippines" is a multi-sectoral call for making the changes needed to build an autism-inclusive society. For the welfare of a maturing population of Filipinos with on the spectrum, care for persons with autism must transition from the confines of the home and school to universities, businesses and workplaces. We hope to inspire awareness, acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of autism in all sectors of Philippine society.
Public and private institutions are encouraged to spearhead creative activities, events and programs around autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion.
Advocacy Toolkits
1) Sample Template for Government Memorandum Circulars - http://bit.ly/nacw2016-circular
2) Template for the National Autism Consciousness Week Banner - TBD
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20th Philippine National Autism Consciousness Week
Calendar of Activities
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15-16 January 2016 | Friday-Saturday
ASEAN Autism Friendship Games (By Invitation)
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Venue: University of the Philippines, Los Banos |
Organizers: ASP, ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), Japan Foundation Asia Center (JF), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of the Philippines, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) of the Philippines, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Info: Read more about the games
The ASEAN Autism Friendship Games provides a venue for recreation and leisure for persons with autism and their families, as provided by UNCRPD and the UNCRC and fosters camaraderie among the members of the ASEAN Autism Network.
17 January 2016 | Sunday
Angels Walk for Autism (Public)
Time: 7:00 am - 12:00 nn | Venue: Mall of Asia Arena |
Organizers: ASP, SM Cares, MOA Arena, NCDA, APCD, AAN, NACW National Working Group
Target Audience: Families of Persons with Autism, Schools, Universities, Companies, LGUs, Government Agencies
Info: FB Event Page | Register for FREE tickets
The largest autism advocacy event in the Philippines, since 2007, where an estimated 13,000 advocates will celebrate diversity and walk for autism acceptance and inclusion.
Angels Walks for Autism in other cities (Public)
Davao: 17 January 2016, Sunday, 2:00 pm, SM City Davao
Iloilo: 30 January 2016, Saturday, 1:30pm, SM City Iloilo
18 January 2016 | Monday
1Bansa, 1Pangako (Public)
Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Venue: Nationwide
Organizers: ASP, NACW National Working Group
Target Audience: LGUs, Government agencies, Schools, Universities, Companies
Info: Advocacy toolkit -- includes downloadable presentation slides, video, music, script.
A nationwide recitation of ASP's 1Pangako pledge -- a promise to encourage positive disability stereotypes and to end the use of "autistic" as a slur -- after the morning flag ceremonies at public facilities.
The Art of JA Tan - Ribbon Cutting (Public)
Time: 1:00 pm | Venue: Lobby, The Medical City
Organizers: ASP, The Medical City, MedMom
Target Audience: General Public
J.A. Tan describes himself as an artist with autism. Diagnosed as a high functioning autistic child before his third birthday, J.A. aims to show how his mind works through his art. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 2010, from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, Canada. In 2011, the United Nations Postal Administration conducted a worldwide call for submissions from artists on the autism spectrum for work to be used as designs for a United Nations stamp. Only eight designs from all the artworks submitted were chosen. J.A. Tan, who was born and raised in the Philippines and who is now based in Vancouver, Canada, was one of the artists whose piece, “Victory” was chosen as a United Nations stamp to be issued on April 2 in recognition of World Autism Day.
Visit www.artofjatan.com
19 January 2016 | Tuesday
Tummy Talk: A Medical Forum on Autism (By Registration)
Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am | Venue: Medical City, Barcelona Auditorium
Organizers: ASP, Medical City Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Philippine Society of Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics, NACW National Working Group
Target Audience: Parents of persons with autism, allied medical professionals, baranggay health workers, day care workers
Info: Register for FREE tickets
Tummy Talk, a medical forum, will cover gastrointestinal concerns and difficult feeding behaviors in autism, as well as share strategies that have proven to be successful in addressing these challenges.
22 January 2016 | Friday
Artismo*: Kulay at Saya ng Autismo (By Registration)
Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am | Venue: Quezon Memorial Circle, People's Park
Organizers: ASP, DepEd, NCCA, Local Government of Mandaluyong, Local Government of QC, Local Government of Taguig, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Norfil Foundation
Target Audience: Public schools in Metro Manila, ASP Member Institutions, ASP Chapters
This inclusive event features a tournament of indigenous games, a chalk art workshop and an interactive outdoor Quiz A for neuro-typical and SPED elementary and high school students.
*Artismo is the culture and arts platform of the Autism Society Philippines.
23 January 2016 | Saturday
Artismo*: Himig at Indak ng Autismo (By Registration)
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 noon | Venue: TBD
Organizers: ASP, NACW National Working Group, GMA Talent Center
Target Audience: ASP Chapters, advocates and partners
The closing ceremonies for the National Autism Consciousness Week features the performances of individuals with autism with professional artists.
*Artismo is the culture and arts platform of the Autism Society Philippines.
Onwards to an Autism-OK Philippines!
