Autism Angels Take Flight with Cebu Pacific

Autism Angels Take Flight is a ground-breaking program for the Philippine autism community. This program headed by ASP Trustee Gina Bermudo aims to help remove the "invisible" barriers that allow individuals with autism travel -- whether for their day-to-day commute or for adventures in far away places. After years of training in public transportation, ASP actively pursued exposure of PWAs to the airport and air travel.

Seven members from ASP UP CAMP Manila, 6 from ASP Pasay, 3 from ASP Mandaluyong and 1 from Footsteps Learning Center under ASP National were invited to have a flight orientation by Cebu Pacific last 22 May 2015. Children with autism (CWA), who mostly were first timers to see a real airplane up close, were given a chance to explore the different parts of the Airbus 350, the biggest plane of Cebu Pacific. This was done to orient the participants on what to see in an airplane, in case they would really be having a trip in the future. The CWAs and their mothers / guardians saw both the economy class, business class and even tried sitting on the pilot's seat in the cockpit.

Having fun in Cebu Pacific Take Flight trip

The activity was most useful to Wesley Miles of Footsteps Learning Center because it was a chance for him to overcome his fear of airplanes. In the shuttle bus, he got fidgety and anxious from seeing the airplanes we have passed by the hangar. His teacher told us that he was left behind two times already because his family can't make him enter the airplane they need to ride for their trip.

After most of the group were finished exploring the plane, Wesley was just starting to overcome his fear of seeing the Airbus. We were about to go back to the Cebu Pacific office, but he was just about to start his ascend on the plane’s steps. He kept coming up a few steps then going down again. We cheered him on for him to continue going up the stairs. The Cebu Pacific / Airbus crew also helped convince him to go up. His teacher was waiting for him near the entrance of the plane.

The group was also treated to snacks and some souvenirs – cap, baller bracelet and bag tag of Airbus. My son, Rolo, is fond of playing airplane games in his iPad. So this activity gave us a chance to let him see an actual airplane up close. He can’t stop staring at the airplanes we passed by while still inside the shuttle bus. He was excited more when we were about to go up the airplane. When he was seated inside, he was asking for the plane to take off. He wore a bigger smile when he saw the cockpit and was able to sit on the pilot’s seat. He watched the other planes taking off or running by the hangar. He also saw a helicopter. It was a treat for him especially because the activity was done a day before his birthday.

Thanks to all the crew and staff of Cebu Pacific and ASP for this opportunity! Hope we can have this activity regularly for other members to experience it too. I know it’s also a learning experience for the staff of Cebu Pacific because they get to see the different reactions of the CWAs upon seeing and going inside the airplane. They would know more about how to handle them properly in case they get to encounter a CWA in a real flight.

After the event, we ask for comments and reactions from the participants through text and here are some of the replies:

“Even for a short time, I saw my daughter amazed and excited looking at the airplanes and helicopter in real life, she saw a landing aircraft, and she was really excited to see the inside of the airplane, she already wanted to ride. She was ready to go and ride without fear. Thank you! I hoped they were given a paper or certificate that they had an orientation so that if ever someone interviews her, she can say she had experienced and was given a flight orientation already.” – Esther Nosotros

“Enjoy na enjoy kahit mainit. Thanks!” - Aida Larga

“Thank you Cebu Pacific! Happy na naman ang aming mga anghel sa buhay lalo na ang anak kong si Aldae Buendia. First time nya makasakay ng airplane at makaupo. Sana sa next activity yung nakalipad naman ang eroplano kahit malapit na destination lang. Thanks and God bless ASP!” – Dolores Buendia

“Thank you so much for inviting us. We were able to convince him to go inside the plane though it took us an hour. I hope we can join again your other endeavors. God bless!” – Teacher Jesereth Santiago

“Yes, we enjoyed it. Thank you very much and more power to you all. God bless!” - Carolina Lim

“Thanks so much po. It was a great experience.” – Tess Dimayuga

About the contributor: Jennette F. Rodriguez, a mother to 3 kids, including an boy with autism, is the Secretary of ASP UP CAMP Manila Chapter and a Parent-Volunteer at the Padre Gomez SPED Center. A graduate of BS Commerce major in Economics at University of Santo Tomas, she has assisted in organizing several events of the chapter and has given talks on Orientation on Autism and ASP to different schools and colleges, and PWD Ministries in the Vicariate of Loreto.

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Posted in: airplane,best,chapters,desensitize,experience,flight,overload,sensory

The Carmona Difference

The Autism Society of the Philippines has long been immersed in growing Municipality of Carmona, Cavite, where one of our chapters have become both contributors to and beneficiaries of best-in-class PWD programs. Carmona, Cavite, best known for good governance, established the "Disabled Persons Coordinating Office" in September 2000 -- ahead of many cities in Metro Manila. Employing a community-based rehabilitation model lovingly labelled "Kilusang Kabalikat ng may Kapansanan para sa Kinabukasan" or 4K, the city has innovated on the projects that helped them win the coveted Apolinario Mabini Award in 2008. The local chapter of the Autism Society Philippines have become one of the municipality's partners in their enhancing program efficiency; and was recognized as the city's top NGO in 2012.

Ms. Mona Veluz with other autism advocates

At the heels of the National Autism Consciousness Week, Mayor Dahlia Loyola played host to a team of autism advocates from Unilab Foundation, Autism Hearts Foundation, Association of Adults with Autism and the Autism Society Philippines (represented by National President Mona Magno-Veluz) on 6 February 2015. After a brief presentation at the city hall, the group toured the PDAO centers where children with disabilities were receiving intervention in small groups while their parents were working in the livelihood area. The group was witness to the organized and professional production of export quality bags (made from rolled and weaved newspaper) and of tofu by persons with disabilities and their families. The Mayor gamely shared that she will be personally looking into hiring one or two people with autism to join her staff.

Carmona has made a huge difference in making possible early intervention, education and employment of the individuals who live with autism. It is heart-warming to see that there are local government units that recognize the potential of people with disabilities. May the Municipality of Carmona serve as an inspiration others to nurture this largely untapped pool of talent!

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Posted in: best,cbr,community,regional

ASP in a Demonstration Workshop for PWD’s who Travel

The Autism Society Philippines and other disability groups were gathered together by the National Council on Disability Affairs to share their views in a three-day Demonstration-Workshop on “Handling Persons with Disabilities (PWD) who Travel” last January 20-22 at Cebu Pacific Building, NAIA Road, Pasay City.

Ms. Gina Bermudo, the speaker of the Demontration Workshop

It has been observed that the number of Persons with Disability (PWD) who travel by air for both domestic and international sector have tremendously increased. They travel to seek medical attention, attend seminars, conventions, or recreational purposes. Whatever their reasons are, their desire to travel should be met with encouragement and support. In order to have a meaningful travel experience, their needs have to be taken cared off collectively by the PWDs themselves, their families and travel service providers such as the airline industry.

To properly address the PWDs travel needs, the National Council on Disability Affairs, spearheaded by Mr. Randy C. Calseña, teamed up with Cebu Pacific Air in conducting the first Demonstration-Workshop attended by 60 Cebu Pacific and Tiger Air employees from different departments.

Ms. Carmen-Zubiaga, NCDA Acting Executive Director, gave her Disability Perspectives on concepts, models and legal bases sensitivity to PWDs during phone and transaction queries while other speakers shared their input in understanding different disabilities such as: Persons with Psychosocial disabilities, Physical Impairment, Deaf and Hard of hearing, Intellectual Disabilities focusing on Persons with Autism, and Visual Impairment.

Gina Luna-Bermudo, member of the Autism Society Philippines Board of Trustee, was among the resource speakers. As a flight attendant for 17 years and a mother of two frequent fliers diagnosed with ASD, Gina shared her experiences and knowledge in both areas: as a service provider and as a mother of travelers with special needs.

The Demonstration-Workshop served as an eye opener not only for the attendees but for the resource speakers as well. The collaboration of NCDA, Airline Industries, and the different disability groups for the benefit of travellers with special needs will definitely make each flight not only a trip that bring passengers to their final destinations but also a learning experience worth remembering.

About the contributor: ASP Trustee Gina Luna Bermudo is a former international flight attendant and is a frequent resource person for airlines to improve service for passengers with autism. She graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics, major in Computer Science and is currently taking her Masters Degree in Special Education at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

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Posted in: best,travel

Center for Children with Disabilities Inaugurated

The inauguration and blessing of Los Baños Community Center, Therapy Intervention and Support Services (LBCC-TISS) for children with disabilities and their families located at the first floor of Lorenzo Meneses Building, Villegas Street, Barangay Baybayin, Los Baños, Laguna, was held on September 17, 2014, coinciding with the 399th Foundation Day of Los Baños.

The refurbishment of old municipal offices for LBCC-TISS is a joint project of ASP Laguna Chapter and the Municipality of Los Baños, funded by the Australian Government through its Direct Aid Program administered by the Australian Embassy Manila. The project was initiated by Ms. Riza Cansanay, past president and the current adviser of ASP Laguna Chapter.

Giving award to Hon. Mayor Caesar Perez

The program started with welcome remarks from Hon. Mayor Caesar Perez. He thanked Australian Embassy Manila for supporting the project and showed appreciation to ASP Laguna Chapter for reaching out and helping people with disabilities and their families. It was followed by a short briefing of the project by Ms. Catherine Lopez, chapter president. It mentions that the center serves a place where trained parents can hone their skills in implementing therapeutic activities for their children and other children with disabilities and not just providing therapy, intervention and support services. LBCC-TISS is also a model of cooperation between an organized parent group and the Municipal Council for the Protection of Children (MCPC) in providing support to families of children with disabilities in partnership with a local chapter of the Autism Society Philippines.

Ms. Georgia Lovell, Chair of the Direct Aid Program Committee of Australian Embassy Manila gave a message. In her message, she mentioned that the project is close to her heart, as she has a young relative that has autism. She also mentioned that project is in line with goals of the Philippine and Australian Governments concerning poverty alleviation and economic development.

The master of ceremony led the guests inside the building for the cutting of the ribbon and blessing, which was officiated by Rev. Fr. Larry Abayon.. The inauguration and blessing ended with a message of thanks from Los Baños Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities, Inc. (LB-APCD) President Genaro Calderon and the giving of symbolic key from Mayor Perez and Ms. Lovell, representing the Municipal Government of Los Baños and Australian Embassy Manila to ASP Laguna Chapter and LB-APCD.

The inauguration was graced by the following: Ms. Georgia Lovell, DAP Resource Officer Ms. Teodora Avila, Ms. Zoe Dutton, Mayor Caesar Perez, Vice Mayor Copie A. Alipon, Councilors Jay Rolusta, Julius Moliñawe & Jonjie Oliva , Municipal Administrator Atty. Genalyn Soriano, ASP Laguna team, members of LB-APCD, trainees and parents of Autism Resource Center and friends.

Ms. Lovell and her party, along with the ASP Laguna team, proceeded to Paciano Rizal Park, where she gave a speech during the program commemorating the town's 399th
Foundation of Los Baños and the annual Bañamos Festival.

About the author: Ian Lopez was the master of ceremonies for the inauguration. He is also a self-advocate currently taking up Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in University of the Philippines Los Baños. He creates maps to help people get to seminars and symposiums organized by ASP-Laguna Chapter.

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Posted in: best,cbr,chapters,community,government,grant,international,regional

ASP signs Project Inclusion MOU

The Autism Society Philippines, two other national advocacy organizations and five learning institutions signed Memoranda of Understanding with Unilab Foundation, through Project Inclusion, last February 26 at the Bayanihan Center in Mandaluyong. The agreement cemented the group’s commitment to working together to achieve workplace inclusion for PWDs, especially for those with Autism and Down Syndrome.

Project Inclusion with speakers

Rhodora Fresnedi, Unilab’s executive director, shared her vision for a world where businesses see the bottom-line benefit of employing individuals with disabilities. Fresnedi predicts that employment of individuals with developmental and learning disabilities will become a common industry practice. She also shared the rich set of projects that Unilab Foundation is investing in, dedicated to advocating for health for all Filipinos.

Mona Magno-Veluz of the Autism Society Philippines spoke in behalf of the advocacy groups: ASP, Association for Adults with Autism and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines. She shared her personal journey as a parent of a person with autism; and likened this to the direction of parent-driven advocacies. She opined that it is no longer enough to drive disability awareness and acceptance. With the help of companies like Unilab, we can all together more actively champion inclusion.

Prof. Archie David of ILLC took to the microphone to speak in behalf of several educational institutions: ILLC, Bridges Foundation, CARD, SHINE, One World School and The Learning Center. He regaled the group with stories of the successes of young adults they have mentored and placed in compassionate workplaces. He shared his hope that this “dreamlike” support from the business sector continues and amplifies in the years to come.

Project Inclusion seeks to prove by way of an academic research approach that hiring PWDs, particularly those with autism and Down Syndrome will be beneficial to business. One of the project’s outputs will be a resource book for designing and development of appropriate assessment tools for employers and employees, with limited but usable skills, abilities and behaviors.

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Posted in: best,employment,mou,unilab

Understanding Campers with Autism

The Kamp Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc (KPVI) will be holding its 36th “Kamp Pagkakaisa”, a ten-day summer camp for children with special needs, on 4-13 April 2014. KPVI is targeting Tanay, Rizal as the venue for this year.

In order to train the new and old volunteers in handling children with special needs and to keep the spirit of volunteerism alive, ASP National President Mary Janette Peña was invited as a Resource Speaker on "Understanding Campers with Autism" last 02 February 2014 at the TSB Seminar Hall, Meralco Compound.

Ms. Janette Peña speaking to participants

Ten days of living in camp and ministering to a PWA could be quite an ordeal for a volunteer who lacks the know-how in dealing with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Tita Jan’s 18-year old son, Muneer Peña began the lecture with words that sounded strange and meaningless. Obviously, a few seconds of incomprehensible speech of a non-verbal PWA already rendered the listeners helpless in understanding the message that Muneer was imparting. During this lecture for thirty (30) new and seasoned volunteers of KPVI, Tita Jan explained the nature and needs of a person who has autism. She elaborated on the varied language, behavior and socialization patterns that campers with autism will demonstrate in their attempt to express themselves.

For the volunteers, more important than seeing these manifestations is equipping one’s self on how to address a situation where the demonstrated communication and behavior might distract the learning and living experience of the PWA camper. Tita Jan pointed out that on top of engaging the campers in fun and meaningful activities, a volunteer can do a great service, if he can teach a PWA to overcome a certain language, sensory or behavioral deficit during the 10-day 36th camp.

The volunteers finished the session in positive spirits, enlightened and highly-motivated, eager to make a difference in the lives of campers with autism.

Ms. Janette Peña with certificate after Understanding Campers with Autism

KPVI is a non-stock, non-profit organization established in February 1979 and is composed of volunteer students and professional. KPVI is committed to the welfare and development of children with special needs: the mentally and physically challenged, abandoned, socially deprived, street smart, the physically and sexually abused, and children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and ADHD.

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Posted in: best,community,education,volunteers

ASP’s rolls out another successful EDEIP

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) had implemented the Early Detection and Early Intervention Program (EDEIP) for the past nine years. The program has trained thousands of Community Health Workers (CHWs), Day Care Teachers (DCTs) and Parents of Children with Autism (CWAs) nationwide.

The Akbayan Partylist and the local government of Quezon City provided critical support to ASP to establish an accessible and affordable means of early detection and intervention for marginalized Filipino families affected with autism.

ASP Angels Rizalinda Cansanay, Josephine Palomares, Rosalyn Marie Sorongon, Maria Joyla Ofrecia, Elizabeth Udquin, and Christina Borneo once again handled the program as it trained a total of 438 community health workers, 58 Day Care Teachers and 330 parents, siblings and teachers in Quezon City.

The Angels behind EDEIP 20130.

The project helped in detection, not diagnosis of signs and symptoms of person with autism. They provided resource kits to the participants consisting of of 1) Autism Tool Kit that serves as Checklist in detecting children with ASD; 2) Referral Guide that shows steps / actions to take to help children suspected with ASD; and 3) Directory of Professionals that lists Developmental Pediatricians, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Neurologists, Therapists and Dentists in Quezon City for diagnostic, assessment and intervention services for children suspected with ASD.

The activity was a learning experience for the participants. They mentioned that it was very helpful, especially about the correct misconceptions about autism. The topics that the speakers lectured were overwhelming to the point that the participants had implied a lot of interesting facts that is related in upbringing their children with autism. They want ASP to continue implementing this project as this is indeed very helpful and helps ASP to reach out more to families and communities.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4public,4pwas,4siblings,best,community,education,government

Project HeART for Healing Workshop on February 9

The Autism Society Philippines, the Metrobank Foundation and the MADE-NOW (Metrobank Art & Design Excellence – Network Of Winners), the alumni organization of the Foundation’s 29-year art and design program, collaborated to bring you “Project HeART for Healing,” an art therapy program that uses the science of art psychotherapy and the technical skills of the artists in 2013.

Teens with autism in Project HeART for Healing Workshop

Another “Project HeART for Healing” workshop will be held on 09 February 2014, Sunday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the SM Aura, with the support of Metrobank Foundation and SM Communications. Moderated by psychologist Dr. Grace Brillantes-Evangelista, the 3-hour workshop is an art psychosocial intervention for teens with autism to help them build a good sense of self and confidence.

This workshop is open to budding artists aged 13 and above, who belong to an ASP member family. Seats are limited to 40 participants. Deadline for submitting an application is 7 February 2014, Friday.

Register now!

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Posted in: 4pwas,art,best,chapters,metrobank,special,therapy

To walk among angels

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) has indeed made this year’s Angels Walk for Autism an event that will be long remembered for its relevance and scale.

Held last January 19 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City, the event attracted 10,000 participants from all over the Philippines. The large crowd filled the arena to the rafters − making Angels Walk for Autism 2014 the biggest autism advocacy event in the Philippines to date!

The event was a fitting start to ASP’s 25th year of advocating for the welfare and well-being of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. The ASP national leadership, headed by chair emeritus Erlinda “Dang” Koe and president Mary Janette Peña, unveiled its seven-point legislative and policy agenda for the first time.

The agenda, crafted from years of consultation and dialogue with stakeholders, includes mandatory developmental screening, comprehensive needs assessment, inclusive education, public servants with special skills, community-based rehabilitation programs, comprehensive sensitivity training for schools and workplaces, and creative mechanisms for funding. The society’s nationwide network of chapters will labor to bring these seven aspirations to reality.

Leaders of the government, the private sector and the autism community rallied behind the realization of the rights of individuals with autism, in observance of the 18th National Autism Consciousness Week (NACW). Senator Koko Pimentel, Department of Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona, Governor Jonvic Remulla, COMELEC Commissioners Grace Padaca and Rene Sarmiento, Human Rights Commissioner Coco Quisumbing, Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto, NCDA acting-executive director Carmen Zubiaga and the rest of the NACW working committee were visibly moved by the strength of the organization − both in their numbers and in their vision.

The “1Pangako” initiative, an on-line campaign to stop the use of “autistic” as a joke or insult, resonated with the leaders, especially with Comm. Padaca.

SM Prime president Hans Sy, SM Supermalls president Annie Garcia, Miescor president Angelito Bermudo, SM vice president for Operations Engineer Bien Mateo and Canon vice president for Consumer Systems Bong Serevo − all long-time ASP supporters − were amazed at how Angels Walk for Autism has grown in the last seven years. The heartfelt and generous support from these “archangels” from the business sector fuels the organization’s hope that inclusion of individuals with autism in more corporate workplaces will soon follow.

Representatives of professions who have become partners in the comprehensive assessment and management of Autism Spectrum disorders also witnessed the important advocacy milestone. They were Dr. Alexis Reyes for developmental pediatricians, Prof. Abelardo David for occupational therapists and Mae Sadicon for speech pathologists.

With 70 chapters nationwide, ASP members amassed in record numbers, with the province of Cavite fielding the largest contingent of approximately 1,400 participants. From as far north as the City of San Fernando, Pampanga to the recovering Tacloban City to the southern city of Zamboanga, member participants came in droves. ASP chapters like Cebu, Dumaguete and Davao, whose members were unable to travel to Manila, held local walks in solidarity with the national organization.

But the big story from the Angels Walk came from the people who, by entering the MOA Arena gates, experienced a kaleidoscope of emotions. There were tears flowing all throughout the program (from the prayer to the PWA performances, from the crimson stadium seat to the asphalt pavement around MOA) almost as much as the smiles from parents who warmed up to the upbeat Zumba and from the kids who were excited to experience the MOA Arena for the first time.

Universities, PWD organizations, government agencies as well as therapy centers, SPED schools and PWA families joined the festive stream of people in green as it snaked around the Mall of Asia’s spacious grounds. Store staff walked out of their establishments to wave flaglets, cheer and even embrace participants as they passed. Social media was afire with wonderful photos and words of love and hope.

Isiah Maru Deogracias, a younger sibling to a brother with autism, said it most eloquently. “This event is significant to me. This walk with my special brother, is just a step in the many walks I will have with him in this life. Hand in hand with my brother, the walk will not be weary as we are each other’s angels.” (http://verafiles.org)

If this walk among autism advocates brought about a stronger resolve to be an angel to someone with autism, be it a sibling, professional, student, then this has truly been the most profoundly meaningful walk of all.

This article by Mona Magno-Veluz appeared on 27 January 2014 in the print and on-line versions of Manila Bulletin's "Angels Talk", edited by Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus.

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Posted in: angels-talk,angels-walk,best,community,nacw,sm,special

Hope Abounds: Sta. Rosa Community Based Therapy

Those who have been exposed to special needs individuals would know that given the proper interventions, these individuals will go a long way in life. But we also know that these interventions come with a price. And to those who have been blessed to have access to these interventions, there is no better way to give thanks than to pay it forward. This is being true to our design as creations of our God who is loving and generous.

ASP Sta. Rosa and Los Baños Officers

With the help of the Sta. Rosa Chapter and Los Baños Chapter of the Autism Society Philippines, the Los Baños Association of Parents with Disabilities, volunteers and friends, we conducted a free occupational, speech, special education and psychology assessments to special needs individuals from indigent families last 30 November 2013 at the New Los Baños Municipal Hall.

In the spirit of bayanihan, certified professionals worked with volunteer parents. After this activity, trained volunteer parents will act as therapists to implement the recommendations of the professionals not only to their own children; but also on other children within the community.

Contributed by Vicky Erolin, ASP Sta. Rosa Laguna

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Posted in: 4parents,4pwas,best,chapters,community,regional,therapy

The Miller Method: A Different Approach

Dr. Lucille Montes with Dr. Sonia Mastrangelo and Dr. Stephen Shore

The Miller Method has a cognitive-developmental approach and incorporates developing capacity for using language. It uses the child’s behavioral repertoire and transforms these, even if they don’t seem to serve any purpose, into something functional, instead of extinguishing them. The child’s organized “‘chunks’ of behavior, perception or thought” are called “systems” and the key to this method is understanding how systems work. What I like best about this method is that it does not stop at the child’s rote compliance that gives the appearance of meaningful functioning but rather aims to see evidence from the child of real understanding.

Those who have been working with individuals in the autism spectrum know that there is no “one size that fits all” in terms of intervention. I am fortunate to have come across the Miller Method introduced to me by my Filipina friend Denese Dumol, who is based in Canada and herself is mother to JB who has ASD and is now an adult. Denese has an M.A. in Special Education and has over 30 years of experience as clinician, educator, and consultant in Toronto on developmental disabilities. She studied the Miller Method® under its proponent Dr. Arnold Miller himself in the U.S.A. After reading Dr. Miller’s book that Denese lent me, I was convinced this is my method of choice in giving interventions to my clients before trying anything else. I therefore decided to study it myself in Dr. Miller’s Language and Cognitive Development Center. Sadly, Dr. Miller passed away last year. His son, Ethan, nevertheless, proceeded with organizing a training workshop conducted by Dr. Miller’s very expert therapists who personally trained under him for many years.

This article is a contribution of Dr. Lucille Montes: Lucille A. Montes is a certified family physician and a registered psychologist. Her clinic, Familiaris Counselling Center, is in south Metro Manila. She also teaches graduate subjects in De La Salle University-Manila.

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Learn about more interesting modalities of therapy at the 2013 Philippine National Autism Conference on 26-27 October 2013 at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall. Themed “Hope for ‘A’ Nation,” the confab will tackle issues and experiences relevant to an autism community that is striving for acceptance and inclusion in Philippine mainstream society.

The event is designed to provide information on developments relevant to allied medical professionals, social servants and community workers who work with autism. Most importantly, the event was created for the growing community of parents, family members and individuals on the autism spectrum who are seeking answers, quality support and fellowship. For more details, visit http://bit.ly/philnac2013.

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Posted in: best

ASP Joins Project Hero

Project Hero kids group

Selected PWAs of ASP are taking part in Project HERO launched by Photography with a Difference founder, John Chua. The program encourages persons with disabilities (PWDs) to express themselves better through photography. It aims to teach photography to persons with disabilities and to help create positive awareness for the plight of Maali and the Manila Zoo for the benefit of the children of Metro Manila. Photos of the participants will be exhibited in an exhibit-tour in selected SM Malls.

The Saturday sessions are bonding moments between the ASP Participants and their photographer-buddies. Through the eyes of PWAs, the photographers take this activity as an inspiration for them and a challenge to lend a hand. The parents also show their dedication and commitment to their children by learning photography also.

Providing cameras to PWDs and allowing them to express themselves will also give a sense of desired empowerment. Their artistry and creativity will be surely felt by the viewers, as Christina N. Dickson of Digital Photography School said, “Children see the world through a special lens. There is a purity to their imagination that at some point most adults lose. If you have ever put a camera in the hands of a child you will soon discover that what they see in life is very different than the adult’s perspective.” This is a learning experience not only for PWDs but also for photographers.

Jae Bustamante, the photographer-buddy of Andrei Gaban shares: “You don't need words to say everything you want to say. All you have to do is feel it, straight to your heart. Feel so blessed to meet, share and be inspired of this event.”

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Posted in: best,canon,chapters,community,special

Opening doors to collegiate life

As early as last year, Mrs. Brenda Aihara has been searching for the school suitable for her daugter, Erina, who just graduated from high school. Erina passed her college entrance exams with flying colors in some prestigious universities in Metro Manila, even landing at top 12 in the overall ranking. However, being a person with autism, she has difficulty integrating herself to new environments. She has yet to master social skills, in spite of years of intensive therapy. In her search, Mrs. Aihara learned that Olivarez College is offering a new course in Library Science -- perfect for Erina who enjoys the solitude of reading.

To prepare Erina, a special therapy program was designed for her during summer to gradually psyche her up for college life. She was taught how to commute from her house to Olivarez College even if her mother regularly drives her to school, social stories of what to expect in school was retold to her several times and an actual familiarization tour of her classrooms were done to orient her of her routine before the school opened for classes.

Mrs. Aihara also took an extra effort to make Erina's college life more meaningful by launching an autism awareness campaign in partnership with Autism Society Metro South Chapter of which she is a member, and Olivarez College headed by Dr. Elaine Grace Bognot, the school's physician.

(L-R) Ms. Charisma Leona Evangelio, Mrs. Teresita Abuan (Head, College of Education),
Dr. Elmer de Leon (AVP, Academics and Services), Mrs. Brenda Aihara, Mr. Hiro Aihara,
Mrs. Gina Bermudo, Mrs. Ditas Granada and Mrs. Imee Alviso

Last July 4, the Olivarez College auditorium was full of students, teachers, nuns and medical professionals eager to learn about autism. The Autism Society Metro South Chapter headed by Mrs. Imee Alviso and Mrs. Ditas Granada were present to show their support. Mrs. Gina Bermudo, ASP Board of Trustee, was invited to be the resource speaker. As always, Mrs. Bermudo gave a very powerful presentation where she conducted the seminar with much energy and credibility. After the very informative seminar, an immediate second seminar was requested to which Mrs. Bermudo graciously agreed. She warmly touched the audience's hearts by telling actual stories of how persons with autism and their families are coping up with the challenges of living with autism. Emotions overflowed at the conference room. As a result, the attendees promised to spread the message of autism acceptance and inclusion, individually and collectively.

Such was the beginning of autism awareness in one school -- inspired by a special child, Erina Aihara. By opening their doors to an individual with autism, the school also opened the minds of the students and the teachers to respect, compassion and understanding of individuals on the spectrum.

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Posted in: best,chapters,community,pers

The ASP Angel Corps

An institution like the Autism Society Philippine is powered by the strength and talent of its volunteers. We have a proud history of developing volunteerism among our members and fellow advocates.

In anticipation of our 25th year, ASP has decided to revamp its volunteer management program and create a best-in-class model that will help optimize the society's operations by developing a nimble, passionate, professional pool of resources.

The ASP Angel Corps is the volunteer arm of the Autism Society Philippines. It is composed of civic-minded individuals who are sharing their time and talent towards creating a society where Filipinos with autism become the best of their potentials -- independent, self-reliant, productive and socially-accepted members of the community. Volunteers may be ASP members and non-members.

Visit the ASP Angel Corps on Facebook! ASP Leaders from all over the country are consolidating requests for assistance (which are called "missions") on this FB page. Volunteers have the option to sign up of "missions" which they want or can do. Each engagement is time-bound. Tasks can vary from event staffing to writing articles. Many individuals from all over the Philippines and other countries have already lent their valuable time and talent.

If you haven't yet, please drop by and see if anything strikes your fancy: http://www.facebook.com/ASPAngelCorps.

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Posted in: best,community,special

Library Corner for PWD's, SPED Students Opened

The Quezon City Public Library (QCPL) has provided a spacious corner for persons with disability (PWDs) and special education (SPED) students to give them equal opportunity to benefit from the services that able citizens enjoy at the library.

The QCPL has made available at the PWD-SPED corner an array of reading and reference materials that will encourage the physically and mentally challenged students to visit the library and avail themselves of the needed services for their studies.

Quezon City Public Library

According to Ms. Emilita Villanueva, QCPL chief, the PWDs and SPED students have the right to enjoy the same privilege that able individuals receive from the city government regardless of whatever disabilities that are a challenge to their capabilities as persons.

Villanueva is positive that the QCPL's space for PWDs will help the hard-to-move citizens to strive more for their dreams and be more productive and active players in the city-building efforts of the QC government.

The QCPL offers computer tutorial lessons for students with hearing impairment to provide them with knowledge on how to easily connect with the outside world through internet. The library personnel also conduct storytelling sessions for PWDs and SPED students to make learning more fun.

Recently, QCPL tied up with the National Council on Disability Affairs by signing in a memorandum of agreement that seeks to enhance the QCPL's capability to provide more services to the PWDs.

This article appeared in the Quezon City Web Mail.

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Team Divided By Zero Bags First Place in Microsoft Philippines Imagine Cup 2012 Local Finals

Emerging as the winner from the five finalists in the Software Design Category, Team Divided By Zero bagged first place in Microsoft Philippines’ Imagine Cup 2012 local finals held last March 23 with their project, KidCamp. The team will represent the country and compete in the Imagine Cup 2012 World Finals taking place in Sydney, Australia this coming July.

(L-R) Tim Vergel de Dios, Audience Marketing Manager, Microsoft Philippines; John Bessey, Managing Director, Microsoft Philippines; Mark Christian Bautista, Camille Ann Domingo, Jason Josol, Team Divided By Zero; Louis Casamber, Undersecretary, Department of Science and Technology; and Alvin Landingin, Senior Executive, Accenture during the recent announcement of the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 local finals.

KidCAMP is a web and mobile application that enhances special education to improve autism communication tools, assist teachers to create various learning resources, monitor student performance and support global statistics of progress in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). “We are very happy and challenged to know that we will be representing the country in the Imagine Cup World Finals. Our project KidCAMP will truly help the families of Autism Spectrum Disorder children receive the same kind of learning experience as other kids do. Microsoft has helped us achieve and address this problem through this competition and we will do our best in July,” said Jason Josol, Divided By Zero.

Spearheaded by Microsoft Corporation, the Imagine Cup is the world’s premiere student technology competition that gathers the best developers around the world and harnesses the creative minds of the youth to address problems faced by the world today using the power of information technology. With the theme, “Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems,” the projects and entries this year were inspired by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals promoting health, environment, education and accessibility.

“We have a lot of good entries this year and we are happy that students this year have definitely shown great potential. Team Divided By Zero will be representing the country this July in the Imagine Cup 2012 World Finals and we are hopeful that we can do well globally. Their creativity to solve real-world challenges is visible in their KidCAMP project,” said Tim Vergel de Dios, Audience Marketing Manager, Microsoft Philippines.

Divided By Zero’s KidCAMP aims to provide families with an affordable educational platform for ASD students that can help them fulfill equal opportunities for education. Team Divided By Zero is comprised of students from De La Salle – College of St. Benilde and is mentored by Ebenezer Uy.

“Our team was inspired by my cousin who was actually an ASD patient and had been able to improve much through technology. We realized before that the educational software being made available to these students were quite limited and expensive which is why we started to think of a way in order to give equal educational opportunities for all. This is what led us to create KidCAMP. With this program, educators and families will be able to tailor fit their programs according to the needs of these children,” shared Josol.

Teams from around the world that will be chosen to join the Imagine Cup World Finals will compete in seven categories: Software Design, Game Design, IT Challenge, Kinect Fun Labs Challenge, Windows Metro Style App Challenge, Windows Azure Challenge, and Windows Phone Challenge.

Through the Imagine Cup, Microsoft heightens the awareness of the youth on the current issues and problems faced in society today and how they can be part of solving these concerns with the integration and use of technology.

“We want to encourage more students to join and showcase Filipino ingenuity and innovation at the global arena, and grab the opportunity not only to compete against the best student developers and programmers around the world, but also to prove that tomorrow’s leaders are equipped with the passion and talent to solve the world’s problems,” concluded de Dios.

Visit Innovation Universe 2012. Source: Microsoft Philippines' Press Room

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Footsteps SPED Kids work at a community store

By Renelie Oira, Footsteps Learning Center School Directress

Select students of the Footsteps Learning Center had a productive summer -- their school offered the opportunity to work at the Ministop 24-Hour Convenience Store along Aurora Boulevard. Every Tuesday from April 17 to May 15 this year, a handful of FLCI students worked in the store for an hour -- mopping, wiping chairs and tables, and forwarding stocks.

Arranging the products is also one of their duties at the Ministop Convenient Store.

Students of FLCI worked at the Ministop during their pre-vocational training.

One of the job of FLCI student is to wipe the chairs and tables.

The patience and generosity of the the store crew, Ms. Farrah Crisol (Assistant Store Manager) and Ms. Michelle Santos (Ministop franchisee) afforded our young individuals with autism a chance to gain meaningful work experience in the retail trade.

More businesses are opening its doors to employing individuals with special needs. It is incumbent on the schools to provide relevant pre-vocational training to their students and to assist in finding worthy pursuits for their pupils when they eventually leave school.

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Autism Early Detection & Intervention Made Available in Quezon City

By Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary

News headlines across the autism community read today (March 30, 2012) “Autism now 1:88 in American children!” Last year, South Korea reported 2.64% of their nation’s school children or about 1:38 have autism. In Europe, North America and Asia, an estimated 1% reported prevalence.

With close to a million families dealing with autism in the Philippines, government agencies are starting to realize that there is hope despite the increase in numbers.

Quezon City is one of the first cities in Asia to have an Ordinance establishing a Sustainable Program for Special Children. This ordinance, known as Quezon City Ordinance No. 1915 was signed by then mayor and now House Speaker, Honorable Feliciano "Sonny" Racimo Belmonte, Jr. during the 3rd World Autism Awareness Day.

Another anticipated highlight for the 5th World Autism Awareness Day will be the launching of The Autism Early Detection and Early Intervention Project (EDEIP) in Quezon City. The project is a tri-party collaboration between AKBAYAN Party List, the Quezon City (QC) Government and Autism Society Philippines.

ASP conducts Early Detection and Intervention Programs for social workers, health workers and public school teachers all over the country.

Currently, there are seven satellite ASP Chapters located in Quezon City - Commonwealth, Diliman, Lagro, Muñoz, Novaliches, Proj. 3 and Proj. 4 and Cubao. Beneficiaries of the project will be parents of children with autism, Barangay Health Workers, Day Care Teachers, and Social Workers from these areas.

According to Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon, children with autism need of assistance in terms of diagnosis, therapy and support services, as well as education and intervention programs that will increase their chances to develop into self-sufficient and productive individuals.

He also said that there is an urgent need to promote public awareness of autism and equip the concerned people, especially parents, who are the primary care givers.

As implementers of the project, ASP will provide resource speakers and facilitators for the seminars. Materials like posters and brochures on autism will be distributed to help generate more awareness to the citizens of Quezon City.

ASP QC Chapters will witness the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between parties on April 1, 2012 at SM City Fairview. ASP looks forward to more partnership and collaboration between government agencies in improving the plights of families dealing with autism.

Be an Autism Angel. Donate generously to ASP’s Early Detection and Early Intervention Project. Donations can be deposited to Metrobank Kamias Branch 047-3-04751874-2. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496 for more information.

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