ASP Launches an Autism Helpdesk for Colleagues

The ASP Autism Works creates genuine, sustainable economic empowerment opportunities in compassionate workplaces nationwide. First launched in 2016 as an employment initiative, ASP's CBR-inspired model empowers PWAs and their families towards success at work and guides the enterprise towards a sustainable process of assimilating persons with autism into the workforce. The program is running in 9 provinces: NCR, Benguet, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Laguna, Quezon and Misamis Oriental.

Helpdesk for Colleagues Digital Poster

With workers on the autism spectrum now gaining more acceptance, accommodation and appreciation in compassionate workplaces, more people are given the opportunity to directly deal with neurodiverse individuals.

If you have questions on how best to work with colleagues on the spectrum, we suggest that you ask them directly. If this proves difficult, you can also ask ASP through this quick form. Expect an email response within 5 working days. If you have an urgent matter that needs guidance, please escalate to your company's Human Resources team for immediate attention.

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Posted in: autism-friendly spaces,autism-works,colleagues,employment

ASP Project Gourm-A showcases an Autism-OK dining experience

As we anticipate the global commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, the Autism Society Philippines invites all to a Project Gourm-A [gur-'may] Autism-OK dinner on 30 March 2019, Saturday, at the Vatel Restaurant Manila on the roof deck of the Hotel Benilde in Manila City (Map: https://goo.gl/maps/3ydyiJDoh3v).

This ASP Autism Works x Project Gourm-A event aims to discover and show off skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry. These encounters inspire acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism through delivery of an autism-inclusive dining experience, development of employability skills of persons with autism in the food industry, development of autism-inclusive workplaces, and exposure of professionals in the food and hospitality industries to neurodiverse individuals.

"A Project GourmA event, as always, promises to be an intimate, sumptuous dinner. We dine. We have fun. We celebrate diversity and inclusion." shares ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz. "This project, which is among Autism Works pillars, allows the general public to experience how many young adults on the autism spectrum are ready for employment in the food and restaurant industry."

Project Gourm-A Digital poster at Vatel Restaurant Manila

This year's event is done in partnership with the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde family -- the Center for Inclusive Education, the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management, and Vatel Restaurant Manila; with the participation of student organizations Chefs in Progress and World Hoteliers in Progress. Young adults with autism will work as kitchen staff, bartenders, waiters and hosts, alongside neurotypical students to provide a unique dining experience.

"Benilde has always believed in the importance of inclusion. In providing our students with opportunities for learning, along with the necessary support and accommodations, we open doors for them to become contributing members of society" declared Ms. Nicky Templo-Perez, Director for the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde Center for Inclusive Education. "We are so excited to be supporting ASP’s Project Gourm-A and have our students from the SHRIM organizations work with persons with autism! I’m sure it will be a powerful experience for everyone."

Dean Angelo Lacson of De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde SHRIM is among the project's enthusiastic supporters. "Embracing inclusion as School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management is not about just following the mandate of the College but rather our championing of equal opportunity and equal representation. This dinner involving young adults on the autism spectrum is our school’s initial step in providing them with hospitality and culinary enrichment options.”

The four-course French Mediterranean set-menu dinner will be overseen by the Vatel Restaurant Manila Executive Chef Pierre Cornelis.

SOUP

Curried Cauliflower with roast cashew

Or

Zucchini, garlic with crouton and mozzarella

APPETIZER

Asparagus pomelo salad with andalusia dressing

MAIN ENTRE

Beef Bourguignon

Slow braised beef in red wine, demi-glace,

onion, carrots, with potato gratin

Or

Salmon fillet with tian vegetables

Served with jasmine pilaf rice

DESSERT

Cerveza Negra and chocolate ice cream

Or

Mango crème brulee

Your minimum donation of P1,000 per head will help support ASP's programs and services for families who live with autism. Sign up below to reserve your seats for either the 6pm or the 8pm dinner service. An electronic ticket will be sent to your email to confirm your reservation.

The Autism Society Philippines, through its Autism-OK Philippines campaign, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working proactively with the public and private sectors to create institutional mechanisms that inspire responsive policies and programs, autism-inclusive education, autism-friendly public spaces, compassionate workplaces, more transitions specialists, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families. #AutismOKPH #TRENTAgether

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Posted in: autism-works,employment,food,fundraising,gourm-a,partners,university

Opening doors

This article first appears in "Out of Office" - an employee publication of Willis Towers Watson, a leading global multinational risk management, insurance brokerage and advisory company with Philippine offices in Taguig -- in an issue which celebrated inclusion and diversity. Willis Towers Watson is a partner of the Autism Society Philippines in its Autism Works program, which aims to match adults with autism with opportunities for wage - and self-employment.

Social interaction and communication are basic to living a satisfactory life in today's society, and the lack there of might bring harships and challenges. It is not rocket science, but we know that there are actual people who have difficulties with these traits; people with autism (PWA).

ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong developmental exceptionality, which may challenge an individual's ability to communicate, socialize and adapt to the world around him. This idea of people with ASD hinders them from opportunities to grow and develop the things that they are good at. Willis Towers Watson is challenging the stigma by creating an inclusive environment for this talented group of individuals by expanding its scope which includes persons with autism.

Wearing a big smile on his face, Ryan recalls how he celebrated his first birthday as an associate here at Willis Towers Watson. He happily relays how his mother cooked and made him bring the food to the office as a treat to his teammates, and how he was surprised that the team gave him a birthday cake and offered him their well wishes. Ryan Cris Lucero, PWA, was hired few months ago through an initiative of WTW’s Inclusion and Diversity commitment.

Ryan was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old but his speech and occupational therapy started a year later. Growing up, Ryan admits that it was hard for him. Since he has some difficulties in communicating and conveying his thoughts, he was bullied back in high school. For Ryan, all these hardships he encountered makes him proud of himself because he endured it, stayed strong and just kept going.

He finished his studies in 2013 and had one part time job before joining WTW. Getting hired was difficult as he could not get through the interviews. But hope seeped in when Mona Magno Veluz, president of the Autism Society Philippines, informed him that WTW is looking for talents like him. He made it past the interview and even made it through the challenging skills test. Now, he is happily celebrating his first month with the company together with his newly found friends.

Ryan clarified that persons with autism are just like normal individuals who need friends, work and a typical lifestyle. For us to better understand him, he told us that there are three ways that we could use as guidance – acceptance, accommodation and appreciation.

First, we must learn to accept and welcome someone diagnosed with autism. Second, we need to accommodate them by teaching, training and helping them. After all, communication is a two way street – we should also be meeting them halfway. And lastly, showing that we are proud of them even with their small achievements would go a long way.

This is how opening doors for people like Ryan looks like. It creates a society where someone’s lack is filled by someone’s empathy, thus nourishing a culture of sharing and understanding. The good thing about it is, that door can remain open so it could impact more lives, positively.

Ryan Cris Lucero

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Posted in: autism-works,employment,self-advocates,taguig,willis towers watson

ASP launches PWA Employability Seminar Series

AWorks PWA Employability digital poster

In commemoration of the World Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society Philippines is launching the Autism Works PWA Employability Seminar Series, which will provide hard and soft skills training to adults on the spectrum who are officially signed up for the Autism Works program. They must have been already interviewed, and have signed the Autism Works affirmation of commitment contract.

We are partnering with Accenture Philippines, one of the country's leading providers of technology services, for training in Microsoft Powerpoint Fundamentals, Microsoft Excel Basics + Intermediate + Advanced and Microsoft Word for several Saturdays of April and May 2018.

Date: See registration form for schedule
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Venue: 25.43/44 Training Room, Robinsons Cybergate Tower 2, Mandaluyong City, PHL
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/McpgxczRfow

The ASP's Autism Works career placement initiative aims to build an Autism-OK Philippines by creating genuine employment opportunities in compassionate workplaces. ASP's CBR-inspired employment model empowers PWAs and their families towards success at work, through careful profiling of candidates, customized job matching, job coaching training and partnership with respected transition specialists and employers. Since the program first started in 2016, it has grown by leaps and bounds, filling 80 positions in 22 enterprises in the the provinces of NCR, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Laguna and Quezon.

To be considered for Autism Works, PWAs may send their resumes to autismphils@gmail.com. We will reach you for schedule of interviews and assessments. We are working through a long queue applicants, please be patient.

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Posted in: 4pwas,employment,training

ASP Autism Works shines in Los Baños

What started as a rainy cloudy day, turned out to be a vibrant session with job seekers from San Pablo, San Pedro, Calamba and Los Baños in Laguna last 31 August 2017.

Autism Works Project Manager discussed the background of the project

The ASP Autism Works Open House in Los Baños was led by ASP Laguna President Catherine Lopez, ASP Laguna VP and National Trustee Marivic Ramos, and ARC Director Lian Del Valle, assisted by ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz and ASP Angel Corps Volunteer Carl Veluz. The event kicked off with opening remarks from Ms. Cathy. Ms. Mona followed with a background on ASP Autism Works Career Placement Initiative and the opportunities we are currently recruiting for.

Applicants during the assessment session

During the assessments and interviews, parents of adults with autism expressed their apprehensions about riding public transportation independently, compassionate treatment of their children at work, and public acceptance of their working PWAs. While misunderstandings are always a possibility, the ASP Autism Works Program minimizes risks by educating the employer on how to help PWAs become successful and communicating to the general public the value of workers with autism.

Candidates with autism, whose ages varied from 19 to 32 years old, are encouraged to embrace opportunities for growth. This is the time to transition from their sheltered environment to a life of independence and self determination.

"While waiting for the "perfect job", it is important for adults with autism to have daily activities outside the home and to have regular engagements for work or recreation," advised ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz.

The Autism Resource Center in Intan Street, Sta. Fe Subdivision, Los Baños, Laguna shall provide assessment and job coaching services for applicants from Laguna. The team has vast experience in early intervention, life skills training and transition education.

The participants and their parents together with the Project Manager and Officers of ASP Laguna

The ASP Autism Works Open House series is happening all over the country - Quezon City, Davao, Los Baños, Cebu, Lucena, Iloilo and Parañaque. This project was made possible with the support of Cebu Pacific, Communicare Therapy Center, Inclusion Advoc8, Kitestrings Developmental Center, WorkAbilities, various ASP Chapters and media outlets like Cebu Daily News, Sun Star Cebu, ABS CBN Iloilo and ABS-CBN Cebu.

The Autism Society Philippines' Autism Works career placement initiative aims to build an autism-inclusive society, by creating genuine employment opportunities in compassionate workplaces for adults with autism. ASP's CBR-inspired employment model empowers PWAs and their families towards success at work, through careful profiling of candidates, customized job matching, job coaching training and partnership with respected transition specialists and employers. ASP cordially invites job-ready persons with autism to explore employment possibilities by sending their resume to autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: autism-works,chapters,employment,open house,regional,self-advocates

Where to go NEXT: Preparation for Employment

Adolescents and adults with autism go through similar physical and emotional changes as their neurotypical peers. But they also have challenges which require specialized training and accommodations for them to cope and function in the workplace. This is where the expertise of job coaches like Teacher. Dominic Cheoc, an occupational therapist, prove invaluable in transitioning PWAs from the school to the work environment. Teacher Dom is also a sibling to a young man on the spectrum.

Seminar Group Photo

“Where to go NEXT: Preparation for Employment” was at the Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters last 30 July 2016 and was attended by 45 professionals and parents. Teacher Dom gave the participants an extensive overview of the characteristics of adolescents and adults with ASD, the different available options for employment, how and what to do to prepare them for employment, the importance and process of making an individualized transition plans and the role the job coach in achieving the goals of the transition plan. He shared several practical tips and techniques such as Communication and Two-Way Interactions to make the adjustment easier for PWAs.

PWAs have strengths and capabilities (their honesty, good memory, attention to details, among others), which make them good employees; but there are also barriers (willingness of companies to hire PWAs, lack of knowledge, odd behaviors, among others) which they need to overcome to get them employed for the long-term. Job coaches teach PWA’s to do their work tasks well, as well as to structure accommodations in the work environment to enable them to work independently, with the support of supervisors and co-workers.

The Autism Society Philippines recently launched the Autism Works initiative, which creates employment opportunities in compassionate workplaces and empowers PWAs towards success at work. If you are a PWA interested in employment or a business keen on building a neuro-diverse workforce, please send an email to autismphils@gmail.com.

About the contributor: Lloyd Ngo worked as an ASP intern when he attended Independent Living and Learning Center. He began working in 2012 as an encoder at the Ongkiko Manhit Custodio and Acorda Law Offices in Makati. He is currently ASP’s Program Assistant for Communications.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,autism-works,employment

The Tax Benefits of employing Persons with Autism in the Philippines

The recently-launched ASP Career Placement Initiative, not only takes the welfare of adults with autism into consideration; but takes on the responsibility of informing employers of the non-tangible and tangible benefits of hiring workers with autism. The BIR Revenue Regulation 8-93, made effective on 29 January 1993, articulates some of the tax benefits of employing persons with autism in the Philippines.

Photo credit: Phistar

Private entities that employ qualified persons with autism and other disabilities as regular employees, apprentices and learners shall be entitled to an additional deduction from their gross income for the taxable year, in an amount equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid as salaries and wages to the PWD, over and above the total allowable ordinary and necessary business deductions for said salaries and wages, upon presentation of the following:

• Proof, as certified by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), that qualified PWDs are under their employ during the taxable year, stating the full name, status, address and taxpayer identification number of each of such employees.
• A certification from DOLE and the Department of Health (DOH) as to the disability, skills and qualifications of the PWDs employed by such private entity.
• Evidence of actual payment of salaries and wages to the employed PWD, as well as witholding tax, if any.

The incentives of additional deductions from income shall be availed of by private entities upon filing the final income tax return for the taxable year when the salaries and wages and other expenses for direct costs of the modifications and improvements to physical facilities to accommodate qualified PWDs have been paid or incurred and attaching the following to the said return:

• Proof as certified by DOLE that disabled persons have actually been employed;
• Certification from DOLE and DOH, attesting to the disability, skill and qualification of the PWDs employed; and
• Evidence of actual payment of salaries and wages to the employed PWDs, as well as taxes withheld, if any.

For more information on how you can hire more persons with autism and other disabilities, please contact Atty. V.Cadangen, Law Division Chief, Bureau of Internal Revenue at 02-926-5536, 02-927-2511 local 7328.

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Posted in: employment,government,law,taxes

The ASP Career Placement Initiative gears up!

“The transition to adulthood is especially sensitive. As a strong advocate of mobilizing the world’s youth to contribute to our collective future, I call for societies to invest more funds in enabling young persons with autism to be part of their generation’s historic push for progress.” -United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon

The Autism Society Philippines and the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Education partnered to conduct an ASP Career Placement Initiative (ASP CaPI) empowerment activity last 20 March 2016. Dr. Grace Gomez, professor who specializes in psychometrics and PWD counselling, and her class of MA candidates (some teachers, others recruitment professionals) moderated a holistic approach to preparing PWAs for employment.

PWA Applicants for Job Readiness Program

The PWA applicants, most of whom have undergone the Job Readiness Program of the Independent Living Learning Center, were first tested for their interest areas and general aptitude. Those who struggled were given accommodation by the proctors, as long as time limits were kept. They were taught basics of how to apply for a job, preparing for job interviews and do’s and don’ts in job hunting. For the neurotypical, these fundamentals are sometime taken for granted; but these need to be articulated for this with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This short talk was quickly followed by a demo and a one-on-one simulation where everyone were given a feel for what an interview could be like. Tips for individuals to work on at home will be part of the activity report. The PWA applicants were also engaged in a self-confidence exercise; where the moderator guided them in how to appreciate their strengths and to be more aware of areas they can improve on.

This session was conducted for the purpose of helping persons with autism find meaningful work. It is our intention for PWAs to find employment and for them to stay employed. It is important for them to find a coach or to be able to articulate their feelings about work fulfillment, so they can be led to their true vocation.

ASP CaPI Batch 1 are profiled for "AutiSM at Work" -- a pilot employment program with the SM Food Group. The candidates will be screened for positions in SM supermarkets as baggers.

The ASP Career Placement Initiative is an program that involves the screening, counselling and placement of adults with autism for employment. We match persons with autism and compassionate employers. ASP calls for employers to look at PWAs as potential contributors with unique skills that can become their company’s competitive advantage. ASP is vested in creating Autism-OK workplaces and in helping individuals who are ready for employment find jobs they will enjoy for life.

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Posted in: adults,capi,career,employment,sm

The Autism Advantage Employer Fora

The Autism Society Philippines* is one with the world in celebrating World Autism Awareness Month this April. The United Nations promotes the rights and well-being of people with disabilities; and affirms this by calling for genuine disability-inclusive development -- including increased opportunities for PWA employment. The Philippines heeded this call to action with Republic Act Number 10524, dated 23 July 2012, stating that at least one percent (1%) of all positions in all government agencies, offices or corporations and private corporations with more than one hundred employees should be occupied by persons with disability.

The Autism Advantage Employer Fora

The Autism Society Philippines, National Council on Disability Affairs, Meralco One, MIESCOR and the ASEAN Autism Network invite CEOs, COOs, CHROs and HR practitioners to The Autism Advantage Employer Fora. This event aims to explore best practices and to share initiatives by government and private organizations, which have achieved success in the assimilating individuals with autism into their workforce. Resource speakers will share their learnings in the areas of recruitment, performance management, off-boarding, retention, among others. Transition support institutions will also share their experience on how to best introduce neurodiversity in organizations.

Registration begins at 0800H, and the event will begin at 0900H. Topics will include employment as a human and legal right, employer experiences from the technology industry and the social enterprise, the impact of employment in the life of a person with autism, the government incentives for hiring persons with disabilities and how you can begin to integrate persons with autism in the workplace.

Secure your seat. Please sign up for the event on-line via http://bit.ly/asp-aa2016 or the form below. The event is primarily for EMPLOYERS. Only a few seats are allotted for ASP MEMBERS who are parents or teachers.

Powered by Eventbrite

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Posted in: business,employment,government,seminar

ASP Sta. Rosa’s Lakbay Aral at Yusen Logistics Center

ASP Sta. Rosa PWA members and their families went on an educational tour “Lakbay Aral” at Yusen Logistics Center, located at the Laguna Technopark in Binan, Laguna last 30 March 2015. The aim of the activity is to expose our PWA’s to an actual workplace and see whether there are opportunities for summer activity for them and use or develop skills that will be useful for employment in the future.

The ASP Sta. Rosa members during the lakbay aral

Our member PWA’s had a wonderful time going around the logistics center in their safety vests and hard hats. They were also given a chance to try out cutting the labels for shipment and learn some Nihonggo words.

About the Contributor. Olive Medina is mom to CWA Enzo and his baby sister Lizzie. Aside from fulfilling her duties as a wife and mother, she works as General Manager for a logistics company, a part time college lecturer and part time yoga instructor. She is also the president of ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter.

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Posted in: chapters,community,employment

Disability Inclusive Workplace

Mrs. Carmel C. Almendrala, Trustee of Autism Society Philippines, was a resource speaker in the July 18, 2014 Quezon City PDAO “Public-Private Consultation Forum on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities.” Mrs. Almendrala spoke on the “Employment Situation for Persons with Autism.” The forum was held at the Bulwagang Amoranto of Quezon City Hall main building.

Ms. Carmel with PWD speakers

There were various other speakers from DepEd, DSWD, DOLE, Blue Ribbon Committee of the Philippine Senate, JOB START, Manulife and other disability NGO’s who presented their particular work related to PWDs.

Mrs. Almendrala discussed individual employment of various persons with autism in competitive setting, as well as group employment in different companies plus future possibilities for employment of PWAs.

About the contributor: Carmel C. Almendrala, a former ambassador’s wife and an Ulirang Ina Awardee of 2010, Carmel personifies diplomacy as she faces the world with poise, grace and intelligence. Over the years and in the many countries where their family has had to relocate because of her husband's work, she laboured tirelessly to advocate for her son Michael, now in his 40’s. Serving as Trustee for more than six terms, she reminds young mothers of children with autism: Grab every opportunity and don’t take no for an answer. This is evident in her son Mike, who is a Special Olympian Medalist (who competed in 2005 in powerlifting and in 2013 in bowling), a 2005 Apolinario Mabini Awardee, and an independent member of the community working as an administrative staff of the Philippine Information Agency.

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Posted in: community,employment

EO 417 drives economic independence for all PWDs

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Executive Order 417, directing government agencies to implement wide-reaching economic independence programs for persons with disabilities.

NAPC Logo

The long-anticipated implementing rules and regulations calls for:

(1) the establishment of local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) team composed of four departments -- budget, local government, civil service and national defense. The Implementation Rules and Regulations (IRR) mention about persons with disabilities (section 7.0- 7.3).

(2) The economic independence for persons with disabilities; directing National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) to allocate funds to ensure the implementation of EO 417 and its IRR.

The IRR solidifies inclusive development as part of the national policy agenda.

At least one percent (1%) of all positions in all national government agencies shall be reserved for persons with disabilities (based on RA 10524);

All national government agencies, state universities, government and control corporations and government financial institutions, including LGUs, shall avail of at least ten percent (10%) of their procurements from persons with disabilities;
The accessibility law (BP344) pursuant to section 477 of Republic Act (RA) 7160 (local government code) shall be strictly implemented; and
Government financial institutions shall provide adequate capital and financial support to micro-businesses of persons with disabilities.

Please download the IRR of EO 417 here.

For ASP and other autism advocates, the need to develop the capabilities of adults with autism now becomes a priority. The law protects PWAs and does not cover family members who serve as primary caregivers.

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Posted in: employment,government,inclusion,law

ASP Pasay Lakbay-Aral to ASP Laguna

ASP Pasay Chapter celebrated World Autism Awareness Day by conducting a Lakbay-Aral at ASP Resource Center in Los Baños, Laguna last 01 April 2014.

ASP Pasay and Laguna Family group in Lakbay-Aral

There were 51 participants composed of parents, children with autism, siblings and caregivers who enjoyed the delicious lunch prepared in the diner with the help of the salaried PWAs in the center. The visitors were treated to a guided tour where the ASP Laguna Chapter President Ms. Catherine L. Lopez explained the different sections in the center, like the art shop where students make and sell crafts.

Their Autism Resource Center is also an ideal place to hone the skills of PWAs at the same give them job opportunities to make them respectable and worthy members of the community.

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Posted in: chapters,community,employment,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

A Seminar on “Training and Job Coaching Person’s with Autism”

Teacher Landa Bautista, Executive Director of The Learning Center led “Training and Job Coaching Persons with Autism” last 30 November 2013 at Legislative Building, Quezon City Hall.

The first session entitled “Vocational Training for PWA’s” talks about understanding PWA transition and vocational training concepts, principles and best practices. The second session, “ABC’s of Job Coaching” discussed how TLC Inc. supported employment and explained the different job coaching approaches.

During Training and Job Coaching Person’s with Autism seminar

The seminar targeted the concerns of teachers, therapist and parents; and how they can guide their PWA’s in their future careera. Teacher Landa provided practical, interactive modules, like transition planning and developing on-the-job training programs near their schools.

Some participants commented:

“Most of the participants says that the seminar is very comprehensive and informative.”

“It served as an eye-opener for us further improves our vocational program in school.”

“Mostly, our practices in Early Intervention Education and other allied medical professionals whom are relevant for CWA’s. However, by learning this topic, we could apply those PWA who will find their job in the future and relevant for their life accomplishments/achievements. Good job!”

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4pwas,community,education,employment,seminar

New law mandates hiring of PWDs

President Aquino signed into law Republic Act 10524 (An Act Expanding the Positions Reserved for Persons with Disability) last month, which amended the 1992 Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities. The edict makes it mandatory for government agencies and government-owned corporations to reserve one percent of their workforce for disabled persons.

Pres. Aquino signed RA 10524 on 12 May 2013.

Section 5 of the Magna Carta state that “No persons with disability shall be denied access to opportunities for suitable employment;" and that “a qualified employee with disability shall be subject to the same terms and conditions of employment and the same compensation, privileges, benefits, fringe benefits, incentives or allowances as a qualified able bodied person.”

The new law also encourages private companies with more than 100 employees to hire disabled persons and set aside at least one percent of their workforce for them.

The Department of Labor, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfard and Development, National Council on Disability Affairs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Governance Commission for government-owned or government-controlled corporations have been instructed by the President to formulate the implementing rules and regulations.

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Posted in: employment,government