Regional Advocate for Persons with Autism wins Inaugural ASEAN Prize

Ms. Dang Koe

SINGAPORE, 13 November 2018 – Ms. Erlinda Uy Koe, a prominent community leader of the Philippines is the winner of the inaugural ASEAN Prize. This was announced at the opening ceremony of the 33rd ASEAN Summit in Singapore today. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the Secretary-General (SG) of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi presented the ASEAN Prize at the opening ceremony to Ms. Koe, for her exemplary contributions to supporting inclusivity and forging closer ties in ASEAN.

The ASEAN Prize is an initiative of the ASEAN Secretariat. It aims to recognize inspiring achievements and contributions that foster the ASEAN identity, promote the ASEAN spirit, and champion the ASEAN way. In addition to the trophy, the recipient of the ASEAN Prize would also receive a cash prize of US$20,000. The sponsors of the ASEAN Prize 2018 are Temasek Foundation Connects of Singapore, the Ayala Corporation of the Philippines and Yayasan Hasanah of Malaysia.

Upon conferment of the award, Ms. Koe said that “the profound honour of receiving the inaugural ASEAN Prize was a welcome blessing. In the spirit of servant-leadership, I share this recognition with the 13,000 fellow parents and family members who comprise the Autism Society Philippines and with countless other advocates from the ASEAN Autism Network. These angels labour to engineer institutional mechanism to improve the lives of persons with autism and their families.”

Ms. Koe is the Chair Emeritus of Autism Society Philippines (ASP), in addition to being a full-time corporate executive. Under her leadership, ASP - now with 96 chapters nationwide, has become one of the most vibrant disability organisations in the Philippines.

At the regional level, Ms. Koe served as Chair of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), comprised of autism family support organisations from all ten ASEAN Member States. AAN is a platform for ASEAN member countries to cooperate and unite in developing non-discriminatory strategies and intervention programmes to support persons living with autism and their families.

Over the years, Ms. Koe’s efforts have inspired autism awareness, not just in her native Philippines, but among the ASEAN Member States. Under her stewardship, the ASP spearheaded the Angels Walk for Autism, gathering over 24,000 participants in January 2018, with thousands more converging in simultaneous walks in ten cities. This show of unity and community behind one cause inspired other AAN countries to hold their own Autism Walks.

Ms. Koe is a respected public speaker and has also taken her advocacy to international arena. Her engagements have sparked discussions on project collaborations with Korea, Japan and China. She has also served the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s Working Group of the Asia Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities for 2018-2022.

SG Dato Lim said, “Ms. Koe’s work and dedication to improve the lives of autistic adults and children reflect the spirit that is deeply rooted in an ASEAN Community that engages and benefits the people. We look forward to her continued efforts in contributing towards an inclusive, resilient, people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN.”

“I am thankful for the momentum this recognition will bring in taking our advocacy to the regional stage. Persons with autism need acceptance, accommodation and appreciation -- and we hope to find more receptive minds and hearts among our policymakers to build a genuinely autism-friendly global society,” Ms. Koe added.

Ms. Koe is selected as the ASEAN Prize winner by a judging committee that was made up of the incumbent SG of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi, and former SGs Tan Sri Ajit Singh (Malaysia), Amb. Ong Keng Yong (Singapore) and Amb. Le Luong Minh (Viet Nam). Close to 50 nominations for the ASEAN Prize were received from all ten ASEAN Member States.

ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967. The Member States of the Association are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. On 31 December 2015, the ASEAN Community was formally established. The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta.

Temasek Foundation Connects
Temasek Foundation Connects is a Singapore-based non-profit philanthropic organization that funds and supports programs, which seek to build bridges and partnerships, and promote dialogue and mutual understanding across our diverse communities and markets in the region and beyond. Established in 2016, it aims to foster cooperation and growth in a globalized and interconnected world of opportunities.

Ayala Corporation
Ayala Corporation is one of the largest and most diversified business groups in the Philippines, with business interests in real estate, banking, telecommunications, water, power, industrial technologies, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Its social commitment arm, Ayala Foundation, has programs that focus on education, youth leadership, sustainable livelihood, and the promotion of arts and culture. With headquarters in Makati City and operations mainly in the Philippines, it continues to grow its regional and global footprint, serving millions of customers across all market segments.

Yayasan Hasanah
Yayasan Hasanah is an impact-driven organization that envisions a globally sustainable Malaysia with empowered communities, an inclusive society, and a well-managed environment. It strives to create real and lasting positive social and environmental changes for Malaysia through work in education; community development; environment; arts, heritage culture; knowledge; and public spaces. Within these focus areas, it partners with civil society, communities, corporate, and government agencies to design and implement initiatives that will deliver the greatest impact in realizing its vision.

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Posted in: 4public,aan,asean,international,intl

ASP’s Dang Koe elected as new AAN Chairman

The executive committee of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) elected Dang Koe, Autism Society Philippines’ Chair Emeritus, as its new Chairman during its General Assembly held last 16 January 2016 at the Mabuhay Manor in Pasay.

The new officers of the ASEAN Autism Network

AAN is composed of autism family advocates from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. The Asia Pacific Center on Disability (APCD) helped organize this network in 2010, envisioned to lead the efforts to realize the rights of persons with autism in the ASEAN nations.

APCD Executive Director Akiie Ninomiya, himself a father of an adult with autism, congratulated ASP leaders for their passion and relentless commitment in working towards the realization of the rights of persons with autism. In his message during Angels Walk, he said APCD recognizes that “there is still a lack of laws, programs, services and professionals to respond to the needs of persons with autism in Southeast Asia but with the ASEAN integration the opportunity of sharing knowledge, information and resources among member countries would facilitate the resolution to collectively work together to address these issues.” With ASP’s leadership starting this year, he expects member countries to collectively advocate for the rights of persons with autism from an ASEAN perspective. “Each member of AAN must go beyond its country boundaries and work collectively as the ASEAN Autism Network.”

At the Angels Walk lean banner, SM VP Bien Mateo, NCDA Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga, ASP President Mona Magno-Veluz, Senator Sonny Angara, APCD Executive Director Akiie Ninomiya, SM Prime President Hans Sy, AAN Chair Dang Koe and ASEAN Deputy Secretary General HE Dr. AKP Mochtan

The chairmanship of AAN was turned over from outgoing AAN Chairman Malai Hj Abdullah Bin Hj Malai Othman of Brunei to ASP’s Dang Koe in a brief turn-over ceremony on 17 January 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, witnessed by 15,000 participants of Angels Walk -- Philippine government officials, representatives of the government of Southeast Asian countries, business organizations like SM, PWD organizations, civil service organizations, participants from schools and therapy centers, families of persons with autism, delegates from AAN member countries.

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Posted in: aan,asean,international,intl

ASP represents Philippines in ASEAN autism workshop

The Autism Society Philippines was invited to the Third Country Training Program (TCTP), a Capability Building of Persons with Autism and their Parents in Bangkok, Thailand. This training program is the outcome of the joint project of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and the Japan International Collaboration Agency (JICA). The TCTP is conducted by the Government of Japan and The Government of Thailand, together with APCD and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand through the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and JICA with support from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand (MSDHS).

ASEAN Workshop in Thailand

The training’s expected outcome is for the young leaders and their parents to gain information and knowledge on disability and development in the CBID context and on the creation, exchanging and elaboration of recreation, leisure and sports for future implementation.

The ASP sent Ms. Marivic R. Ramos, an ASP Board of Trustee was joined by Raichan Dearoz, a young adult with autism from the Municipality of Carmona, Cavite. The Philippine participants arrived in Thailand at July 12, 2015. There were six (6) countries participated in the event namely; Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and the Philippines which adds up to twenty four (24) participants in total.

The training started the next day with a welcome program. Executives of the mentioned agencies were present Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, the Executive Director of APCD gave the welcome remarks. The first to give the opening remarks was Ms. Paiwan Phonwan, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Mr.Yasumitsu Kinoshita, the Senior Representative of JICA, Thailand Office and Mr. Wattanawit Gajaseni, the Director of Countries Partnership Branch (Bilateral and Trilateral) TICA gave their opening remarks consecutively.

The succeeding days were concentrated on the Recreation, Leisure and Sport training, conducted by the resource persons from Japan and Thailand. The country participants were toured to the Thai Autism Vocational Center, run by The Association of Parents of Persons with Autism (AU-Thai), where they showcased their programs for persons with autism and to the Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japan) a sports complex where the children go to have a swimming lessons. The participants also had their turn the next day for some swimming lessons and a time for an open forum.

The last three (3) days of the training was focused on the consensus of the 6 countries on what activities to promote on the upcoming 3rd ASEAN Autism Network Congress in the Philippines. Each country was also asked to develop an action plan on recreation, leisure and sports to exercise and apply their first hand knowledge to their home country. Ms. Marivic Ramos was instructed to make a plan of action for the upcoming AAN 3rd Congress. The country report was successfully delivered through a virtual presentation by Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz. On 24 July 2015 the participants got their certificates of completion of the training.

The training was refreshing after realizing that simple games such as bird relay can be very fun if played by the persons with autism and their parents. Most of the times we tend to seek more complicated activities for our children which leave us to be looking for things that we don’t have, and not realizing that we become more critical because of our increased expectations on them, when our only objective is for them to have a physical activity, fun on their free time. The experience in Thailand was not only about acquiring of the technical knowledge of the recreation, leisure and sports, but a realization of many things like our country, being way ahead in terms of the autism advocacy from some of its neighboring countries. I was approached many times by the parent participants for inquiries, clarifications and comparing notes on our experiences in our advocacy. The Philippines has the social responsibility to give assistance in terms of sharing of knowledge, and moral support to other parent associations of other countries through the oldest and biggest Autism advocacy group, the Autism Society Philippines.

About the contributor: M. Victoria Ramos currently serves as the an ASP National Trustee. Marivic is a pillar of the autism advocacy community in Los Baños, immersing herself in special education and training and empowerment programs over the years. As an ASP delegate, she was elected to the board of the Philippine Community Based Disability Inclusive Development Network. She is a single mother to a young adult with autism, Victor Michael "Mico" Ramos.

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Posted in: aan,apcd,asean,international,intl

APCD conducts Post Yolanda assessment in Ormoc

Mr. Ranil Sorongon of the Asia Pacific Development Center for Disabilities met with the combined ASP Ormoc District 1 and 2 chapters last January 10, 2014 at Pongos Hotel to support family members who live with autism who were affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

Mr. Sorongon oriented the group about his role as the secretariat for the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) and the APCD; and how these organizations can help the affected families.

He moderated a discussion of specific concerns and raised the following priorities: 1) Rebuilding of the public SPED center and replacement of special education materials lost in the typhoon; 2) Assistance in the diagnosis of children with autism and other disabilities; 3) Continued intervention for the children with autism, most especially occupational therapy and speech and language therapy; and 4) Psychosocial and trauma counseling for parents, caregivers of children with autism. A survey form was also distributed to determine how basic needs of food, water, clothing, shelter, sanitation of each household were affected, how the disaster and the aftermath affected the behavior and other areas of development of the children and how disaster preparedness was implemented before the typhoon.

Mr. Ranil Sorongon is welcomed by the leadership of ASP Ormoc 1 & 2 Chapters

Mr. Sorongon informed the chapter members that the Vietnam Autism Network raised $400.00 from their vocational livelihood projects as a donation to the Ormoc chapters.

Mr. Sorongon encouraged the families present to always keep hope alive. He is confident that we can all rise from this tragedy with the help and support of the national and local governments, local advocacy organizations like the Autism Society Philippines and international disability agencies like AAN and APDCD.

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Posted in: chapters,community,consultation,international,intl,regional

A message from Malai

Mr. Malai

The ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), would like to congratulate the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) for organizing and hosting the 13th Philippine National Autism Conference. The AAN recognizes ASP as one of the oldest and leading Autism Organization in ASEAN region, a role model for all other AAN members in supporting and empowering the families of individuals with autism in the Philippines.

ASP is one of the founding members of AAN was established with “Family Comes First” as a core concept during the ASEAN Autism Workshop organized by the Asia-Pacific Development Center for Persons with Disabilities (APCD), in cooperation with JICA in Bangkok, Thailand on 13-15 December 2010.

AAN would continuously support the ASP’s programs in accordance to the network’s mission to support, assist, facilitate and enhance autism-related family support groups in collaboration with other stakeholders in the ASEAN region.

Once again, congratulations and wishing everyone a successful and meaningful conference.

MALAI HJ ABDULLAH BIN HJ MALAI OTHMAN
Chairperson
ASEAN Autism Network

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Posted in: international,intl,nac

Autism in ASEAN: Unity in Diversity

by Teacher Ces Sicam, Vice President, Autism Society Philippines

Cecile Sicam with foreign officers

The 2nd AAN Congress in Brunei in April 2013 was an eye-opening experience for me. I learned about the status and activities of each country as each delegation gave a report during the formal meetings. But it was during meal times, breaks and field trips that we had the opportunity to share stories in more informal and personal level. Through these interactions I realized how unique each country’s situation is but that we are all bound by the same challenges autism brings.

Our host, SMARTER Brunei, led by its tireless President Malai Hj Abdullah bin Hj Malai Othman, is a center-based family support organization. They have 3 centers exclusively for Individuals with Autism (IWAs) – one for early intervention, another for IWAs aged 6-up and the Brunei Autism Center for Adults (BACA) for occupational training. Almost all of the staff of these centers are Filipinos – from their teachers, therapists, even to their drivers. Their centers are practically tuition-free as Mr. Malai takes care of raising funds to sustain their operations. In 2001 he started bringing the cause of autism to the consciousness of Brunei, almost single handedly, by running a marathon across the country. He eventually got the attention and support of the royal family. And through the years he has been holding musical shows, fun runs and other big projects to sustain awareness and support for their programs. His advice: show you have a good product and support will come. They are encouraging families to put up businesses that their children can work in.

Thailand fielded the biggest delegation to the conference – all 115 of them, including no less than their Secretary of Education. The Association of Parents of Thai Persons with Autism (AU-Thai) is a recognized public organization since 1995 and, under the leadership of Mr. Chusak Janthayanond, has grown to more than 50 network-organizations in as many provinces. It is interesting to note that the incident rate of autism in Thailand is approximately 2-6 per 1,000 people – much lower than the incident rate in the US which we have applied to the Philippine population. It is estimated that there are more than 200,000 individuals with autism in Thailand (population 69.52 million). Autism awareness and support may perhaps been boosted by the fact that the King had a grandson who was known to have autism. (Unfortunately, he died in the tsunami of 2006.) Because of the support of their monarchy and government, Thailand can boast of comprehensive programs for IWAs, including Thai Elephant-assisted therapy. Thailand’s monarchy not only shouldered the expenses the AU-Thai delegation but also paid for the airfare of delegates from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. This is early evidence of intra-regional support and cooperation. Very heartwarming.

Malaysia also has a strong organization for autism. The National Autism Society Malaysia (NASOM) established their One-Stop Center for Autism with the support of private business groups such as the Kiwanis. In 2005 NASOM started, managed and financed a pilot programme to integrate children into mainstream schools. Because of the progress shown by students, the model was adopted by the Ministry of Education. They even have residential facilities/group homes for adults.

Indonesia was represented by Dyah Puspitah A. Abdoellah, co-founder and Secretary of the Indonesian Autism Foundation (Yayasan Autisma Indonesia/YAI), a psychologist and mother of a 22 year-old IWA. Dyah also runs Mandiga, an educational center for IWAs. YAI was founded by a group of parents and medical professionals and currently has about 1500 members. Indonesia is the most spread-out and populous country in the ASEAN (their population is about 238 million) and establishing strong links with the families and centers in the different parts of the country has been challenging. Like us, they also dream of establishing an “autism center” that can function as a diagnostic, registration, information, therapy and education center.

The Association for Autism (AfA) of Laos, was represented by its Vice President Thongkham Vongsay who is married to Michael Shultze, a German national, an ADB consultant on SMEs. He recounts that they did not have specialized medical personnel to check and diagnose children with developmental disabilities in Laos. No experts in special education are trained to deal with the disorder and help those persons to live a joyful and meaningful life, to support their families in order to integrate their members with special needs. Autism is virtually unknown in Laos. They had to go to Thailand to get confirmation about his son’s condition. Together with other parents, they put up the Vientiane Autism Center – the only educational institution for IWAs in Laos. Right now they are advocating for recognition and inclusion of autism as a disability in order to get government support.

Cambodia was represented by a very demure grandmother who not only heads the Parents Association for Children with Intellectual Disabilities (PACHID) but also runs a day care center with 20 children with intellectual disabilities in Phnom Penh. Ms. Svay Simorn could not speak English and was accompanied by one of their members, a father, an engineer who works for the government, who translated for her. As in Laos, there are no other institutions for persons with autism and PACHID is advocating for access to education and more support for their center.

One of the youngest members of the AAN is the Myanmar Autism Association (MAA). Just like Laos and Cambodia, the MAA is campaigning for more public awareness and understanding of autism, training of parents and teachers. I could not help but think of parellisms with our situation.

The Hanoi Club for Families of Children with Autism is a parent support group in Vietnam which is working for recognition. Its representative Ms. Hoang Ngoc Bich (pronounced “Bik”) works as a trainor/facilitator in several multinational companies. But she also experienced being her son’s teacher/therapist/mother as there were no programs that were available for her son. Now her son is a teenager studying in a mainstream school.

Considering that ASP was born in 1989, we’re one of, if not the oldest parent support organization for families of PWAs in South East Asia. In some areas, we have come a long way in raising awareness and support for autism. But we still lag behind in terms of providing training and services for adult IWAs.

Meeting the warm bodies and the faces of autism in the ASEAN countries has definitely been enriching. Hearing parents from other countries echo the same problems we face e.g. limited access to appropriate diagnosis and intervention, adult services and accommodations; data gathering, monitoring; organizational sustainability, funding/public support, and public understanding gave me the sense that “we are not alone” - the affinity we get from attending family support group meetings – only on an organizational level. Hearing what others are doing/have done to overcome these challenges is inspiring and reenergizing – tuloy ang laban!

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Posted in: international,intl,leaders,pers

ASP's "1Pangako” goes International

ASEAN People seen in a slide show

The Second ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Congress was recently held at the Rizqun International Hotel, Abdul Razak Complex, Brunei Darussalam last April 27-29 this year with the theme “Towards Autism-Friendly ASEAN Community”. The organization was established to serve as an effective forum that can work at the national and sub-regional levels to advocate the rights of person with autism.

To further protect the rights of Persons with Autism, Autism Society Philippines’ “1Pangako” campaign to stop the use of the word “autistic” in a derogatory manner was given a chance to be heard at the congress. The campaign, which was launched nationwide in January 2013, aims to reach a million Filipinos with this message of compassion through live events and digital interactions.

The English version of the 1Pangako campaign song, written by ASP Board of Trustee Ms. Gina Luna Bermudo, was played alongside the nine member ASEAN countries’ presentation, where each representative made a 15 minutes report regarding their own experiences of living with person with autism.

Mr. Akii Ninomiya, Executive Director of The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), gave a nod of approval to ASP's multi-faceted digital campaign. When the campaign song was played, Mr. Ninomiya even got down from the podium where he was seated to have a full view of the video. The lyrics touched the hearts of almost 800 regional delegates from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam in the Sutra Ballroom of Rizqun Hotel. Emotions were high and participants were teary eyed after they heard the song.

In response to the campaign, all the delegates collectively recited the “1Pangako” pledge with a promise to support the campaign by starting with themselves; and to help the entire autism community in making this world a better place for children with autism to live a life of dignity and pride.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4public,4pwas,international,intl,special

My Brunei Experience

By Thara Marie Santiago, Adolescent with Autism

It was April 25, 2013 at 11:40pm when Charlene Danica Escasiñas and I, Thara Marie Santiago, better known as ASP Dream Girls, together with my mom, Geeta Santiago, Danica's mom, Christine Escasiñas, my Personal Assistant, Estirlina Andres, and some members of ASP’s Board of Trustees boarded Cebu Pacific flight 4J409 for Brunei Darussalam. Danica and I were given a remarkable opportunity to represent the Philippines to the 1st ASEAN Autism Youth Camp! The feeling was indescribable as we boarded the plane and headed to a country far different from our customs and traditions. Upon arrival, we were met by Mr. Kamal, vice president of SMARTER Brunei, the host of the 1st ASEAN Autism Youth camp and the 2nd ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Congress. We were then brought to the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization or SEAMEO Voctech Building, the venue for the accommodations of representatives from different countries such as the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam.

Thara and Danica duet

By 2pm, we were on our way to Berakas Reserve Forest, the venue of the youth camp. We were warmly met by Teacher Loraine, a Filipino special education teacher in Brunei. She was assigned to take care of the Philippine delegation. Danica and I headed to our chalet, a nipa hut like house but made of wood. Teacher Loraine explained that the chalet represented the beautiful Philippines so we had to decorate the place as to how we wanted others see our country. We had to do our best since it was a contest! Danika started doing a poster portraying the following trademarks of the Philippines namely: Tamarraw, coconut trees, nipa hut, shells, pearls, Sampaguita flower and our famous mango fruit. A heart was drawn also to relay the message of our deep love for our country. On my end, Teacher Loraine helped me in cutting out “triangles” of different colors and stuck these to a rope to show people we were in a fiesta! To add to the festive atmosphere, we made curtains out of abaca ropes and 20 peso bills. My mom also thought of using Philippine coins and 20 peso bills so we gathered these together with plastics and ropes. Viola! We had a flag! The flag of the Philippines was so unique that everyone was so amazed with our creativity! At 7pm, delegates from the conference came to visit and view all the chalets. People were impressed with the extensive explanations Danica and I gave to all their questions in relation to our decorations, traditions, and culture. It was so fun to talk to the judges and all the people who visited our chalet. It was interesting too to learn about the other countries, their traditions and culture as seen on their respective chalets. The most awaited part of the camp was the talent show wherein each ASEAN country was called to give a presentation. Danica and I gave our best when we sang "Imagine" by John Lenon and “Angels Brought Me Here”. Everyone was listening intently and at the end of our performance, we were very much applauded for our stellar rendition of the two songs! Humility aside but everyone was very impressed and amazed with our perfect tune and combination.
With our outstanding performance, our fellow campers and the audience could not believe that both Danica and I have autism. As a result, we bagged the “Best in Talent" as well as the “Best Chalet” awards! It only proved that our condition has not been a hindrance in developing and honing our talents and skills in music and art! And showcasing our talent did not stop here because during the Gala Night of the 2nd AAN Conference, Danica and I confidently and proudly sang in front of approximately 1,000 participants. My mom and Tita Christine reminded us to leave a mark that persons with disability could make a difference. If we have been able to inspire and give hope to our country then we could leave that mark in Brunei. It was heartwarming to see the audience, including the waiters and waitresses, enjoying every number we delivered! As we sang, we saw people dancing and singing, and at the same time, crying because the people were very touched and amazed with our talent despite our condition. They definitely saw our ability more than our disability!

Danica and I felt that we made our fellow Filipinos and our country proud because we were able to give HOPE to a multitude of people with disabilities and their families through our talents. Truly, our Brunei experience made a mark that would forever live in the memories of those who witness our disABILITY in the camp and in the congress!

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Posted in: 4public,4pwas,international,intl,seminar,special

ASP's Cecile Sicam elected AAN officer

ASP National Vice-President and co-Founder Cecile Sicam was recently elected as the new Honorary Secretary of the ASEAN Autism Network in elections held last 26 April 2013 at the SEAMEO Voctech, Brunei, Darussalam. Teacher Ces also serves as the Directress of the Bridges Foundation.

Cecile Sicam speaking during the election in Brunei

The ASEAN Autism Network assembly was attended by representatives of various autism advocacy groups from Brunei, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Lao PDR. Akiie Ninomiya, the Secretary General of AAN and Executive Director of Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability was also in attendance. Before the election of the new set of officers, Mr. Chusak, the chair of AAN reported some major accomplishments of the organization and also of the different committees.

- AAN is now a registered organization in Bangkok, Thailand through the initiative of Autistic, Thai.
- Coming up of AAN website that provides information on autism and activities of member countries.
- Training of teachers of Lao, PDR conducted by Autistic, Thai.
- Designing and distribution of Understanding Autism posters to AAN members courtesy of Autistic Thai, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability and Autism Society Philippines.
- Conduct of simultaneous Walk for Autism during the World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) last 02 April 2012.
- Attendance by delegates of Autistic Thai, SMARTER Brunei, APCD and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Human Security of Thailand to the 12th National Conference on Autism conducted by ASP.
- Attendance of AAN representatives in regional conference to promote the rights and welfare of persons with autism.

The new officers and executive committee member that will serve until May 2015 are:

Honorary Chairperson- Chusak Janthayanond of Thailand
Chairperson- Malai Abdullah Othman of Brunei
Deputy Chairperson- Teh Beng Choon of Malaysia
Deputy Chairperson- Dyah Puspita of Indonesia
Honorary Secretary- Cecile Sicam of the Philippines
Honorary Treasurer- Hoang Ngoc Bich of Vietnam
Chairperson, Public Relations and Information Committee- Nay Myo Naing of Myanmar
Chairperson, Research and Revelopment Committee-Viengsam Soinxay of Lao PDR
Chairperson of Learning, Education and Training- Svay Simorn of Cambodia

AAN is a support organization of parents of persons with autism in Southeast Asia that promotes the rights and welfare of persons with autism and their families. It is composed of organizations from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability in Bangkok, Thailand serves as its Secretariat.

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Posted in: 4public,international,intl

2nd ASEAN Autism Congress Slated

After a successful congress in 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand, the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) will be having its second congress on April 27 and 29, 2013 at the Rizqun International Hotel, Brunei Darussalam.

The event, initiated by AAN and hosted by the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei, will bring together parents of persons with autism, professionals and advocates from the different countries in Southeast Asia. It aims to provide new information on autism as well as strategies and interventions. It will also enable participants from other countries to share experiences of their journey with persons with autism.

Prior to the congress, a general assembly meeting and election of new officers and committee heads will be conducted on April 26, 2013. The new set of officers will be responsible in leading the organization to reach its goal for an autism friendly ASEAN community.

Aside from the congress and the general assembly, an Autism Youth Camp with the theme “Building an I-C.A.F.E. (Interaction, Companionship, Affection and a Friendly Environment)” for Individuals with Autism will also be held on April 25-27, 2013.

AAN Congress Brunei 130426

The camp that will be participated by youths with autism from the different ASEAN countries will focus on developing their socialization skills through different structured activities. It will also provide them with opportunities to develop their personal and management skills. A gala night fashion show style will culminate the camp wherein the youths will showcase their respective national costumes.

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) will be represented by Erlinda Koe, Chair Emeritus, Cecile Sicam, Vice President, Mary Grace Adviento, Auditor, Gina Bermudo, Trustee and Ranil Sorongon, Executive Director.

ASP’s Dream Girls, Thara Marie Santiago and Danica Escasiñas, will join the youth camp and will be singing during the Camp’s Opening Ceremony and the Gala Night. Thara’s Mommy Geeta and Nica’s Mommy Christine, together with Ms. Estirlinda, the personal assistant of Thara, will accompany the young ladies in this momentous event.

AAN is a parent support organization in Southeast Asia that promotes the rights and welfare of persons with autism and their families. It is composed of parent organizations from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability in Bangkok, Thailand serves as its Secretariat.

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Posted in: 4public,international,intl,special

Wanted: Photographs for Autism Gallery

The ASP has been invited to participate in the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability’s (APCD) initiative to promote awareness of emerging disability sub groups like autism and intellectual disability. APCD dedicated a photo gallery section in its Empowerment Café website for this purpose, where viewers can gleam regional best practices and personal inspiration.

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) chapters are invited to send pictures of its activities; while individual members may send pictures of their child engaged with their siblings, parents and service providers in different settings like in school, home, therapy center, park, cinema, among others. Images must observe good photography composition and lighting; and must not be "Photoshopped" to include text, logos or watermarks.

Sample photo: The EDEIP Orientation

Pictures for exhibition must be sent to the ASP National Office at autismphils@gmail.com with a brief description (maximum seven (7) words) and a note authorizing ASP to add an ASP watermark and to include the image in the APCD E-Cafe Photo Gallery.

All images submitted will only be used for this purpose. It will be published with attribution. It will not be edited or used for commercial purposes.

The E Café photo gallery can be viewed starting September 1, 2012 by logging to http://disability-ecafe.net/.

The APCD Empowerment Café or E-Cafe is a platform that promotes information dissemination and knowledge exchange on disability and development in Asia and the Pacific from the perspective of the sub-regions Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Pacific and East Asia. ASP is one of the “baristas” or writer representing the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) at the E-Café.

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Posted in: international,intl,leaders

ASP represents AAN in Bangkok

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP), Autism Thailand and SMATER Brunei represented the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) in the recently concluded Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Workshop in Amari Watergate Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand last July 12 and 13, 2012.

The APCD E-Cafe which the Autism Society Philippines thru Executive Director Ranil Sorongon was one of the member

ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon was among NGO leaders represented in the assembly of regional organizations actively promoting the welfare of the Person with Disabilities. Mr. Sorongon discussed the background, objectives and accomplishments of AAN as well as commended the hosts for their support.

Mr. Malai of SMARTER Brunei discussed the challenges and future plans of AAN, focusing on the 2nd AAN General Assembly and Autism Congress scheduled on April 26-28, 2013 in Brunei. The event is organized with the support of APCD, Khum Poon Foundation and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand.

The Bangkok workshop brought together participants coming from the networks organized by APCD such as the Asia-Pacific Federation of the Hard of Hearing and Deafened, the AP CBR Network, the South Asian Disability Forum, the Central Asian Disability Forum, the Thailand Council for Independent Living, the Persons with Intellectual Disability of Mekong Region and the AAN.

The workshop was an opportune time to launch the APCD E Café, a digital platform to promote and advocate for the welfare of PWDs in the AP Region. The attendees were able to renew and expand their regional networks towards making rights real of the Person with Disabilties in Asia and the Pacific.

The well-represented workshop is a demonstration of the continued, productive partnership between APCD and JICA; as well as their leading role in making services available to PWDs up to the marginalized communities in the Asia Pacific region.

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Posted in: international,intl

AAN supports 12th National Conference on Autism

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) was so grateful to the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) for supporting the 12th National Conference and the 2nd South East Asian Conference on Autism last April 28 and 29 at the Crowne Plaza in Quezon City participated by more than 400 delegates coming from the different parts of the Philippines and the ASEAN region.

AAN delegates from Bangkok, Thailand was headed by Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, the Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) with Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, the International Training Manager. Mr. Ninomiya gave a very emotional and relevant message of solidarity not only as the Executive Director of APCD but as a father of an adult with Asperger Syndrome.

Akiie Ninomiya, Executive Director of the APCD

AU Thai or the Autism Society of Thailand was represented by two gentlemen Mr. Samreng Virachanang and Mr. Charoen Khuwinphunt. Mr. Samreng gave a message and shared about the road map of AAN in behalf of Mr. Chusak Janthayanond, the President of AU Thai and Chairman of AAN.

The Royal Government of Thailand also supported the event through the National Office of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (NEP). The agency was represented by Ms. Phenpak Yayee and Ms. Prapavani Jaidi.

Another AAN member, SMARTER Brunei also showed their support to ASP. It’s President Mr. Malai and Vice President Mr. Kamal together with their two Filipino teachers joined the conference. They were so happy to be back to the Philippines and were able to visit some special schools through the help of ASP.

(L-R) SMARTER Brunei Vice President Mr. Kamal, President Mr. Malai with
ASP National President Grace Adviento and ED Ranil Sorongon

The visitors were impressed on how ASP organized the conference without the usual practice of having an event organizer to manage such big activity. They also notice the utilization of the volunteers and the presence of the different television stations to cover the event.

Aside from attending the conference, the AAN delegates from APCD, AU Thai, SMARTER Brunei together with Executive Director Ranil Sorongon, ASP Immediate Past President Grace Adviento and the representatives of NEP had a meeting to initially plan the 2nd AAN General Assembly and Autism Congress to be hosted by SMARTER Brunei on May 2013.

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Posted in: international,intl,nac

ASEAN Autism Network and the Future

The following is the message of Mr. Akiie Ninomiya to ASP at the 12th National Conference on Autism.

Mr. Akiie Ninomiya

I would like to congratulate the Philippine Autism Community for organizing a conference. The Philippines have been a pioneer in developing a network among persons with autism and their families as well as the stakeholders. The Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) is honored to be the Secretariat for the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) which is the first sub-regional network globally.

According to statistics in the USA, the annual growth rate of autism has increased to 17%. Autism is the fastest growing disability; a total of 1.5 Million Americans have been diagnosed with a type of autism. In other words, 1 out of 88 children are born with autism.

Until now the autism community is not recognized in the international community. Many developing countries do not have any statistics, a policy or service system for the autistic community. We would like to develop an autism network at the domestic level as well as at the international level.

I have a vision of developing 3 types of autism networks.
1. For parents and the family
2. For self-advocates; persons with autism can form their own network.
3. For Service providers

The 3 networks can collaborate with each other to develop awareness, policies, and a service system that would inclusive education and job placement. When people in the community understand autism in terms of breaking through the attitudinal barrier, many persons with autism can receive the benefits of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability.

Akiie Ninomiya
MSW Wilfred Laurier University
MDiv. Waterloo Lutheran Seminary
Faculty for School of Public Policy in Japan
JICA Chief Advisor for APCD
Executive Director of APCD

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Posted in: international,intl,nac

ASEAN Autism Network Support ASP’s 2nd SEA Autism Confab

By: Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary

Members of the ASEAN Autism Network support the upcoming 2nd Southeast Asian and 12th National Conference on Autism on April 28 and 29, 2012 Saturday and Sunday witht heme “Living with Autism: Hope@Home” at Crown Plaza Manila Galleria, OrtigasAve. corner ADB Avenue, Quezon City.

Living with Autism Hope@Home poster

ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) serves as a platform for autism-related family support groups of each Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member country to collaborate, cooperate, coordinate and unite in developing strategies and intervention programs that will be non-discriminatory in support of families, including those economically challenged. More importantly, the extended family structure on which the ASEAN community is based will remain the core of any developmental program and strategies.

Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, known as the father of ASEAN Autism Network, is set to give the Message of Solidarity during the said confab. Mr. Ninomiya will be joined by Mr.S omchai Rungsilp, AAN Secretariat and APCD International Training Manager.

Mr.Ninomiya is the Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) in Thailand. Prior to this, Mr. Ninomiya has served as the Chief Advisor of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the APCD.

From 1995-2000, he was Professor at The School of Policy Studies in Kansai Gakuin University, Japan where he focused on international social work on disability. He served as the Director General ofthe Holistic Social Service Research Center in Kobe Japan with a mandate of facilitating community-based inclusive development for fifteen years.

He has also served as an overseas expert on disability and development for the United Church of Canada and Hospital Coordinator at the Vietnam Christian Service in Vietnam. He earned his MTh and MD from the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary in Wilfred Laurier University, Ontario,Canada; his MSW from the Graduate School of Social Work at Wilfred Laurier University; and his LLB from The School of Law at Meiji University.

Other delegates expected in the conference are Ms. Napa Setthakorn, Secretary-General National Office of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (NEP), Thailand;

ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) recognize its importance in enhancing the solidarity and unity among persons with autism and their family members, to lead the autism movement at the grassroots, national, regional and international levels.

Autism Society Philippines believes that through this conference, ASEAN Autism Network delegates will also take home new knowledge to help empower other AAN families in making informed decisions to take bolder steps to ensure quality life for people with autism.

*****

A special registration rate is available for a group of five (5) participants plus 1 FREE seat. Registrants may pay by depositing the payment to Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank-Kamias Branch, Savings Account No. 047-3-04751874-2. Kindly fax to (632) 926-6941 or email to the address below the deposit slip with the name/s of the participant/s. Click here for online registration.

For more information of the conference, you may call us at telephone numbers 7-903-5496, and mobile numbers (0917) 556-2075 or (0923) 638-3771 or email aspnc2012@gmail.com.

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Posted in: international,intl,nac

ASP National celebrates 4th World Autism Awareness Day

4th World AUTISM Awareness Day Celebration

April 2, 2011

ASEAN AUTISM NETWORK Theme “ACT FOR AUTISM NOW”

Autism is now considered the fastest rising developmental disability in the world, autism prevalence in children rose from 1:150 to 1:110. (Released by Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network in 2009). More will be diagnosed with autism than diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined in the coming years.

ASP Logo

Recognizing the gravity and urgency of this situation the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 on December 18, 2007 declaring World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) to be celebrated April 2, 2008 and in perpetuity. This UN Resolution is one of the few official disability-specific United Nations Days that aims to bring the world’s attention to autism.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how an individual interprets what he sees, hears, and touches, thereby impairing his understanding and use of language and his adaptation to his environment. Autism is not curable but is treatable. When a child is diagnosed and receives intervention early in life; given the appropriate education and therapy; they can become self-reliant and productive members of society.

In Southeast Asian Region, support organizations of parents having children with autism through the help of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asia Pacific Center on Disability (APCD) based in Bangkok, Thailand organized the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) to advocate for the rights and welfare of persons with autism and their families in the region. AAN is headed by Thailand with members from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

AAN adopted “Act for Autism Now” as theme for this year’s celebration to emphasize the urgency to take action for autism NOW for millions of children in the region are diagnosed each day but programs and services are still not available especially in the remote areas. Diagnosticians and other professional service providers are lacking. Most of the population is not yet aware about autism so most often families experience the social stigma of having a child with autism.

In the Philippines, almost 1 million Filipino families are estimated to be affected with autism. Autism Society Philippines (ASP) has been in the forefront of providing services to families affected with autism. ASP has grown from the 11 mothers who bonded together for the causes of their children in 1989, to more than 7,000 members, with 48 chapters all over the country.

The event is in partnership with SM Programs on Disability Affairs, SM Supermalls, SM Prime, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), House of Representatives Committee on Social Services, Buhay Party List, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Katipunan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd) and Archdiocese of Manila Persons with Disabilities Ministry (AMO-PDM).

AAN call for the people of ASEAN to support the 4th World Autism Awareness Day Celebration. “ACT FOR AUTISM NOW” and make a difference in the life of persons with autism.

For more information call 7-903-5496 or visit http://www.autismsocietyphilippines.org/

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Posted in: international,intl

Family comes first for ASEAN Autism Network

By Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus

Holistic curriculum exclusively for autism that is local, affordable, accessible and inexpensive to ensure sustain-ability throughout the lifespan of individuals with autism.

ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) serves as a platform for autism-related family support groups of each Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member country to collaborate, cooperate, coordinate and unite in developing strategies and intervention programs that will be non-discriminatory in support of families, including those economi-cally challenged. More importantly, the extended family structure on which the ASEAN community is based will remain the core of any developmental program and strategies.

ASP Laguna Chapter President, Riza Cansanay (in green) in a sharing part of the Work and Play Program

ASEAN Autism Network Member States convened last December 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand for the first AAN Workshop and Congress. The event was organized by Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Association of Parents of Thai Persons Autism (AU Thai) and Khun Poom Foundation.

Philippine representatives from Autism Society Philippines, Grace Adviento (ASP-National President), Ranil Sorongon (Executive Director) and Riza Cansanay (ASP La¬guna Chapter President), joined 300 representatives of Family Support Group Organizations from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, the host country Thailand, and a special participant from Japan.

One of the organizers, APCD, is a regional center on disability and development established in Bangkok which has been endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) as a regional center for its Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific.

The Vision and Mission of the ASEAN Autism Network

An approach that surrounds the extended family structure keeps true to the ASEAN spirit, and will at the same time provide a strong foundation for a truly inclusive and autism-friendly ASEAN community.

AAN visualizes an inclusive, rights-based and autism-friendly ASEAN community. Its mission is to support, assist, facilitate and en¬hance autism-related family support groups in collaboration with other stakeholders in the ASEAN region and globally.

Its main objectives are:

1. To educate, develop and give opportunities for an autism-related family support groups.

2. To empower the support groups and the individuals with autism in the ASEAN region.

3. To promote, encourage and facilitate evidence-based research initiatives and developments.

4. To provide, exchange and disseminate information on autism related issues.

5. To ensure the promotion and advocacy of technical and other assistance to PWA and families.

6. To develop a collaborative partnership and close working relationships with other agencies.

7. To undertake other tasks in relation to autism-related family support groups of each member country as determined by the general assembly.

Why create an ASEAN Autism Network?

Since “Family Comes First” is especially true for the member countries of the ASEAN, each member plays an important and influential role in the family and in the ASEAN community. It is the interdependence and loyalty among these family members that the ASEAN community survives and thrives on.

The family unit is comprised of an extended family, parents, sibling, grandparents, cousins, and so on. With this in mind, it is necessary to appreciate the importance of empowering the families to take the lead in nurturing, caring and supporting individuals with autism.

This is due to the ever changing faces and priorities of the professionals, politicians, teachers and therapist involved. But family remains forever. It is therefore the family’s right and responsibility to take charge in their child’s intervention, development and future.

Hence, having realized the need of creating and developing an autism movement among neighbouring autism-related family support groups, ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) was established.

The first AAN workshop realized the commonalities in the issues, concerns and challenges encountered by most of the AAN State Members: (1) the lack of the current statistics of people with autism, (2) existing local laws for persons with disabilities, (3) lack of services and service providers, (4) support from the government, (5) funding and (6) low awareness of autism.

Declaration of the ASEAN Autism Network

Here are the collective statements of AAN Member States:

1. Various efforts on autism made by relevant stakeholders in the ASEAN region are appreciated to promote understanding of persons with autism and their family members.

2. Central and local governments are encouraged to develop and support any initiative on autism, particularly to establish and strengthen self-help groups/organizations of persons with autism and their family members.

3. Health, education, livelihood, social and empowerment components in the context of community-based inclusive development are critical among persons with autism and their family members.

Therefore, ASEAN Member States and multi-stakeholder collaborations are essential in this regard.

AAN State Members also appeal to the Governments of ASEAN Member States and relevant stakeholders to consider the following recommendations to strengthen the autism movement in the ASEAN region:

1. Encourage ASEAN Member States to consider the perspective of autism in the planning, implementation and monitoring of a national policy on disability in line with the principle of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

2. Agree to the idea of establishing a new decade of persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region (2013-2022) in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and APCD by highlighting community-based inclusive development to empower persons of disabilities including persons with autism and their family members.

3. Agree to the idea of establishing the ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities, initiated by the Government of Thailand, to mainstream disability in the development agenda.

4. Acknowledge the establishment of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) and recognize its importance to enhance the solidarity and unity among persons with autism and their family members, to lead the autism movement at the grassroots, national, regional and international levels.

5. Call for the ASEAN Member States and relevant partners to support the second ASEAN Autism Congress to be held in Brunei Darussalam in 2012.

“The AAN experience humbled me, as I felt fortunate for our countrymen, having ASP - one of the most active parent support organizations - making huge waves in the disability community for the past six years. This exercise also helped me experience the real spirit of “Bayanihan,” which was so alive in the group. What struck me the most was the willingness of progressive country representatives to offer assistance in training and advocacy awareness to Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, eventhough; they too have their own local concerns,” said Grace Adviento, ASP National President.

One vital event that transpired during the workshop was the signing of the constitution by the Founding Members. ASP was elected to head the Public Relations and Information Committee. The first joint event of the ASEAN Autism Network will be the celebration of the 4th World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2011.

Uploaded with Permission Acknowledgement: Manila Bulletin Family Comes first for ASEAN Autism Network

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Posted in: aan,asean,international,intl

Building Dreams at the ASEAN Autism Network

By Grace Adviento, ASP National President

Flying for a weeklong workshop and conference excited me as I looked forward to having a large scale Family Support Group with co-parents from other countries. Together with my travelling companions, Ranil Sorongon (ASP Executive Director) and Riza Cansanay (ASP Laguna Chapter President), we headed for Bangkok, last 13-17 December 2010.

ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon (2nd from left), ASP President Grace Adviento (6th from left) with the other AAN participants

The first ASEAN Autism Network Workshop and Congress was held in Thailand, the host country, with participants are from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam, including representatives from the Asia Pacific Center on Disability (APCD).

APCD, with its center located in Bangkok, is endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific as a regional center in line with the Biwako Millennium Framework’s action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific Region.

The first 3 days were devoted to the Workshops for the Capacity Development of Self-Help Organizations, which was organized by (APCD), in collaboration with the Association of Parents of Thai Persons with Autism (APTPA). On the fourth day, the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) was formally inaugurated and henceforth the signing of the ANN constitution.

ASP Laguna Chapter Riza Cansanay (in green) during her discussion

Not knowing what to expect, from the room filled with about 30 people, I listened intently to the representatives from 10 countries and began to understand their plight. At the workshop, representatives gave Situational Analyses, reporting on the different challenges encountered, the current statistics on people with autism, existing local laws for persons with disabilities, collaborations between groups and organizations related to autism, as well as the Definition of Autism is in their respective countries.

To achieve the ultimate goals, the workshop aimed to achieve three main activities for persons with disabilities: (1) Networking and Collaboration among government and non-government organizations, as well as the private sector to support persons with disability, (2) Human Resource Development through training of PWD work-related and (3) Information Support for All.

From all the information gathered, autism advocacy still plays a big role with primary concerns pointing towards funding, accessibility and affordability of services, which are very basic. What struck me the most was the willingness of the other country representatives offering to help each other, even though they too have their own local concerns.

This experience not only allowed me to enrich my knowledge on ASEAN’s Diverse Culture, it also made me realize that one of the key factors facing autism is the struggle of families.

Each year in our country, families, schools, centers, professionals, friends and supporters from both from the government and non-government organizations converge for the annual Angels Walk for Autism. The celebrations continue to grow bigger and the Autism Advocacy, brighter.

As we continue to share hopes with our fellow country men dealing with autism, we equally build dreams for the future of our children, together, hand in hand with the ASEAN Autism Network.

According to our Chair Emeritus, Dang Koe, “Ang ASP ay KSP o Kulang sa Pansin.” At oo nga, napapansin na nga tayo. Maraming salamat.

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Posted in: aan,international,intl