ASP Statement on the Proposed MMDA Ordinance

The Autism Society Philippines received a draft for a new Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Ordinance, “Prohibition Against Parking At Spots Designated for Persons with Disabilities, and Imposing Fines and Penalties Thereof” for our comments.

We applaud the efforts of the MMDA to prioritize the welfare of PWDs with orthopedic disabilities. The salient points of the proposed ordinance includes:

1) Vehicles without MMDA issued PWD stickers/IDs/Cartag, shall not be allowed to park at spaces designated for persons with disabilities;

2) Only drivers who have (with) orthopedic disabilities (and difficulty walking) shall be allowed to park at designated PWD parking spaces.

3) Violators need to pay fines.

The need for better user discipline of PWD parking is evident; however, the Autism Society Philippines opines that the proposed MMDA ordinance to limit PWD parking privileges to those with orthopedic disabilities is NOT supported by RA 7277, RA 9442 and BP 344. We DO NOT agree with the exclusion of persons on the autism spectrum from any of the benefits allowed by law.

This is the same legal logic why, some years back, we did not agree with a local drugstore that refused to provide discounts to PWDs with intellectual and learning disabilities, multiple disabilities, and chronic illness -- for the sole reason the at their personnel cannot visually verify the disability. This private company policy made some PDAO's classify applicants on the spectrum, getting a new PWD ID, under "psycho-social disabilities" -- all to circumvent the discount exclusion.

Identifying a subset of PWDs as the ONLY group who can avail of the benefits outlined in the law is a dangerous PRECEDENT. Very often Filipinos with non-apparent disabilities are the first to be negatively impacted. Public agencies and private companies must NOT be allowed to selectively implement benefits outlined in the Magna Carta of Persons with Disabilities -- until relevant laws are repealed by Congress to provide context and make the distinction.

For the record, many families who live with autism already give way to PWDs or temporarily injured individuals with mobility issues, in the use of PWD parking spaces, as a basic courtesy. Families who may have a dire need for the quick ingress or egress of a child on the spectrum to and from a venue should NOT be penalized for using the benefit.

The position of the Autism Society Philippines has been forwarded to the National Council on Disability Affairs for inclusion in the disability sector feedback. For further comments, please send an email toncda.action.center@gmail.com

Statement Draft MMDA Ordinance poster

Read more »

Posted in: MMDA,ncda,policy

ASP opens its new home on 11th Jamboree

After 20 years at the ML Building along Kamias Road, the Autism Society Philippines opened its new home to the public on 01 August 2015, Saturday at its new address: #9 11th Jamboree Street corner Scout Fuentebella, Brgy. Sacred Heart in Quezon City.

Some trustees in front of our new home

The blessing and open house was dubbed the “ASP Jambor-A,” a pun on the word Jamboree which appears on the street address. “It was serendipitous that our new address is on Jamboree Street.” Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President, mentioned in her speech. “Jamboree is a large gathering of people from different places to celebrate; and that is what we want our new HQ to be. We want to celebrate the awesomeness of people with autism in this building. To our dear parents, siblings, children, adults who live with autism, this is your home.”

Cutting the ribbon

Ms. Carmen Zubiaga led the ribbon-cutting ceremony; and she was joined by the very individual who fuel our advocacy. The NCDA chief was joined by Mike Almendrala, Kendrick Cheng, Gelo Go, Gio Koe, Angelo So, Patrick So, and Carl Veluz in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

In her speech, Ms. Carmen turned teary-eyed, as speaking to ASP parents reminds her of the passion of her own mother, who fought for her rights as a PWD, when she was not yet able to. She commended the National leaders of ASP who are at the forefront of parent advocacy in the disability sector.

In the afternoon, Teacher Ichie and Teacher Tess from Bridges Foundation conducted an art workshop. Kids with autism and siblings drew their version of angels. Their art works were displayed prominently in the ASP training room.

The art workshop

Trustee Evelyn Go was treated to a pleasant surprise when the ASP family broke out into song, greeting her the happiest of birthdays. Dashing young men on the spectrum then took turns offering our blushing celebrant a flower and a dance.

Evelyn and ASP Project Assistant Mico

Ms. Grace Adviento and Ms. Dang Koe, ASP National leaders, hosted the 2nd Autama Quiz Night. Education majors from Miriam College, led by their instructor, Ms. Susan Morillo, played a fun, visual game show with adults with autism. The day was topped off with videoke singing and what seemed like a never-ending series of we-fies.

Autama 2

The celebration of the new office would not have been complete without the show of appreciation for the many friends and donors who made the new ASP National HQ a destination for autism advocates -- Mayor Dahlia Loyola, Evelyn Go, Peng So, Helen Cheng, Gina and Lito Bermudo, Uratex Corporation and many other kind and generous friends. Thank you to the many ASP members and friends who came over to help us warm our new home --- Ms. Mirana Media, Municipality of Carmona, NCDA, AD|HD Society of the Philippines, Association for Adults with Autism, Best Buddies, Unilab Foundation, May God bless us and the advocacy we share!

Read more »

Posted in: art,chapters,launch,ncda,party,self-advocates,workshop

ASP-NCDA continues partnership towards an autism inclusive Philippines

The Autism Society Philippines continues its commitment to inclusive development through active participation and partnership with the various government units from the local to national -- such as the National Council on Disability Affairs. The NCDA is the national government agency mandated to formulate policies and coordinate the activities of all agencies concerning disability issues. As such, the NCDA has become a valuable partner to help steer the course of program development for persons with autism and other exceptionalities and the delivery of services to the disability sector.

Ms. Mona Veluz and Ms. Carmen Zubiaga

At the cusp of the commemoration of the International Day of PWDs in December 2014 and the National Autism Consciousness Week in January 2015, ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz met one-on-one with Acting Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga last 07 November 2014 to review past engagements and align our future plans -- reinforcing both parties' continuous commitment to creating an autism inclusive Philippines.

ASP will continue to be strongly represented by ASP Vice President Alejandro Cabason, reinforced by the participation of ASP Trustee Marivic Ramos, in the NCDA sub-committees on 1) Access to Justice, 2) Accessibility on Built Environment and Transportation, 3) Advocacy, 4) Auxilliary Social Services, 5) Education, 6) Health, 7) Information, Communications and Technology, 8) International Disability Network, 9) Training, Employment and Livelihood.

*****

ASP leaders, members and volunteers who have strong professional credentials to contribute to the advocacy effort and who are able and willing to attend weekday meetings to represent our organization at a national level may send a letter of introduction and resume to ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz at autismphils@gmail.com.

Read more »

Posted in: government,ncda