ASP meets with Japanese economist

Raphael Torralba and Cecile Sicam with Mr. Soya Mori

Soya Mori of the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO), a quasi-government social science research organization, met with ASP's Vice President, Cecilia Sicam thru the efforts of ASP Program Coordinator, Raphael Torralba last 15 October 2013, to discuss Special Education for Children with Autism.

Mr. Soya Mori is a Japanese Deaf Development Economist who is a member of the comparative research team, working on “Education of Persons with Disabilities in Developing Countries.” The objective of this research project is to focus on the equalization of opportunities and promotion of education of persons with disabilities through legislation, and reveal the roles of and problems facing the current education law system in developing countries.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) stipulates that persons with disabilities should not be excluded from the general education system, should have access to an inclusive, quality and free education, and should be provided reasonable accommodation of the individual’s requirements. This research project will research and analyze (1) the education policy, including special education, (2) the education law system of persons with disabilities, including laws, rules and guidelines, (3) the actual situation of school attendance of persons with disabilities in general and special education schools, and (4) cases of litigation and complaints regarding education of persons with disabilities in each country to examine the feasibility of the rights established in CRPD. The subject countries are the Philippines, China, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and India.

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Posted in: consultation,international,uncrpd

ASP visits project partners in Davao and Iloilo

The Independent Living Learning Center (ILLC), Davao City and the Kid’s Nook Integrated School (KNIS), Iloilo City were visited by ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon in May 2013. These institutions are among the 28 partners in the implementation of the "Educating Children with Disabilities of their Rights Using the Digital Talking Books", funded by Australian Aid.

Mr. Ranilo Sorongon meeting with ILLC teachers

Director Sorongon personally met with Ms. Luche Lamela and Ms. Cheene Manalo, the teachers of the learning sessions of ILLC to get their observations, feedbacks and recommendations on how to improve the different aspects of the project. There were 11 CWDs who joined the project from ILLC.

A day after Davao, Director Sorongon proceeded to Iloilo City to meet with the couple Harold and Teena Derequito. Harold was the project coordinator and Teena is the school head of KNIS. The couple was so happy that their school was among the few that were chosen to become partners and they had 17 students who join the project. They were the one who first finished the learning sessions and has submitted the video documentation of the sessions. The video depicted the enthusiasm and happiness of the children during the sessions.

After the luncheon meeting, the couple brought Director Sorongon to the Breaking Barriers for Children and Youth Project (BBCY) of Iloilo City. The group was very fortunate to meet with Ms. Bless Mabilog, the project head, and the beneficiaries who were celebrating their anniversary. BBCY signified their interest to join the ASP's children rights project.

As an expression of gratitude and appreciation, Director Sorongon gave the certificate of recognition to the teachers who facilitated the learning sessions and to the two institutions as project partners. He also handed a free copy of a DVD containing the learning stories and the teacher’s manual to the said schools. It will be used to teach new students with and with disabilities of their rights even after the project ended.

"The project may have ended on May 31; but the initial seeds planted by the project will continue to grow and will bear fruits." -- Ranilo Sorongon

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Posted in: regional,uncrpd

Autism Seminar at the Height of Election Campaign

Ms. My Sorongon speaking during orientation in Taguig

“Programs, services and activities for children with disabilities (CWDs), their parents and service providers must go on even during election preparations and campaign season”, remarked Mr. Helario Supaz, the head of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) under the Chief Executive’s Office of Taguig City when he called ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon.

True enough, last May 9, three days before the election, ASP conducted a seminar entitled “Understanding and Managing Autism” in the morning and a simple family support group (FSG) session at the covered gym of Barangay North Signal Village, Taguig City. The seminar, conducted by Teacher My Sorongon, was participated by more than 120 barangay health workers and day care teachers. Participants were very attentive and participative as manifested by their constant asking of several questions including the controversial stem cell therapy and about media personalities whose children, they suspect, seemed to manifest some autism characteristics.

The afternoon’s FSG, facilitated by Director Sorongon, Teacher My and Mr. Supaz, was composed of parents of CWDs, two persons with disabilities and teachers of students with disabilities. Attendees shared their issues and concerns ranging from the diagnosis of CWDs, schooling, therapy services, government support, and their need to attend seminars and trainings on autism.

A list of issues and concerns, which were written by Teacher My during the FSG, would be tacked in the follow up meeting between ASP National Office and the PDAO of Taguig in order to address these and come up with concrete actions. Some of these issues were difficulty of getting a formal assessment from a qualified professional such as a developmental pediatrician due to financial constraint, inaccessibility and unfamiliarity with steps of seeking diagnosis up to getting interventions, difficulty getting and/or sustaining interventions such as SpEd, occupational therapy, speech therapy, difficulty availing of and/or facilitating the issuance of PWD ID card through PDAO, and clamoring for the organization of a parent organization that could represent all the CWDs and their families. Posters depicting the signs and symptoms of autism were also distributed to the different health centers and day care centers in Taguig which would serve as guidelines in detecting possible cases of children with autism in the community.

ASP would like to thank the PDAO and Mayor Lani Cayetano for giving ASP the opportunity to touch the lives of the people of Taguig City.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,government,seminar,uncrpd

Digital talking books: An alternative way of educating children with disabilities of their rights

UNESCO features an article on "Digital Talking Books: An Alternative Way of Educating Children with Disabilities of their Rights" written by ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon. Director Sorongon is also the Project Manager of the "Educating Children with Disabilities of their Rights Using the Digital Talking Books" project funded by the Australian Aid.

Read the full article published in the UNESCO site.

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Posted in: feature,uncrpd

ASP visits Ilocos Norte

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) has long planned to more efficiently reach families affected with autism in the northern part of Luzon, where programs and services for children with autism and their families are limited to physical therapy and special education tutorial sessions provided by the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Centers (STAC) with the funding support of the local government.

ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon with STAC Laog City Team

This vision became a reality when ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon and his wife Teacher My Sorongon visited Laoag City last April. Mr. Sorongon gave a lecture on the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child (UN CRC) that tackled the basic rights of children coupled with their responsibilities. He also gave an ASP Orientation including the steps and requisites to organize an ASP chapter. Teacher My gave a seminar on Understanding and Managing Autism which tackled the basic information on autism, the signs and symptoms of autism, the simple management strategies and the effects of autism in the family.

The event -- attended by more than forty parents of children with disabilities, therapists, SPED teachers and students -- was organized by the STAC Laoag City team composed of Ms. Benett Tagama (a mother of a child with autism and current president of STAC Laoag City Parents Association), Ms. Marneli Sabas (social worker), Ms. Audrey Viloria (physical therapist) Mr. Kristoffer Raymund Molina (Head of STAC Laoag), with the support of the different STAC Centers in Ilocos Norte and the local government of the City of Laoag.

ASP hopes that the activity will pave the way for the formal organization of ASP Ilocos Norte chapter. A group that will lead in the awareness campaign of autism, and will continuously advocate for the promotion of the rights and welfare of children with autism as well as those with other disabilities.

ASP would like to thank the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Laoag City and the Laoag City General Hospital for providing the venue of the seminar.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4pwas,4siblings,chapters,regional,seminar,uncrpd

ASP takes UNCRC to Malate

The Autism Society Philippines, conducted a lecture on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in partnership with KAISA KA CBR and ASP UP CAMP Manila chapter at the parish out reach center of the Our Lady of Remedios Parish in Malate, Manila last April, as part of its project on Educating Children with Disabilities of Their Rights Using the Digital Talking Books.

Mr. Ranilo Sorongon speaking during UNCRC

Jeannifer Villanueva, KAISA Ka Head and Beth Udquin, the president of ASP UP CAMP Manila chapter helped facilitate the lecture attended by 47 persons with disabilities, parents of children, siblings, students and caregivers, from the two organizations. Despite the heat, all were very attentive and engaged with the lecturer, ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon.

The talk provided practical insights on how the UNCRC can be used as an advocacy tool to realize the rights of children with disabilities. The lecture also provided some tips on how the provisions of the convention can be practiced in day-to-day living.

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Posted in: 4pwas,chapters,seminar,uncrpd

ASP Gives Lecture to RCDA Members

Ranilo Sorongon presents Disability A Human Rights Prespective

The Regional Council on Disability Affairs, National Capital Region (RCDA-NCR) invited ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon to give a lecture on “Disability: A Human Rights Perspective”. The main aim was to slowly develop a human rights perspective among the government employees, the “duty bearers” as well as the persons with disabilities (PWDs), the “rights holders” who were the participants of the event. Thus, a shift from the medical model to the rights based model of looking at disability has the main goal of this lecture.

Ms. Rosalyn Marie Sorongon or Teacher My was also invited to give a lecture on “Understanding Autism and Its Management”. Teacher My discussed the short history of autism, the signs and symptoms, some management strategies and the effects of autism in the family. More than 40 participants listened to the autism seminar and most were struck and/or alarmed with the growing incidence of autism. As a result, they clamored for another seminar on autism in the near future specifically for families and teachers.

The two lectures done last 25 March 2013 were part of the capacity building effort of the RCDA-NCR to equip its members with positive attitude, knowledge and skills to properly respond to their constituents with disabilities. RCDA is headed by Regional Director Alicia Bonoan as the Chair and Executive Director Ranil Sorongon as the Vice Chair.

RCDA wishes to thanks Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian and the City Council of Valenzuela City for sponsoring the venue and the food of the seminar, and Ms. Thine and Mr. Ken of the City Social Welfare and Development Office for their hospitality.

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Posted in: government,seminar,uncrpd

Coalition on UN Convention on the Rights of PWDs Holds Consultation Workshop

The Philippine Coalition on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) held its Consultation-Workshop for Parents of Children with Disabilities on 8-9 February 2013 at the NORFIL Training Center, Quezon City.

The Coalition is an alliance of organizations of persons with disabilities (PWD) and their advocates, including Autism Society Philippines (ASP), who spearheaded the seminar. Such a seminar aimed to equip the participants with knowledge on the UNCRPD, to assess its implementation, and to find ways of improving the welfare of children with disabilities (CWD) and enjoyment of their rights as embodied in the UNCRPD.

UNCRPD group

Facilitating the workshop was ASP Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon, who is also the Cluster Coordinator for Parents of CWDs in the Coalition. Among the topics discussed included the CWD Situation, Disability in the Human Rights Perspective, and Equality and Non-Discrimination, among others.

It was also during this workshop that parents and advocates of CWDs raised issues pertaining to the current situation of their children, particularly in the expected roles of the Philippine government as vanguard of the rights of PWDs, as outlined in the UNCRPD, among which the Philippines is one of those who ratified said convention. The workshop also highlighted non-government organizations that, in spite of the current limitations in society, continue to advocate and work with the government in pursuit for the rights and welfare of PWDs.

This goes to show that ASP works and advocates not only for the well-being of persons with autism and their families, but also for other PWDs. It constantly works with other related organizations and the government to make the rights real for persons with disabilities.

This article is a contribution from Gerard Joseph Atienza, Secretary, ASP Bacoor Cavite Chapter and UNCRPD Documentor

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Posted in: 4parents,seminar,uncrpd

ASP Conducts UN CRC in Pampanga​

Autism Society Philippines National conducted a lecture on the UNCRC to the 35 parents, siblings and teachers from the Inocencio Magtoto Memorial Foundation and five students from Assumption Pampanga last November 27, through Ms. Joy Ofrecia, Chapter President of ASP City of San Fernando Pampanga Chapter.

Ranilo Sorongon speaking in UNCRC

The said lecture is part of ASP’s Project on Teaching Children with Disabilities using the Digital Talking Books. Mr Ranil Sorongon, ASP Executive Director discussed the rights of the children and showed the audience the research facts and statistics.

After the lecture, it was my turn to teach the 15 teachers of the Magtoto Foundation on how to use and navigate the Digital Talking Books. I first introduced to them the Amis program that will be use for them to be able to read the learning stories. I showed them the 6 learning stories, 3 English and 3 Tagalog.

The teachers were all surprised when they learned that the one who illustrated the book was a person with asperger syndrome. Each of the teachers gave their suggestions and comments about the books.

The Executive Director, Ms Clarita H. Magtoto, was so happy informing Mr. Sorongon of how beautiful the project is and that they are also willing to be one of our partners for the project.

This article is a contribution from Catherine Espenilla Genovia, ASP Project Officer.

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Posted in: 4pros,chapters,community,education,regional,seminar,uncrpd

ASP lectures on UN CRPD in Manila

The Silahis ng Karunungan SPED Center of Padre Gomez Elementary School, Manila celebrated the 56th Special Education and Giftedness Week last November 21-27, 2012 through various activities that showcased the talents their students with disabilities, promoted the children's rights and educated their families. ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon was invited, through Ms. Beth Udquin and Jenette Rodriguez, officers of ASP UP-CAMP Manila chapter, to give a lecture on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC).

Ranilo Sorongon speaking during P Gomez Orientation

Even with the cramped and somewhat hot venue, the more than 120 participants composed of parents of students with disabilities, teachers, teacher-interns and students with different disabilities were attentive to the lecture. A student with autism was given an opportunity to read his right in front and a teacher-intern who is a sibling of a child with disability shared her “willingness wholeheartedly to take care of her sibling when their parents are gone”. They were both applauded by the audience.

The attendees showed off what they learned in the very simple oral quiz conducted by Mr. Sorongon after the lecture. Even the deaf students eagerly participated with their teachers as their sign language interpreters.

Mr. Sorongon also showed the video of the 1Pangako campaign, an advocacy project of ASP to end the negative use of the work “autistic” and to support the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities. He also took the opportunity to share ASP’s “Educating Children with Disabilities of their Rights Using the Digital Talking Books” project and showed a sample of the digital talking books to the audience.

Special Education has been implemented in the country for more than a century. Yet according to the Department of Education, ninety-eight percent of school-age children with disabilities are not in school. Mr. Sorongon posed the question: Have there been concrete changes to realize the rights of Filipinos with disabilities? Thanks to institutions like the Padre Gomez Elementary School who answer the need for education, the Philippines is rising to meet our sector's aspirations.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4pwas,chapters,education,seminar,uncrpd

ASP holds seminars in Cavite

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) expands its network of partners as it successfully conducted seminars in the City of Dasmariñas and the Municipality of Alfonso, both situated in the province of Cavite. The seminar series were conducted as part of ASP’s ongoing project, titled “Educating Children with Disabilities of their Rights Using the Digital Talking Books,” funded by AusAID.

Janette Peña leads seminar

The first seminar was held on 7 November 2012 at the DASCA Building in Dasmariñas, with ASP Dasmariñas Chapter and the Center for Special Needs as host, while the second seminar was held on 14 November 2012 at the Municipal Hall in Alfonso, hosted by the newly-incepted ASP Alfonso Chapter with the support of the Municipality of Alfonso, Cavite.

In both seminars, Executive Director Ranil Sorongon discussed the UN Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) to both the teachers and the parents of children with disabilities, while Project Officer, Cathy Genovia demonstrated how to navigate DAISY Digital Talking Books, as well as how to use AMIS, the reader for said talking books.

In addition to said topics, Mr. Sorongon discussed to the parents and answered their issues of the rights of their children in the local setting, particularly the provisions of Republic Act 9442, among which is the entitlement of special discounts on commodities such as hospitality establishments, amusement facilities, food items, medications, transportation, and medical services.

Through this project, ASP is continually expanding its network of partners in educating persons with autism and other disabilities on their rights and responsibilities. For information on how to become a partner, please contact the ASP National Office at 7-903-5496 or e-mail at autismphils@gmail.com.

This article was contributed by Gerard Joseph Atienza, Secretary, ASP Bacoor Chapter.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4pwas,government,regional,seminar,uncrpd

Disability: A Human Rights Perspective

Ranilo Sorongon leads UNCRPD Orientation

Even with the ratification of the Philippines of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2008, persons with disabilities and their advocates are still facing a gigantic task of changing the perspective of Filipinos even persons with disabilities and duty bearers to have a human rights perspective in dealing with persons with disabilities.

To promote the human rights perspective, ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon has been tasked by the Philippine Coalition on the UNCRPD to develop a module on the said topic and lead in giving this lecture in the consultation-workshop on the Implementation and Monitoring of the UNCRPD in the Philippines. The coalition has been doing the consultation in Lipa, Batangas, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Baguio City, Naga City and Metro Manila.

Last June 15, Director Sorongon gave a lecture-workshop on "Disability: A Human Rights Perspective" at the Norfil Training Center in Quezon City participated by more than 25th persons with disabilities, leaders, parents of children with disabilities and social workers coming from the different cities and one municipality of Metro Manila. The lecture was part of the module of the two day consultation-workshop sponsored by the Philippine Coalition.

Director Sorongon also gave this lecture during the conference sponsored by the Catholic Handicap in Paco Catholic School and during ASP orientations to educate its members about this new perspective.

The Philippine Coalition is scheduling the same consultation-workshop exclusively for parents of children with disabilities this August to educate and consult the parents on the implementation of the UNCRPD. Parent leaders coming different organizations all over the country will be giving an opportunity to meet each other share how the government is implementing the convention.

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Posted in: 4pwas,seminar,uncrpd

Forum on UNCRPD and Induction of Officers

ASP UP-Camp Logo

WHAT: ASP UP-CAMP Manila Chapter Forum on UNCRPD and Induction of Officers

WHEN: August 14, Saturday, 2PM

WHERE: UP-CAMP, Manila

SPONSORS: ASP UP-Camp Manila Chapter and UP-CAMP

PARTICIPANTS: Open for All

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Posted in: chapters,uncrpd

ASP Olongapo City Chapter holds Lecture-Forum on UNCRPD

ASP Olongapo City Chapter conducted to 120 guests a Lecture-Forum on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), last July 24, 2010 at Columban College, Olongapo City.

Mr. Lauro Purcil during his Lecture-Forum

“It was a surprise for us to have such big turnout - a first, in the history of our chapter,” said Dr. Amy Sanchez. The guests, composed school principals, officers-in charge, and regular teachers, attended the forum-lecture came from both public and private schools of Olongapo City.

Many Filipinos, especially those who live in the provinces, are still unaware that the UNCRPD was ratified by the Philippine Government last April 2008. Mr. Lauro Purcil, UNCRPD Philippine Committee Head, was invited to give the lecture. Ka Lauro is also the Education Program Specialist of the Department of Education Central Office, Special Education Division.

ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon (right) with Mr. Lauro Purcil (4th from left)

with Olongapo City Chapter representatives

The lecture-forum also aimed to equip those who are working for PWDs in Olongapo and nearby towns. ASP Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon gave an update on the Republic Act 9442 or Magna Carta of PWDs, especially on the provision of the 20% discount on medicines.

Dr. Amy Sanchez discussed “Segregation, Integration, Mainstreaming and Inclusion,” while Dr. David Calapatia, former ASP Trustee, gave an orientation on “Different Disabilities, Its Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis.” His better half, Engr. Marissa Calapatia, served as the emcee of the program.

ASP Olongapo Chapter is headed by Ms. Edna Aragones. The event was the chapter’s activity in celebration of the 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week in partnership with Association of Differently-Abled Persons of Olongapo, Inc.

Acknowledgements: McDonald’s Olongapo City for sponsoring the snacks and the Columban College for the venue.

ASP Chapters work hard to keep its members and partners informed about the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities. Be informed. Be pro-active. Be and Angel for Autism. To request for a lecture-forum in your area. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496. Log on to ASP Community Website.

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Posted in: chapters,uncrpd

Straight from the Heart

In 2004, a teen with autism was “mishandled” inside a branch of the country’s biggest chain of malls. But instead of just releasing perfunctory statements and public apologies, the mall management started an aggressive program for persons with all kinds of disabilities, straight from the heart.

Today, SM Supermalls are recognized, here and abroad, as one of the most PWD-friendly commercial establishments.

Cebu-Pacific Airlines, and other commercial establishments, can take their cue from SM Supermalls. ASP, and perhaps other PWD groups in the future, will be more than willing to partner in educating their management and employees on how to be more understanding and sensitive to the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Yes, there are laws like the Magna Carta for PWDs or RA 7277 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), protecting the rights of PWDs. But more than abiding by the laws, decent people and companies know that respecting everyone, including those with disabilities is a basic human right.

ASP will be celebrating the 14th Autism Consciousness week from January 17-24, 2010. Join Angels Walk for autism at SM Mall of Asia on January 24, 2010. No other Walk comes close to an angel’s heart. Click here for more information.

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Posted in: uncrpd

ASP on Call

ASP National President, Ms Dang Koe always say, “ASP is KSP or kulang sa pansin (lack of attention). Kaya lahat ng invitations sa office, lahat po yun ay pinupuntahan namin (that is why we accomodate all invitations) because we want people to be aware of autism”.

We are very thankful because different organizations, sectors from LGUs, NGOs, NUs and other groups indeed invite ASP to share with them about autism.

November 16, ASP Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon, attended the Thematic Cluster Workshop of the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilies at the Mabini Hall, Malacañang Palace.

Participants of the Annual Consultative and Planning

November 18-20, ASP Program Assistant, Cathy Genovia, attended the 3-day live in Annual Consultative and Planning on Non-Communicable Disease Program Workshop, hosted by the Center for Health Development- Metro Manila of Department of Health at Cherry Blossoms, Ermita.

Ging Viado and PWA singers,
Vell Baria and Thara Marie Santiago
were special guests at Mornings@ANC

November 25, ASP Trustee, Ging Viado and PWA singers, Vell Baria and Thara Marie Santiago were special guests at Mornings@ANC. The PWAs girls each presented teaser song numbers from Echoes of Dreams Concert. Other guests were Jerome Vinarao, Director and Ms. Estela, singer.

November 25-26, Dang Koe attended the Summit for Children of Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) at Diamond Hotel, Roxas Blvd.

November 25-27, Ranil Sorongon attended the seminar-workshop on “Tooling on Managing Program for PWDs for Duty Bearers cum RCDA-NCR Planning Workshop” in Tagaytay.

November 27-29, Cathy Genovia attended the AKAP-Pinoy National Disability Forum and General Assembly on the Promotion of the Rights to Political and Public Life of PWDs at the Atrium Hotel, Pasay City.

November 30, The most awaited event for November, "Echoes of Dreams" Concert for a Cause featured PWA singers with special participation of Ms. Lea Salonga.

Keep posted for more activities and invites. We thank all supporters for never getting tired of inviting us. Thanks for being an Angels for Autism.

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Posted in: awareness,uncrpd