Meeting The Star Child on Earth

By: Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary

ASP National Vice President, Peng So talks about her close encounters with the Star Child on Earth during the World Autism Congress Asia 2010.

During one of the breaks, Peng decided to check out the merchandise booths and found the book, “Star Child on Earth”, authored by Eric Chen, an adult with autism.

Recalling having both two other books “Mirror Mind” and “Autism and Self Improvement,” which she had bought for her son Patrick; she inquired if the author also attended the WACA conference. Peng wanted to have the latest book autographed personally by Eric.

To her surprise, she was speaking to the author himself. Both exchanged pleasantries and calling cards. While signing the book Peng purchased, Eric told Peng that he read about ASP through the different websites.

Eric also knew about the 42 ASP Chapters around the country, and wanted to donate his book to ASP National and gave 5 more books to share with ASP Chapters.

Conversations with Star Child
“I found this amusing about Eric Chen,” said Peng. “He greeted us (Peng was with Gina Bermudo, ASP Trustee) in Tagalog when he found out we are from the Philippines.

Eric attempted to speak in Tagalog and had a handy English-Tagalog dictionary on the merchandise table. “Kumusta kayo? Gusto ko pumunta ng Pilipinas, oo, marami ako kaibigan na Filipino...sa muling pagkikita.” (How are you? I want to visit the Philippines. Yes I have many Filipino friends….see you soon.)

“Apparently, he has Filipino friends in Singapore and would like to visit the country. I don't know if he was learning other languages other than Filipino,” continued Peng.

Curious about Eric
“Many of our ASaP readers might be wondering how he is during our conversation. Halata ba na may autism etc....?” (Is his autism evident?) I assumed his autism was not that evident, that is why Eric was diagnosed later in life.

Mr. Eric Chen

According to the book, Eric was an odd boy who sleepwalked through his life unaware of feelings and human relationships. Stuck in his own world, he spent most of his time collecting facts in order to understand the confusion surrounding him.

Years after his formal diagnosis of autism in 2001 at the Autism Resource Center (Singapore) Eric successfully stepped out of the limits imposed by autism without any professional therapy or bio-medical treatment. He graduated with a Diploma in Logistics Engineering and Management and was drafted by the Singapore Army.

“He’s like Gabby Atienza, (Filipino PWA comic book artist with Asperger’s Syndrome). Eric probably had a difficult childhood. They probably didn’t know what his problem was. His autism is not apparent except for the fact that he looks at you in the eye too much,” assessed Peng. (Peng has two sons with autism).

Social Cravings
“Mukhang sabik na may kausap. (He seemed very conversant and craves company.) It’s a pity when his AVP was shown during second day lunch break, not that many people watched it. Nagku kuwentuhan lang mga tao. (Participants were just chatting with one another.)”

“Although, he smiled and was very good with everything. He only looked down when I asked if he had a job. He was very honest and admitted to recently losing his job. But quickly added he will be starting with his new job soon,” defended Peng.

In his book Eric wrote he obtained a full-time employment in a computer job in 2008 but resigned in 2010 and applied to study BA in Psychology. Also he wrote that he recently published a book – The Star Child on Earth.

“I think Eric will be happy when he sees this in our blog,” concluded Peng.

Excerpts from Eric’s Book

Star Child On Earth

“I use this metaphor to understand people with autism as ‘Foreign Tourists’ who need ‘Tour Guides’ to help them adapt, rather than as psychiatric patients in need of treatment.“

“Although each person with autism is different, and I belong to the very high functioning end of the spectrum, I hope that what I write will give parents, teachers and social workers an idea of what is happening to the children whom they care for.”

Eric has published 2 books, made his autism website, created original autism materials. He lends his inner voice to help parents, teachers and social workers get in touch with the experience of autism.

Eric Chen’s book “Star Child on Earth is available in the ASP Library.

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ASP Library has more than 1000 books on autism, plus educational videos. Visit our community website. Be an Angel for Autism. Donate books to ASP Library. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 7-903-5496.

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What is the PDAO Law?

By: Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary

PDAO Law or Republic Act 10070 was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on April 6, 2010, to establish institutional mechanisms to ensure the implementation of programs and services for persons with disabilities.

Republic Act (RA) No. 10070, which is the consolidated version of Senate Bill No. 3560 and House Bill No. 1387, amended RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

PDAO Law promotes the creation of organizations of PWDs in their respective territorial jurisdictions. It mandates the creation of Persons with Disability Affairs Office in every province, city and municipality with the local chief executive appointing a PWD affairs officer to manage and oversee the operations of the office.

It also mandates the implementation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 or the Accessibility Law and other relevant laws at the local level.

PWDs will be represented in meetings of local development councils and other special bodies; dissemination of information on programs and activities for PWDS, training and employment opportunities. Click here to read the Republic Act 100-70 or PDAO Law.

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ASP continues its commitment to keep members well informed in the education and empowerments programs for PWAs. Tell others about the PDAO Law and help spread information on PWD Laws. For more information email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 7-903-5496. Donate to ASP and help expand programs and services. Log on to community website.

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My UNCRPD Conference Experience

By: JR Tan, Person with Autism

Last May 31, I had a chance to attend the KAMPI National Conference in the light of UN Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD) at Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City.

The good news is, the conference was funded by World Bank, which is committed to help the marginalized sector of the country. The UNCRPD mandates every member-state to give equal protection and rights, regardless of disabilities.

Before I attended this conference, I asked myself this question: "Why should I attend the conference?" Of course, this is my chance to explore my rights that I haven't previously known, as well as the amendments to the laws previously established. I was also there to fight for a barrier-free environment for people with autism. For me, it's a blessing to be there, because I get to learn more, beyond the confines of my college's classrooms.

Upon arrival in the venue, I encountered people who are “physically-challenged” like the wheelchair-bound, deaf and blind. I am the only person with autism who was present. I had the chance to speak to other people and get to know them better.

Access for PWDs

During the conference, I met Ms. Venus Ilagan, Secretary General of the Rehab International, with headquarters in Manhattan, New York. Rehab International is responsible for establishing the Universal Symbol of Access (USA), during the mid-1970s; and is now used over 100 nations, worldwide.

She shared her experiences on public transport accessibility, in which PWDs are given priority. From home to work, she takes the bus at a discounted fare of $1.10 (from the regular $2.50); and New Yorkers give priority to PWDs to ride and alight from the buses.

In our county, although it is encouraged that PWDs should be given priority, I don’t know if there are laws that require this. Regarding discounts on transportation, PWDs are given 20% discount on fare for domestic air and sea travel, public railways, skyways and bus fares.

Also I realized that here in our country, some buildings do not have access to wheelchair users and other physically-challenged people. For instance, some toilets marked with the Universal Symbol of Access do not meet the prescribed standard. (If the toilet doesn't have enough grab bars, those who use them may have a hard time moving around.)

An Otistik’s concern

During that afternoon, Dr. Renante Basas, Director from the Commission on Human Rights) CHR, talked on the responsibilities and its role. Among the roles of CHR is investigative monitoring (according to Article 30) and provide legal assistance to PWDs.

I was concerned about uploaded YouTube Videos mocking people with autism (e.g. "OTISTIK", it is about a person who hand flaps with people laughing in background) will be subject to imprisonment and hefty fines.

During the open forum, I asked him what CHR should do about this. He said that there's no follow-up to these videos yet; they will find a way to prevent these from recurring.

I wanted to suggest that CHR and NCDA (National Council for Disability Affairs) in cooperation with local media, to create educational videos that prohibit the public ridicule of PWDs, plus emphasizing the existing laws on prosecution for violators. But unfortunately, due to the limited time, I was not able to tell him. Other PWDs have also told him their own concerns.

SM - Caring for PWDs

Mr. Rheybie Nipas, Deputy Program Director of SM’s Committee on Disability Affairs, came to speak in the conference. He presented “SM Cares,” a video clip on how SM became more PWD-friendly when an unfortunate incident took place in Megamall last 2004.

JR with Mr. Rheybie Nipas (2nd from right) with our other friends in SMCDA

In response to this, they asked ASP to offer seminars to all personnel in every SM establishment. As a result, they always try to show they care, for people with disabilities. Also, Mr. Nipas said SM includes in their yearly calendar, Angels Walk for Autism in January, World Autism Awareness Day in April and NDPR Week on July.

After viewing the clip and listening to his speech, I stood up to thank Mr. Nipas on behalf of ASP and all people with autism, for SM’s great help to us.

I also asked him how SM accommodates PWDs in sports facilities, like bowling alleys and ice skating rinks. He said that this coming NDPR Week, there will hold a tournament for PWDs in bowling and skating. I was glad to hear this good news!

Workshop Day

The following day, at 9:00, I was assigned to document ASP’s Strategies for the implementation of RA 10070 or the PDAO (People with Disability Affairs Office) Law. Click here to know more. While typing, I checked every word I wrote in preparation for the 11:00 presentation.

(L-R) Jean Gonzalez - ASP Mandaluyong Chapter Officer, Tiffany Tan - ASP National Secretary, JR Tan - PWA and Ranil Sorongon - ASP Executive Director

According to ASP Manduyong Chapter officer, Jean Gonzalez, their city has an existing ordinance mandating the PDAO Law. In my city, Quezon City, they are working towards this goal. The SSDD (Social Service Development Department) office will soon merge with the PDAO.

I was curious that ASP is setting time frames to achieve certain goals. One of the goals is to spread the message though e-mail, and PDF files. (In case you are reading, please tell others of the PDAO law.)

When I spoke in front, I smiled and became confident in my words. I listened to other group's reports on their plans to implement the ordinance in their local areas.

JR Tan during his presentation

After the workshop, a pastor working with the deaf organization was promoting a sign language book. I borrowed the book and took a peek on it and followed the signs. When I tried to sign the National Anthem, I appreciated the person who translated them because it is so meaningful and creative.

Continue Advocating

After the conference, I asked to have a photograph with Ms. Venus Ilagan. Although she was busy with her meeting with the KAMPI board of governors, she was friendly to take time to have a picture with me. I also asked for her autograph the other day and she signed it in my UNCRPD booklet copy.

JR Tan with Ms. Venus Ilagan

Ms. Ilagan said that “Disability should not be liability, but a PASSPORT to the world.” She repeated this many times during the conference, to remind us that we should believe in ourselves, strive hard when the right opportunity comes and have the capacity to perform and deliver.

I was happy that I learned a lot during the two-day conference. And at the same time, confident that KAMPI would continue to fight for disability rights.

On a personal note, I wish that other people with autism will also be given this chance to participate in this kind of conference/workshop. Since there are many other autistic people in the country, they should also learn how to advocate for themselves, to reach their desired goals.

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JR Tan is 19 years old and an incoming third year college student. He is passionate about PWD rights and dreams of becoming a CPA in the future.

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ASP Family Support Group for June 2010

Share your Hopes and Dreams with us. We will listen

ASP’s Secretary is reserved in demeanor yet irreplaceable in ASP’s management. Serving her second term as Trustee, Tiffany Tan is an entrepreneur and homemaker. She initiated SPARKS (Special Partners for Autism on Recreation, Knowledge and Socialization) – a social immersion group for older children with autism. She encourages others to form their own SPARKS, engage other members of their household, as well as their community. Through SPARKS, others are informed that life can be fun with a child with autism.

JR with mom Tiffany

She is the resident writer and managing editor of ASaP News. She is always on the look out for bills and ordinances for persons with autism. Her 19 year old son JR, an incoming junior in a Liberal Arts and Business College, aspires to be a Certified Public Accountant. He is equally passionate about autism rights and is not afraid to speak his mind.

FREE Registration!
Date: June 19, 2010, Saturday
Time: 1:00-5:00 PM

Venue: ASP Office, Room 307, ML Bldg., #47 Kamias Road, QC
Hurry! Call now at 7-903-5496 Only 15 seats available!

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ASP Baguio Chapter Fun Run

ASP Baguio Chapter in cooperation with Play and Say Therapy Clinic

A Fun Run Streamer

WHAT: ASP Baguio Chapter Fun Run

WHEN: Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 6AM sharp (rain or shine)

WHERE: Burnham Lake Drive (near Melvin Jones)

ASSEMBLY TIME: 5:30AM

WHO MAY JOIN: Friends, families and supporters of PWAs

REGISTRATION FEES:
• 3K - P150 for kids below 12 years
• 3K - P200 for 12 and above
• 5K - P250
• 10K - P300
• 10 + 1 Group Discount (for every ten registrants, one free entry)

Cash prizes:
• For kids: Top male and female finishers for 3K.
• For adults: Top three male and female finishers for 3, 5 and 10K.

CONTACT DETAILS: Jane Rose Teodoro, (0917) 506-1017;
Jet Bookstore (74) 442-4868; Justine Paluo, (0918) 929-3936
and Jennifer Gundran (0927) 295-4744

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