By Eloisa Francia
The term “People with Disabilities” (PWD) applies to all persons with disabilities including those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory conditions. In places where there is little to no understanding of their physical, emotional and cultural needs, such conditions in interaction with various behavioral and environmental barriers hinder their full and effective participation in society.
While Filipino values and systems have relatively grown to be more open and understanding about the needs and equal treatment of PWDs, tolerance never equates to acceptance. It is undeniable that there is much room for growth in the way PWDs are treated and accommodated.
Based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing by the Philippine Statistics Authority, “Of the 92.1 million household population in the country, 1,443,000 persons had disability.” Of this number, only a small portion are given access to inclusive education, and much less are given the opportunity to explore their capabilities beyond their physical or mental conditions. An inclusive education provides a holistic approach in addressing the needs of learners with various exceptionalities. This ensures they are welcomed by schools in age-appropriate regular classes and are supported to learn and participate in all aspects of school life. Regardless of their condition, they should be freely accommodated without any restriction or condescension in activities.
As the graduation season comes to a close, The Philippine STAR celebrates the successes of PWDs who continue to overcome their circumstances by proving that their drive and abilities go far beyond their conditions. Let their feats mirror the need for inclusive programs that will enable and encourage PWDs to attain the fullest of their potentials, as they become active contributors toward nation building.
STAR’s 31st-year campaign, dubbed #Inspire31, is a series of video shorts featuring Filipino stories of tribulations and triumph based on actual accounts. For the third and final installment of #Inspire 31 video series, STAR together with creative agency IXM developed Silent Speech, which was launched through Facebook last Friday, April 6. The video is already viewed 279,478 times as of posting.
