PWD's Accomodation

 As I was on the bus going home today from church, I noticed something that catches my attention. I was standing for about 20 minutes on a bus then I saw this sign "FOR DISABLED PERSON". 

I understand that all seats were occupied, but the fact that the reserved seat for PWD has been occupied too and was not offered to me by the person sitting on it and the conductor was just busy collecting fare is a disturbing event. I don't mind if I keep on standing until I reach my destination because I can carry myself well enough, but what about those PWD's who can't even stand on their own and needs attention? Were they being offered a seat or deprived of taking the bus because it's full and the "RESERVE" seat has been occupied?

To recognize PWD's aren't enough, we need to be accommodated according to the law. This law is the Accessibility Law or Batas Pambansa 344. This law requires public transport, like buses and jeepneys to reserve seats nearest the exit and/or entrance doors for persons with disabilities (PWD) for better access, safety, and comfort. It is a requirement by the law. I'm making this appeal for my fellow PWD's to access their rights and for the public to know and recognize these rights. Also to call the attention of the concerned agency to take action for this matter.

A Derogative Term

According to the United Nations enable "The term persons with disabilities is used to apply to all persons with disabilities including those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various attitudinal and environmental barriers, hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. However, this minimum list of persons who may claim protection under the Convention does not exhaust the categories of the disabilities which fall within it nor intend to undermine or stand in the way of wider definition of disabilities under national law (such as persons with short-term disabilities). It is also important to note that a person with disabilities may be regarded as a person with a disability in one society or setting, but not in another, depending on the role that the person is assumed to take in his or her community. The perception and reality of disability also depend on the technologies, assistance and services available, as well as on cultural considerations. In most parts of the world there are deep and persistent negative stereotypes and prejudices against persons with certain conditions and differences. These attitudes themselves also shape who is considered to be a person with a disability in each society as well as have contributed to a negative image of persons with disabilities. The language used to refer to persons with disabilities has played a significant role in the persistence of negative stereotypes. Clearly, terms such as “crippled” or “mentally retarded” are derogative. Other terms such as “wheelchair-bound” or “disabled persons” emphasize the disability before the person. The drafters of this Convention were clear that disability should be seen as the result of the interaction between a person and his or her environment. Disability is not something that resides in the individual as the result of some impairment. This convention recognizes that disability is an evolving concept and that legislation may adapt to reflect positive changes within society."

Inclusive Education

From L-R: Neil A. Balbuena, Dalisay M. Dumalag, RN, MAN, Ph. D., Sir Ariel

Last February 18, 2017, a "Seminar on PWD and their Rights" was conducted at Negros Oriental State University College of  Nursing AVR (Audio Visual Room). The guest speaker was Felix Dela Pena Mosqueda III, who promotes inclusive education. I was invited to be an inspirational speaker to the medical students of NORSU. 

Promoting awareness of the rights of PWD was the objective of the seminar. Sharing my success stories to the Nursing students inspired them a lot. Medical students have different orientation when it comes to attending their patients. Patients are being classified and separated according to their illness. That is why it is difficult for them to understand the concept of inclusion. After my talk, they finally embraced the significance of inclusion and how PWD's must be treated.

It was an overwhelming feeling to be an instrument to enlighten and inspired the minds of the people. It is also a great challenge for me to do more and shout to the world that we (PWD's) are also part of the society. It's not enough to accept us but also accommodate us.

SPI Global: Managers Kick Off 2016

Being differently abled is a challenge. I managed to take these challenges in a higher perspective which include inspiring people.

Last February 16, 2016, at Hotel Essencia, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, I was invited by SPI Global to be an inspirational speaker for their CRM APAC's Visayas Assembly, Managers' Kick Off Seminar.

I was tasked to amplify the commitment of the managers in their work output. I find it difficult but challenging. It was a talk show type in which I was interviewed by the host. Our conversation started well until I became emotional in the middle of the interview. This was the part when I was asked about my inspiration in pursuing my studies and dreams in life. I got emotional because I recall the hardwork of my parents and all those people who helped and believed in me along the way. I told them my story and tears started falling from my eyes. As I glance on the audience, I can also see their tears and some of them can't help but cry. As I continued my story I was so happy deep inside knowing that I've inspired them. I ended my story by leaving a message to them and I said: "Our disability is not a hindrance to our dreams, instead it is a challenge for us to be successful in life." Then I received a standing ovation from them.

Videoke Man

A video in a facebook post amazed me. They called him "The Videoke Man". I screenshot his video and look how amazing His creation is. Being a PWD (Person With Disability) is not a limitation of our function in the society. Hence it is a challenge for us on how we make use of our remaining "body resources" to discover our talents and skills to be an asset in the society.

It is the government's duty to help those individuals (PWD) develop their skills and provide them job opportunities. In this way, they can be an asset in the society.

21st Century PWD

"Bear in mind that the wonderful things you learn in your schools are the work of many generations, produced by enthusiastic effort and infinite labor in every country of the world. All this is put into your hands as your inheritance in order that you may receive it, honor it, add to it, and one day faithfully hand it to your children. Thus do we mortals achieve immortality in the permanent things which we create in common." - Albert Einstein

This is the living proof of inclusive education in the Philippines. The dreams he carried on his shoulders through the years without turning back. A 32-year-old man who wants to prove the world his worth by climbing mountains of challenges, and living his life as an inspiration to others.

Embrace

Disability can't be defined physically, mentally, or emotionally, but on the function of an individual. Being part of the PWD sector, I'm always inspired to do things at my full capacity. This is the essence of my life.