Speech given by ASP National President, Grace Adviento, during the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, with the theme “Together for a Better World for All: Including Persons with Disabilities in Development” at SM Mall of Asia, December 2, 2011.
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| ASP National President, Grace Adviento |
Disability now affects 15% of the world population. Autism affects 1% of the world's population. Here in our country, close to a million Filipinos are estimated to have autism. Although the numbers continue to increase, we do not let the numbers alarm us, but rather, we find reasons to be thankful instead.
Autism Society Philippines is thankful for the opportunity to highlight the talents of our children with autism.
You have just heard the beautiful rendition of the ASP Dream Girls together with students from GS Option House. Every time I hear their angelic voices, I always end up having goose bumps. And watching those kids perform onstage, like the ILLC Hunks, give hope to a lot of parents out there; and at the same time, show the public that these special kids do have talent to entertain us! And yes, they can be developed to their fullest potentials.
We are thankful for the chance to serve and educate others.
I know some of you here have been a part of the recent CBR Congress, our dear Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon is a member of the Program Committee and our very own Chair Emeritus, Ms. Dang Koe, shared to some of you "The ASP Experience on Enriching the Practice of CBR".
We are thankful for playing an active part in the political process.
Autism Society Philippines, being a member of the Philippine Coalition for the UNCRPD, ensures us that the rights of Persons with Autism are respected, on an equal basis with others.
And lastly, we are thankful for this symbolic practical action, the International PWD Day Walk. Our walk today helps further public awareness, plus full participation and inclusion of Persons with Autism in the society.
Thank you to the families of children with autism and to our other PWD organizations joining us here today. Indeed we are one big happy family! Sharing, caring and dreaming as one. To our partners in this event, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), United Nations Economic and Social Commission in Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Asia Pacific Center on Disability (APCD) , Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), SM Cares, SM Mall of Asia, SM Program on Disability Affairs, and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), our heart-felt thanks! Mabuhay po kayong lahat!
Happy International PWD Day!
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