The Office of Students Affairs and Services (OSAS), particularly through its services devoted to the needs of LGBTQIA+, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities, Pamilyang Pilipino Pantawid Program (4Ps), Solo Parents, and Married Students (LIPPS), organized an empowerment seminar and livelihood training workshop for students with special needs. The event was held at the Student Center building of the OSAS Bldg on May 10.

Ms. Christine Gioia Torres, the Disability Affairs Officer of Ilocos Sur’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), served as the first speaker on the topic “Dynamics and Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

She discussed respectful language and communication tips for interacting with individuals with disabilities, including caring for them and understanding their dynamics. Additionally, she covered various types of disabilities, such as deaf-blindness, hearing impairments, intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, speech impairments, and visual impairments.

“People with disabilities don’t need pity. They need access to opportunities,” she emphasized.

Ms. Flora A. Rafanan, the Federated PWD President of Ilocos Sur, discussed opportunities given to persons with disabilities, focusing on disability perspectives, laws, and opportunities available to individuals with disabilities.

She outlined various types of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, learning, visual, mental, psychosocial, deaf/hard of hearing, speech and language impairments, cancer, and rare diseases.

Ms. Rafanan addressed strategies for overcoming barriers encountered by individuals with disabilities, such as disability awareness activities, accessibility standards, and support services like sign language interpretation, live assistance, and assistive devices.

She highlighted the importance of reasonable accommodations and mentioned several laws benefiting individuals with disabilities. She emphasized the need for collective efforts to empower PWD students, stating “Let us work together in empowering persons with disabilities through responsive policies, programs, and services.”

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Precious Lyn Cornejo-Babida, Head of Students with Special Needs and Person with Disabilities Services, stressed the University’s support for individuals with special needs. She emphasized how activities like these efficiently promote inclusivity and empowerment.

“Together, let us feel the unity of support, resilience, and empowerment where every individual can flourish and thrive. Your potential is limitless, and your contributions are invaluable,” she encouraged the participants.

The activity underscored the University’s commitment to empowering individuals with special needs, ensuring their rights are upheld, and raising awareness about policies, programs, and areas for improvement to enhance their access to opportunities.

Article by Kennedy R. Jetajobe. Photo by Joel Tipon.