In a country where inclusion of almost 10 million PWDs is yet to be realized, angels walk among us. They are angels of different exceptionalities, bound by the same condition. They are angels with different voices calling out one message – the awareness and inclusion of Persons with Autism.
In a country where inclusion of almost 10 million Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) is yet to be realized, angels walk among us.
They are angels of different exceptionalities, bound by the same condition. They are angels from different groups bearing one color. They are angels with different voices calling out one message – the awareness and inclusion of Persons with Autism (PWAs).
Walking towards workplace inclusion
Carrying the banner of workplace inclusion, Unilab Foundation (ULF) joined almost 15,000 “angels” at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds last January 17, 2016 for the Angels Walk for Autism. Angels Walk is an annual gathering of organizations, advocates, supporters, families and friends of PWAs all over the country. Spearheaded by the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), the event is a chance for these groups to show support and solidarity for one another, and to call for PWA acceptance, dignity, and equal access to education, healthcare and employment.
This year’s gathering celebrated the collective efforts in government and legislation, such as health service delivery and tax exemptions for PWDs; and the individual achievements of PWAs, including ULF’s own employee with autism, Vico Cham, who received ASP Autism Angels Achievement Award for Visual Arts. It also marked Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Autism Network, which opens more opportunities to learn from other countries and share how we practice inclusion in the country.
Comprising an estimated 1% of the population or around 1 million Filipinos, PWAs are the first targets of Project Inclusion, ULF’s employment program for PWDs. For the past two years, Project Inclusion, with its partner schools, organizations, private companies, government units and agencies have been bridging the supply of employable PWAs to the demand from companies who can use their exceptional skills.
To date, the program has enabled the employment of 12 PWAs through regular, contractual and freelance work, as well as sheltered workshops.
How you can help
Unilab Foundation continues to walk with and for angels like PWAs and other persons who are born different but not less. You can help, too. If you know an employable person with intellectual disability like autism or Down syndrome, refer him or her to us for possible placement. Or if you are interested in hiring one, let us know and we can assist you through the recruitment and onboarding of an exceptional employee.
Together, we can build a healthier, more inclusive Philippines, one PWD at a time.
For inquiries on and referrals for Project Inclusion, email us at healthierph@unilabfoundation.org.
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