Beyond Barriers: Empowering PWDs to Achieve Their Full Potential

       I.                    TITLE:

Beyond Barriers: Empowering PWDs to Achieve Their Full Potential                            

II.                 BACKGROUND:

• Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are among the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in society. They face multiple challenges and barriers that prevent them from fully participating and contributing to their communities. These include physical, social, economic, and attitudinal barriers that limit their access to education, employment, health care, social protection, and other basic services.
• According to the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, there are around 1.4 million PWDs in the Philippines, accounting for 1.57% of the total population. However, this figure may be an underestimation, as many PWDs are not registered or identified due to stigma, discrimination, and lack of awareness.
• The Philippines has enacted several laws and policies to protect and promote the rights and welfare of PWDs, such as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (Republic Act No. 7277), the Accessibility Law (Batas Pambansa Blg. 344), and the Philippine Plan of Action for Disability-Inclusive Development 2017-2022. However, the implementation and enforcement of these laws and policies remain weak and inconsistent, resulting in gaps and disparities in the delivery of services and opportunities for PWDs.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation of PWDs, as they are more likely to experience negative impacts on their health, income, education, and social inclusion. A recent study by Project Inclusion Network (PIN) revealed that 72% of the employed PWDs reported negative effects on their income due to the pandemic, while 70% of PWDs reported difficulties in accessing information and services.

 

III.              AIM:

• My cousin, who has cerebral palsy, inspires me to advocate for PWDs, I aim to empower PWDs to achieve their full potential, and to advocate for a more inclusive and accessible society that values the contributions of all individuals, including those with disabilities.

 

IV.              OBJECTIVE:

• To raise awareness and understanding of the situation, needs, and rights of PWDs among the general public, especially among students, teachers, and school administrators.
• To provide skills training and livelihood opportunities for PWDs, especially those who are out of school or unemployed, to enhance their employability and income generation.
• To engage and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, such as government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, media, and PWD groups, to support and implement disability-inclusive policies and programs.

 

V.                TARGETS:

• The general public, especially the youth, can be the agents of change and the allies of PWDs.
• The PWDs themselves, who can be empowered to voice out their concerns and aspirations and to pursue their dreams and goals.
• The local government units (LGUs) and community leaders, who can be lobbied and persuaded to allocate funds and resources for the programs and projects that will benefit PWDs, such as the provision of ramps, sign language interpreters, and assistive devices.
• The local media and influencers, who can be reached out and invited to feature and promote your advocacy and amplify the voices and stories of PWDs in your locality.

 

VI.              PARTNERS:

• The potential partners for this advocacy project are:

• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the government agency that provides social protection and assistance for PWDs and their families.
• Silanguenios PWD Federation, a non-government organization created for PWDs of Silang, Cavite.
• Cavite State University (CvSU), a public university that offers various programs and services for PWDs, such as the Special Education (SPED) Center, the Center for Inclusive Development and Empowerment (CIDE), and the CvSU PWD Association.
• Department of Education (DepEd) - Division of Cavite, the government agency that oversees the basic education system in the province.
• Philippine Information Agency (PIA) - Cavite, the government agency that disseminates information and promotes public awareness on various issues and programs in the province.
• Alyansa ng May Kapansanang Pinoy (AKAP-Pinoy), the national coalition of PWD organizations and advocates.