By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—In time for the
annual celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week, the Autism Society of
the Philippines-Laoag Chapter has prepared a series of activities to prevent
discrimination and promote inclusivity of persons with autism.
Earlier, a bazaar for
children with autism opened at the Dap-ayan center where preloved items, shoes,
bags and others are sold to the public.
Triscia Alexandra “Trixie”
Ablan, ASP public relations officer said the bazaar for a cause will last for
four days or until January 24.
“The registration fees of
participants will go to ‘ausome angels’ and this is in partnership with the
Rotary Club of Laoag Metro Ilocos Norte and the Sirib Ilokano Kabataan
Association,” said Ms. Ablan saying she developed her fondness for children
with autism when she had a chance to seat in a classroom with them and she
found ‘peace’.
Since then, Ms. Ablan met
with other volunteers in Laoag as they advocate for a better understanding of
people with autism.
Report said at least one
percent of the population has autism and not so many people are aware of autism
and actually knows what living with autism means.
In an advocacy campaign
posted by the ASP tagged as ‘Ausome Angels’, the group shared, “people with
autism can have many skills and talents, you just have to let them reach for
his/her full potential.”
So, by helping spread
awareness about autism, organizers believe, “it takes small changes to better
accommodate a person with autism needs.”
On January 25, 2019, the
group invited resource speakers and conducted discussions on autism in Laoag,
which aimed to promote action by the public and private sectors towards
enabling persons with autism to live with dignity, enjoy equal rights and
access, function independently and contribute productively in the community.
Meanwhile, the Laoag City
government, through the City Health Office, waived fees for the conduct of
diagnostic test for persons with autism and help them to secure or renew their
identification cards under persons with disabilities and enjoy some government
benefits and discounts.
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