With the theme, “Making the rights real for persons with intellectual disability, ” the Special Education (SPED) Youth Advocates Organization stagged a symposium at the College of Education Mini-theater last February 21.
The symposium mainly revolved on the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities as with reference to Magna Carta Law for Disabled Persons or Republic Act 7277.
“I know for a fact that SPED is continuously growing and we are trying our best to spread our advocacy to the public,” SPED Youth Advocates President Edwin Torremocha disclosed.
Torremocha told The NORSUnian that he was absolutely surprised because he never expected that there would be many students who would attend the event. He also expressed his gratitude towards the members of the League of Student Organizations who took part in the symposium.
“I am pleased that SPED holds this kind of symposium. It may change everyone’s thoughts and behaviors towards mentally disabled persons,” said Arnel Terio, a junior Bachelor of Science in Information student.
Mariz Cellona, a freshman Bachelor of Mass Communication student, shared that being one of the audience was a great opportunity for her because it taught her lessons that she could apply when she will encounter persons with disabilities.
Moreover, Pearlyn Grace Faburada, a freshman Bachelor of Science in Pharmarcy student, was delighted upon hearing the discussion of the second speaker, Romy Katada. According to her, the speech of Katada about guiding a child with Down syndrome really inspired her.
The speakers were Rolando Villamero Jr., the coordinator of Advocacy, Networking and Referral Program of GPRehab, Analou Suan, GPRehab Executive Director and Romy Katada, a guardian of a child with Down syndrome and also the president of Differently-Abled Children’s Parents Association (DACPA).
In connection with this, the Great Physician Rehabilitation Center, Inc (GPRehab), in cooperation with the Differently-Abled Children’s Parents Association (DACPA) organized the Buddy Walk 2012 last February 24.
The said activity was organized to raise intellectual disability awareness towards the community. The SPED participating students from different universities all over Dumaguete City were paired to children and youth with intellectual disabilities. With that, they need to accomplish certain tasks on different stations. The route of the activity was from the City Central to Cathedral, going to Silliman library, then to the market and finally to Robinson’s Place.
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