The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas observes the 29th National Autism Consciousness Week starting January 20 until 26, 2025.
Presidential Proclamation No. 711 mandates the third week of January for the observance, which aims to inspire genuine and organic acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of people living on the autism spectrum.
This year’s theme “Pag-angat ng mga Lider para sa Pagsulong ng Lipunang Walang Naiiwan,” emphasize leadership capabilities and development needed for societal progress and inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero expressed she cares about the causes of the sector. “I am fully aware of the challenges that a parent encounters each day having children with autism,” she said.
Lucero acknowledged that the DSWD must commit to addressing the needs of the PWD sector by promoting awareness, acceptance, and sensitivity.
Autism is a lifelong condition but can be managed through rehabilitation so that individuals will be able to live their day-to-day lives and function independently.
“One way to fully understand them is to properly treat them with sensitivity and be conscious of their presence,” she further explains.
According to her, DSWD is working with both private and government sectors to provide interventions like social services and rehabilitation programs, among others, addressing the needs of the PWD sector.
She added that the Autism Society of the Philippines is a member organization of the Regional Council for Disability Affairs, where they can directly raise their concern, avail of services from other agencies, and feel strong support from the government.
DSWD 7 leads RCDA in the formulation of policies and activities, along with other member organizations that promote the welfare of the sector of persons with disabilities.
“There is no doubt that the RCDA could assure the PWD sector of the support for those in the autism spectrum, either in the community or the society at large,” Lucero said.
Autism-OK
One of the advocacies of the PWD sector is the Autism-OK initiative by the ASP.
Each year, they heightened the advocacy through an Angels Walk activity, participated by government and private organizations, including DSWD, to call for people to support acceptance, appreciation, and accommodation.
By supporting the advocacy, societies must not only strive beyond “consciousness” or “awareness” but inspire genuine inclusion by promoting actions that enable individuals with autism to live with dignity and enjoy equal rights and access, function independently, and contribute productively.
“The call for acceptance must extend beyond the home and into society, and the DSWD has a significant role in this effort,” Lucero agreed.
She explained that the advocacy includes genuine care and concern, while organizations like DSWD create policies on reporting mechanisms for bullying, vocational rehabilitation leading to employment opportunities, and functional offices that will provide support at the community level. ###
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