Where can PWDs seek help?

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines had 2.8 million registered persons with disabilities (PWDs) as of Aug. 3, according to the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

Although the number of registered PWDs is documented, the extent of discrimination they experience and their awareness of available resources remain concerns that deserve public attention.

To help PWDs and their families access the support they need, here are government offices and organizations they can turn to for assistance.

Government offices that can help

• National Council on Disability Affairs. The NCDA coordinates disability-related policies and programs and monitors the implementation of laws protecting PWDs’ rights. It can be reached at council@ncda.gov.ph or (02) 5310-4761.
• Persons with Disability Affairs Office. City and municipal PDAOs provide guidance and refer individuals to the appropriate offices. They can be contacted through the official channels of their respective local government units.
• Department of Social Welfare and Development. The DSWD offers center-based and community-based welfare services for PWDs. Information on regional assistance is available through its official website.
• Commission on Human Rights. The CHR’s Center for Disability and Health-Related Rights handles human rights concerns related to disability and health. It can be reached at cdhr@chr.gov.ph or (02) 8282-1878.

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Legal assistance

• Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) PWD Unit. PWDs who believe their rights have been violated may inquire about legal assistance through the PAO’s official channels. They can contact the office at (02) 8929-9436 or visit pao.gov.ph.
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Disability Desk. The desk provides a channel for PWDs seeking legal assistance. It can be reached at (02) 8631-3013 or legalaid@ibp.ph.

Nongovernment organizations supporting PWDs

• Project Inclusion Network. Its Education for Economic Empowerment Program provides financial assistance, peer support and professional mentorship to students with disabilities.
• Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled. The foundation runs programs supporting PWDs and their families, including coping-skills training for parents of children with disabilities.
• Grain Foundation for PWD Inc. The foundation provides free special education through Joy Disability School, skills training, and livelihood and small-business assistance for PWDs and their families.
• Autism Society Philippines. The organization promotes the acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of Filipinos on the autism spectrum and their families through sustainable programs, services and strategic partnerships that support meaningful, dignified lives and social inclusion.
• Philippine Federation of the Deaf. The federation advocates for the rights and inclusion of Deaf Filipinos by promoting Filipino Sign Language (FSL), expanding access to education and employment, training qualified sign language interpreters, and strengthening Deaf leadership and representation.
• Tahanang Walang Hagdan Inc. The organization runs programs promoting the independence and inclusion of PWDs, including skills training and employment opportunities, sports and recreation activities, and wheelchair assistance programs.

Although not all these organizations specialize in discrimination or harassment cases, their programs demonstrate how education, family support, skills training and community networks can help empower PWDs.

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‘The only disability is a bad attitude’

1PWD party-list Rep. JD Castro, in a recent interview, stressed the importance of treating PWDs with respect and protecting their rights.

His remarks followed his filing of a complaint-referral with the National Bureau of Investigation against the hosts and producers of the Machong Chismisan podcast over derogatory remarks directed at Joshua Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum.

Castro stressed that the complaint-referral was not solely about Josh but about protecting the rights of the entire sector.

“What about those who do not have the capability? Who will protect them?” he said.

Castro called on the public to treat PWDs with respect, saying, “The only disability in the world actually is a bad attitude.” — Katherine Cielo Guimera/INQUIRER.net trainee /das