00:00 Accessible education and economic empowerment for Pinoys on the autism spectrum.
00:05 The theme of Autism Consciousness Week for this person and to discuss that.
00:11 Joining us in the news this afternoon is the Autism Society of the Philippines National Vice President Joy Ofrecia.
00:17 Good morning and welcome to the news this afternoon.
00:20 Good morning to all of our listeners and viewers here in our episode today.
00:28 Good morning Ma'am Joy.
00:30 My question is how can we use the accessible education and economic empowerment of our countrymen on the autism spectrum?
00:38 First of all, what our autism community is longing for is to have more understanding,
00:47 acceptance and appreciation for those who can contribute to our society.
00:56 Of course, it is also important to have the support of our duty bearers to provide the programs and services that this community needs.
01:09 We already have a law on inclusive education and we hope that it can be passed,
01:16 implementing rules and regulations and that this law can be implemented and funded to train our teachers,
01:28 to have facilities, added classrooms to make the programs and services for our autism community and for the entire sector of those with disabilities accessible.
01:45 Ma'am, in your assessment, how high is the awareness of our countrymen regarding autism?
01:52 Maybe, in the long term of the Autism Society of the Philippines, we have been here for more than 30 years,
01:59 we have already reached a lot, we have already reached a far distance to make it understood what autism is,
02:06 but we still have a lot of work to do to achieve an Autism OK Philippines.
02:16 How about the Philippines regarding services and benefits for those with autism?
02:21 Are there more companies accepting, for example, jobs for those on the autism spectrum?
02:27 Yes, they are increasing.
02:30 Our friends and partners are expanding. The Autism Society of the Philippines has autism works
02:40 and we are partnering with different companies to give livelihoods to our individuals on the autism spectrum.
02:50 What is your message or call to our countrymen who are now in the autism consciousness week?
02:55 Where is your opportunity?
02:57 Again, we are celebrating the Autism Consciousness Week this year,
03:06 but we are aiming beyond consciousness, beyond awareness,
03:11 is acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of individuals on the autism spectrum.
03:18 We want to give them opportunities for their best potential to be achieved
03:27 so that they can have a known contribution to our society.
03:34 So, let our hearts and minds be open for these individuals
03:39 and hopefully, we can help you achieve an Autism OK Philippines.
03:47 Thank you very much.
03:49 Thank you very much. We have a lot of events, so I hope we can be with you.
03:55 Just visit the Autism Society PH Facebook page.
03:59 This is the Autism Society of the Philippines National Vice President Joy Ofresha.
04:04 [music]
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