“National Orientation-Workshop in Capacitating Employers and Trainers Toward Promoting the PWD’s Right to Employment”

Breaking Barriers for Children and Young Adults with Disabilities (BBCY) in partnership with the Katipunan ng Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc. (KAMPI) and the Danish Society of Polio and Accident Victims (PTU) has conducted a “National Orientation-Workshop in Capacitating Employers and Trainers Toward Promoting the PWD’s Right to Employment” held in Eurotel North Edsa, Quezon City last July 5-6, 2010.

Mr. Ronaldo Sumait, the Knowledge for Development Center Knowledge Facilitatror and Adaptive Technology for Visually Impaired trainor, joined the other participants (educators, employers, trainors and PWDs) from the Training Development Centers (TDCs) in the cities of Tuguegarao, Dagupan, Iloilo and Roxas.

The evolving capacities of children as growing Young Adults With Disabilities (YAWDs) have broadened the BBCY’s perspectives to developing a more comprehensive program that would address their needs to having meaningful and gainful economic opportunities. Limited access to employment in the disability sector remains a major barrier for their social and economic participation. It is for this reason that this endeavor was organized.

Mr. Sumait joined the TESDA representatives, trainors, educators and PWDs in modifying the existing training modules to suit the needs and capacities of the YAWDs.

The activity was the participants’ contribution to the realization of the comprehensive disability law specified in the Magna Carta for PWDs under Chapter 1, Section 5 on Employment which states that 5% of all casual emergency and contractual positions in the Department of Social Welfare and Development; Health; Education; Culture and Sports; and other government agencies, offices or corporations engaged in social development shall be reserved for disabled persons. Further, this is in fulfillment of the Article 27 of the United Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities that recognizes their right to work on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to PWDs.

The Participants

BBCY National Project Director, Visitacion Apostol together with Mr. Sumait