• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Autism

Growing Up Autistic: A Symposium by AAAP

The organizations I work with through Best Buddies, have given me the opportunity to meet many people who do the same work that I do. As an advocate of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I know that the work we do as a collective is more important than anything I can do on my own.

Being part of the yearly symposium of Association for Adults with Autism Philippines was an honor. I was able to present the work we do with Best Buddies Philippines, and I was able to learn of the work that others like me, are doing in their schools in the Metro and the work that they do collaboratively.

15044801_10211318657626450_316878286_o-copy

Lirio Covey

Lirio Covey started The Association for Adults with Autism about six years ago, when she realized there was a need for parents of adult children with autism to connect with one another as their parenting concerns were shifting. When our children are young, we are focused on therapies, socialization, and reaching milestones. As our children become adults, the concerns shift to care after we are gone, and sustainability of the resources we may have set aside for them to continue to live productive and meaningful lives.

The flagship project of AAAP is “A Special Place.” A Special Place will be a residential community consisting of individual homes for adults with autism and facilities for work, education, therapy and recreation in Tagaytay. I am familiar with these kinds of establishments from back home in NY, because I volunteered for many of the group homes near where I lived.

I recall a moment that Nino and I had with Tony Pasia 5 years ago when we attended the Early Intervention Seminar after Gelli was first born. I asked about group homes and the services that we receive for our children, and the opportunities that the government provides for families like ours. I was shocked at his answers to our questions.

What I realized then, (and it is the reason why I work so hard now) is that we get very little support for our children currently from the government. I realized that if anything was going to happen for my daughter with Down Syndrome, I would have to put in the effort with the help of other parents like Tony Pasia and Lirio Covey.

These people are people a like me. They want to see change for the better that includes children of all abilities. Teachers, School Administrators and Organizations inciting change, fostering acceptance, and awareness are key players in the movement for inclusion. My conversation with Tony all those years ago led me to believe that I would need to be the change that I wanted to see for my daughter and for my family.

People just like Lirio in 2010, and just like Tony and Dottie Pasia, twenty-five years ago when their daughter Vicky Lou was born are the people that I refer to when I speak of these magic makers.

So every year, the Association for Adults with Autism Philippines puts together leaders in the special needs community to share their insights with parents, therapists, teachers, and school administrators hoping to create and foster the sense of community that we know we need to support us, while we are raising our children in today’s ever changing environment and social landscape.

This year I was asked to present Best Buddies to the symposium attendants.

Here is the line up of all of the speakers who shared what they are doing in their own schools, sped centers, and organizations.

14556541_10210909227030941_4105095581536395214_o

Unfortunately, I was a bit late to the event, so I was only able to catch the tail end of my friend Ericson’s talk. 

But, I can share with you some of the things that I did learn from the speakers that I was able to listen to, and post my take aways.

14970911_10211309135548404_2144408466_o-copy

I first met Ericson a few years ago when Anj Onrubia was the Country Director for Best Buddies Philippines. She hosted an Open House for Best Buddies Philippines to create an awareness in the special needs community for the then new, organization that she brought to Manila.

During the event, I was introduced to Ericson by Best Buddies Ambassador Jessica Malca and her mom Fiona. I remember wishing that One World School wasn’t in Makati. I live in Alabang, and from my discussion with Ericson, I realized that One World is the kind of school I would like to send my Gellibean to for her primary education. 

As fate would have it, I have been blessed to work closely with Ericson for some time now. He has generously sponsored the venue for our ADULT DANCE NIGHT we have once a month for our Best Buddies, and he also chairs SENIA. I feel like Ericson and I have the same vision for the work we do. We both know that we can multiply our efforts when we collaborate with other people who have the same passion for inclusion.

Through Ericson’s presentation, he shared Six Ways to Build Capacity for Sustainable and Meaningful Inclusion of Adults with Special Needs in the Community.

15007863_10211309136108418_1134038666_o-copy

Teacher Bunny heads SHINE SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTER in Pasig. I was so pleased to finally meet her in person, as we have communicated a few times via email for various activities within the special needs community. 

I found Teacher Bunny’s presentation, eye opening and extremely informative. While, I think I have a pretty good understanding of what it is like for children and adults with autism, I realized how little I knew. She focused on the things that we can do as parents and educators to help our children who have limited verbal communication skills communicate their needs. 

One thing that struck a chord for me, were the videos of a young lady who learned to communicate late in life with the assistance of technology. For so  many years this young lady was trapped without the ability to communicate her needs, and when she finally broke free from her silent prison, she was empowered and able to show the world what it was like for her growing up. Her story was inspiring and heart warming to say the least.

15052051_10211319555688901_574974987_o-copy

Leny Ochoa has been working with children for many years. Her presentation on Anima Christi Center for Learning and Human Development enlightened me on other ways I can combine Eastern philosophies to my care and parenting Gellibean. Incidentally, I remember contacting her many years ago, when I first started teaching yoga for children. I learned later that she is also certified in Brain Gym.

I was truly impressed with the different techniques that Leny incorporates in the education of her students. Her primary goal in the education of individuals with autism is to make sure that her students are PROTECTED and RESPECTED. 

In her center (which is just a stone’s throw from my home) she uses the art of Jin Shin Jyutsu, Reiki, Brain Gym, and more traditional forms of therapy and movement therapy to help her students achieve their potential.

 

Ma. Yolanda-Abundo from The Learning Center shares more about the programs they offer. #inclusion #TheLearningCenter #GrowingUpAutistic #AAAP #autismspectrum #bestbuddiesph #bestbuddies #autismawareness #earlyintervention

A photo posted by BestBuddiesPHL (@bestbuddiesphl) on Oct 21, 2016 at 8:28pm PDT

Landa from The Learning Center shared the many programs that they conduct for their students of all abilities. 

I first heard about TLC from my friend Roan. Her brother attends school at TLC and she told me about the sustainable projects that the teenage and adult students participate in as part of their education. 

If you are thinking of buying Christmas gifts and trinkets for the holidays, I would love to suggest the baked items and handmade goods from The Learning Center. Purchasing these items serves our cause and allows the recipient to know that there is a meaning and a person behind each present. You can check out more about their Proudly Pinoy goods by visiting their Facebook page.

14963442_10211309123628106_1570198194_o-copy

Dayal Nandwani heads Stepping Stone with two locations in Makati and Sukat. I have visited the campus in Sukat and am excited for the work that Dayal does in coordination with TESDA.

Aside from being a one stop shop for parents of children with special needs for both schooling and therapy, he has TESDA accredited and certified programs which enable adults with autism (and other special needs) to find their way in society with meaningful work and careers. 

With donations and grants from various donors, Dayal has been able to put together wonderful programs for his students to excel. Stepping Stone is the only SPED center I know of that has a laundry facility and water refilling station on premises for students to run and operate. In fact, they even have a hydroponic garden where the students care for vegetables and herbs (althought admittedly the herbs do a little better than the veggies) and can be used 

But the fact that Stepping Stone already provides certification in two courses for our kids in conjunction with TESDA is what I find most amazing. Students can learn housekeeping skills in their simulated hotel facilities, and they can also study how to become a barista who can serve up tasty coffee in any coffee shop. Both these programs have students finish with a certificate leaving them ready for immediate employment in an inclusive company.

Have you seen the YouTube video the Dancing Barista? Can you imagine if the coffee shops here in Manila were ready to employ our young adults and Buddies?

14970927_10211309147708708_542892970_o-copy

Rhodora Palomar Fresnedi is an amazing person to be around. Whenever I am with her, I leaver her company awe inspired. She heads Unilab Foundation which employs our Best Buddies Philippines Ambassador, Vico Cham. Through Project Inclusion, Unilab has spearheaded EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT by including people with autism in their offices and as part of their staff. These individuals contribute to the greater good of the company, and to the office culture in a way that NO ONE could have predicted. 

I could go on and on about Rhodora and her many accolades and the work that she does through the CSR arm of Unilab. But I won’t gush. I will just share with you that she is doing amazing work and I am happy that I have the opportunity to work with her and call her my friend as well. 

Her constant support of Best Buddies Philippines has been pivotal in helping our foundation grow and put into place the programs, events, and activities we can provide for our Buddies all around the metro.

15034339_10211309148508728_1088568523_o-copy

I too, was given the opportunity to share the work that we do with Best Buddies Philippines. I am grateful to have been given the chance to express the importance of social inclusion through friendship.

All of the speakers who came before me are making magic happen in education. They are helping their students reach each of their potentials. They teach to reach each student. They meet their needs. They encourage students’ and parents to find and nurture each of their gifts. They make a difference in lives simply because they teach. 

“To teach is to touch a life forever.”

However, there are other aspects of our children’s lives and their education, that can sometimes go unadressed.

We all need a friend. A buddy. Someone to talk to. Someone to lean on. Someone to share our hopes and dreams with who understand us. 

Best Buddies addresses the idea of inclusion “One Friendship at at time,” and I am so happy that I was able to share what we do as one of the smaller organizations her in the Manila landscape for children and adults with special needs.

Thanks Lirio for asking me to present!

15033965_10211309159028991_1260362433_o-copy

Cathy Cham is a dear friend of mine. She not only heads our Best Buddies Citizen program, she is also the mom of Vico and Carlos. As many of you know, Vico is one of our ambassadors and he is one amazing individual. He has traveled the world and receiving awards for his accomplishments in art and in the special needs community. 

Together with her husband Jun, and her sons Vico and Carlos, she opened up Vico’s Artism Gallery. Cathy provides art lessons and art therapy for individuals with autism. She conducts workshops by connecting art students with teachers who can help bring out their creativity and artistic skills. She does this because she saw the clear connection that Vico has with his creativity in his art and his accomplishments.

She does this because she also appreciates beautiful art created by beautiful people.

To learn more about Vico’s Artism Gallery check out their Facebook page for upcoming workshops.

When we share what we are doing in our small communities, I realize that there is so much more inspiration that can come from this sharing. It’s real, it’s genuine, it’s authentic, and it propels the progress we make to a place where we can learn from one another. We can collaborate on events, projects, and in our work to help not just our own children, but the other children in our community who can find success and gratification and lead more productive lives.

The Association for Adults with Autism Philippines
https://www.facebook.com/AdultAutismPhil

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« Sneaks & Snacks
Alaska Ultimate Mission Camp »

Comments

  1. Peter A Ressa says

    November 15, 2016 at 3:27 am

    May God Bless all of you for all the good works you do!

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila
  • Weekend Grills at the Bay City Café

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...