One entity. One company, one person with disability at a time.
Project Inclusion works within the framework of collaboration to build a healthier and more inclusive environment for the differently abled. This is captured in its belief that everything is made possible through the work of each one. “We believe that at the center of inclusion is US. All of us working together to create a culture of inclusion in mainstream society.”
Republic Act No. 10524 – An Act Expanding the Positions Reserved for Persons with Disability, which states that “no person with disability shall be denied access to opportunities for suitable employment,” and that at least one percent of all positions in all government agencies, offices or corporations shall be reserved for persons with disability.
Private corporations with more than 100 employees are also encouraged to reserve at least one percent of all positions for PWDs. Thus the challenge for human resource practitioners to integrate differently- abled individuals in the workforce.
The question is posed for public government agencies and private companies, May 1% Ka Ba? The diversity advantage presupposes that the organization and the individual can significantly gain potential and creativity from collaboration.
Providing the platform and space for equity indicates clear milestone in upholding the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, especially those who are in the low-income threshold with very limited or no access to basic services, including rehabilitation facilities. Half of these are children who live with disabilities.
These private sector-led initiatives, including community-based rehabilitation services and cost-effective interventions by the local government units, enables the differently-abled to go beyond the barriers.
Too many barriers can stand in the way. For instance, there is a huge gap in terms of facilitating development and access to appropriate assistive devices to help ensure the inclusion and participation of differently-abled persons in their own communities. On the other hand, there is a need to review the support provided for children with special education needs.
While efforts are geared towards the inclusion of differently-abled children to mainstream classes, there is a lack of capacity building for instructors/teachers to fully meet their needs, as well as appropriate funding.
The diverse needs of differently-abled persons, especially children, challenges us to continually upgrade not only the skills and capacity but also strengthen the sensitivity towards looking at and meeting their special needs.
This private sector led initiatives, including community-based rehabilitation services and cost-effective interventions by the local government units enables the differently-abled to go beyond the barriers. Shared responsibility and a partnership approach to their support matters.
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