NCDA to Eliminate Discrimination Against PWDs

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its attached agency, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) are encouraging persons with disabilities (PWDs) to protect their rights and take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination in the society.

“We encourage PWDs to file a case if they are discriminated and seek for a legal advice through the Public Attorneys’ Office (PAO),” said Carmen Reyes-Zubiaga, NCDA Acting Executive Director.

“Yung mga organizations of PWDs we continuously provide them with training in advocacy kaya alam na nila yan,” Zubiaga added.

“All they have to do is to empower their member, na kapag may ganyang mga abuses they need to keep document through complaint. Kailangan nadodocument yung mga abuses and discrimination practices sa workplace, community at sa school,” Zubiaga emphasized on the importance of filing a complaint for PWDs.

Zubiaga also believed that the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa, police, prosecutors and lawyers should also be aware and be sensitive on the needs of PWDs for them to have a better access to justice.

The response on how to assist PWDs depends on the nature and characteristic of the type of disability. It could be person with learning and cognitive impairment, hearing impairment, visual impairment or with mobility impairment.

Recently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and NCDA conducted a two-day seminar on “Disability Awareness and Sensitivity Workshop on Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities” for prosecutors and lawyers from PAO in Central Visayas.

For Ms. Dang Koe, Chair Emeritus of Autism Society of the Philippines and has a child with autism, clarified that autism affects persons of any racial, ethnic and social background.

She added that although it is a lifelong condition, it can be managed and some individuals on the autism spectrum are able to live normal lives and function independently as adults. (DSWD)

Photo above: Central Visayas PAO Lawyers attend Disability Awareness & Sensitivity Workshop on Access to Justice for PWDs. (Image Credit: DSWD)