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Call
of the Deaf: Give us opportunities, not charity
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The
Magna Carta for Disabled Persons has not raised
the sensitivity of the hearing community
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THE
Deaf are as capable as any hearing person.
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This
has long been the cry of the Deaf, who are asking
the government, the private sector, and the general
public to give them better livelihood opportunities
and protection from discrimination.
Instead of treating them as charity projects, organizations
helping the Deaf are actively campaigning to increase
awareness about the plight and the needs of the Deaf
in the Philippines. |
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Last
November 13 to 18, the School of Deaf Education and
Applied Studies of De La Salle University-College
of Saint Benilde celebrated the 12th Deaf Festival
with the theme, “Journey Towards Achieving a
Strong Filipino Deaf Community.” It was a week-long
event filled with activities that aim to focus on
the abilities of the Deaf, as well as empower them
as members of the Filipino community. |
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Parents,
educators, interpreters, and various organizations
helping the Deaf witnessed the “Deaf Cultural
Show,” the culminating activity of the Deaf
Festival, where they showcased their talents in performing
arts.
Nikki Salajog, a parent of 15-year of Charmaine of
La Salle Antipolo, told One Philippines how she herself
had a hard time communicating with her child. But
through the help of other parents who have deaf children,
she has learned how to express her feelings to her
daughter, as well as understand her daughter and her
needs.
In the Philippines, there is a need to raise the sensitivity
of the hearing community to the needs of the Deaf.
In most schools, hospitals, and government and private
offices, there are no interpreters available to be
of service to the Deaf. |
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Aside
from that, the Deaf and other persons with disabilities
(PWDs) are most often than not treated with ridicule
or discrimination. With the passage of Republic Act
7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which
mandates for the protection and integration of PWDs,
companies are slowly opening up to include the Deaf
in their workforce. What is lacking are business opportunities
for them. |
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| By
Ronalisa A. Co |
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