THE Organization of Rehabilitative Advocates for Inclusion (ORAI) facilitated the celebration of the 41st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPRW) last July 14 to 19.
Bearing the theme “Local Governments: Partners in Upholding the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” the week-long celebration involved local government and private sectors.
ORAI was founded in 1983 to meet the needs of children and young adults with special needs. Its program is dedicated to promote awareness and equality among PWD (persons with disabilities) children and students by having organizations, volunteers and agencies help them reach their full potential.
“We want them to feel loved, respected and appreciated for their differences,” shared Dr. Maria Martina Jordana-Leyson, DMD, vice president of ORAI, president of Cebu Doctors’ University Alumni Association and president for Special Child Association of Cebu Foundation Inc. (Saint Martin de Porres Special School). As South District DepEd Sped (Department of Education, Special Education) Centers coordinator for four years now, Leyson shared of their involvement by assisting the PWDs safety and welfare throughout the activities.
DepEd Sped Centers and Private Sectors joined in on the celebration. Cebu Doctors’ University and Saint Martin de Porres Special School, was in charge of the South District with teachers, parents, government agencies and PWDS from different schools from all over Cebu joining them on the occasion: Alcantara, Aloguinsan, Argao, Avila Foundation, Balamban, Braille, Carcar, City of Talisay, City of Naga, Hospitaliers from Talamban, Minglanilla (Lipata Elementary and Highschool), Moalboal, Pinamungajan, San Fernando, Sunshine Special School, Saint Martin de Porres Special and Stages.
The opening of NDPRW began with Holy Mass at Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod on July 14, then followed with a parade from the chapel to SM Seaside City Cebu. Other activities that took place that week included the National Book Reading Day on July 16, in partnership with SM Cares Foundation, and different kinds of workshops from singing to modeling, with a culminating activity; and a Santacruzan and variety show on July 19.