Page 8 - Mainstreamer e-Magazine 01 June 2022 - Final (4)

BARRIER FREE SOCIETY

to the media and so forth. My advocacy, among strongly empowered me by providing me with
others, focused on the needs and the abilities of an opportunity to share ideas and information.
PWDS, and the need for their integration into the Additionally, My participation in various programs,
community through the implementation of the seminars and training strengthened my public
Community-Based Inclusive and Development speaking skills. This has enabled me to create my
Program as well as the Outreach Program. own way to inspire others and appreciate and
“ to involve in one of the AUN-DPPnet community
meaningfully utilize my god-given abilities.

Being one of the AUN-DPPnet alumni, I was able
Thus, as an advocate person for
projects, led by researchers from the Faculty of
disability rights, I have to ensure
that information, advocacy and Computer Science and Information Technology. The
project I was a part of, which I am very proud of,
education campaigns for PWDs is called “Job Portal for Persons with Disabilities”.
needs and logistics should be The idea for that project was developed during the
properly implemented and ASEAN-Japan Summit for University Students with
institutionalized.” Disabilities held in Japan last December 2018.

As a leader, I am a sensitive and keen observer
of the real situation. Then, I transform my
observation into solutions through project and
program ideas. I also fight to improve the living
conditions of PWDS. I motivate my fellow PWDs to
come out of their shell and open up confidently.
I always tell them that PWDs are a part of
society. I always emphasized that in community
development, nobody should be left behind. We
must make ourselves visible. Let them know that
PWDs can also contribute to the local economy
even though we are PWDs. I was always guided by
this quote: “nothing about us without us!”

I was involved with several organizations, and
through them, I carried out awareness-raising
efforts through various forms of media, such
as radio, newspapers, and television. Amid the
COVID-19 pandemic and the need to adapt to
the new norm, I continued my public awareness
efforts via social media platforms, like Facebook,
shared apps and infographics. Despite my speech
impairment, I was often invited as facilitator Fritz (second from right, in wheelchair) holding an award
and resource speaker in many programs, such that he recieved in at an event in Philippines. (Image
as forums, seminars and training organized by source: Fritz)
various stakeholders. My speeches, among others,
spoke about disability laws and disability rights. Besides his work at the local authority office of San Jose
Antique, the author’s actively engages as an advocate and
I also gave talks in schools and local community access auditor. His interests include being a coordinator,
programs. mentor, computer engineering, as well as urban and
regional planning. Currently, he is working on an
I am also active on the international accessibility project in the Province of Antique as one of
stage. Being a representative of PWDs at the the access auditors.
international level is very challenging and this has

7 Vol. 01, Issue 1 | June 2022