Testimonials
“In Project TEACH, we conduct home therapy services using materials that are available in the child’s home. Often, we need to improvise and indigenize. Family education is key, for it allows the child to receive needed interventions even when we are not around.
In other areas, one can only avail of therapy sessions from either hospitals or private centers. Normally, these facilities charge very high. The more affordable government centers would often have a long waiting list and may be too distant to the child’s house. This programme, with its affordability and proximity is really beneficial to the community.”
Tanya, CBR Occupational Therapist
“Since the services we receive are free, our family is able to save money for our most essential needs. In addition, Project TEACH has allowed us to partake in different sports, recreational and educational activities where we are able to interact with other parents and where our children can socialize. Project TEACH has helped many parents develop among them an enhanced sense of purpose and community.
As parents, we have noticed that the people of our community are becoming more aware about the disability of our children. Differently-abled children can now socialize with typically developing children, unlike before where they are usually left alone and isolated.”
Dicky, Father of a child with autism
“Since we are not professionally trained health workers, we provide therapy to children under the guidance and supervision of staff and interns. The numerous seminars and workshops given to us have helped equip me and other CREW to work more effectively with children with special needs and their families.
Project TEACH has been a big help to the children. I have worked with children who were severely challenged. After receiving therapy, they have slowly learned important life skills. Seeing them being able to regulate their behaviors, move more easily, communicate and perform activities of daily living more independently gives us CREW an immense sense of fulfillment.”
Melissa, CBR Community Worker
“We prepare home programs and personally demonstrate to the parents how to implement these at home. I sense a stronger sense of hope among parents in Mandaluyong City. I believe this is largely due to the fact that they are informed about their rights and are empowered to help their children.
Since I get to work closely around professionals from other disciplines, better awareness and appreciation about each other’s role is attained. I have heard and learned about CBR in school but it is very different when you are actually immersed in it. I wish that Project TEACH can be replicated in other communities where the situation is dire for people with disabilities. Seeing the impact of my work as an intern on the children I work with and on their families boosts my confidence and this helps me become more passionate about my work.”
Joker, Physical therapy intern
“When I was Mayor, a couple of years ago, there was a media craze about a student with Autism who graduated at the top of his class in a private school. I remembered being so impressed and inspired by his story. That evening on my way home, I stumbled upon a street child who evidently showed signs of Autism such as hand flapping, while lying naked on the wet sidewalk pavement. The sight pulled my heart, almost bringing me to tears. I asked, ‘Why could one child with Autism achieve so much yet another be in such despair?’ It was because the first boy came from a loving family which had the means to extend to him all the support and interventions he needed to succeed. At that moment, I resolved that the city, through project TEACH will empower itself to be a good mother to what turned out to be hundreds of children with special needs from poor families.”
Benjamin Abalos Jr.,
Former Mayor, Mandaluyong City
Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government