PTA Meeting 2013

This year's Parents' Orientation Day at my sons' school was uneventful except for one moment when Dale's adviser told me that his teacher in TLE made him cry.  She said she found Dale looking like he was about to cry and when she asked why he said that he cannot cry because I will get mad at him (referring to the first tantrum).  When she said that it was okay, tears started falling.  He said that his TLE teacher told him she hates him!  When the adviser asked the TLE teacher, she said that she was really tired that day and Dale started making noise in the classroom.  The adviser then asked me to understand the TLE teacher because she was old and her class with Dale was the last class and she was tired.

Dale wants everyone to like him.  He doesn't want enemies.  His archenemy, Tony (his brother who I cannot control), likes to tell Dale "I hate you!" whenever he's angry at him.  That's why Dale prays for Tony every night.  His classmates also bullies him with that sentence because they know that Dale hates being told that.

So, I was dumbstruck when she told me that.  I asked her "Between the two of us, do you think that what the teacher said was right?"  She asked me for my patience.  I told her the school accepted my son knowing what his condition was.  We have been patient with the bullying from his classmates.  I have told Dale to be patient with them, and he is coping with it.  But, this is a teacher we are talking about!  Hate is a very strong word for us, let alone for Dale. If she doesn't have the patience, then she shouldn't be a teacher.  Maybe she should retire!

Nonetheless, I told Dale to tread lightly with this particular teacher.  He should be extra careful on what he does.  He cannot just stand up or make noise.  Some of his teachers tolerate his "behavior" because they know that Dale still listens to the lesson even without looking at them.  A handful of teachers already testified to this. There was this one teacher who told me honestly that he wanted Dale to feel ashamed that he wasn't listening (because he was drawing on his notebook), so he suddenly asked Dale to recite.  When Dale was able to answer all questions correctly, he said he was the one who felt ashamed of himself.

I plan on talking to his guidance councilor about this because we want this on record that this happened.  I fear that this might result to the teacher making it harder for Dale, but we also do not want to let her think that she can get away with harsh words.  Teachers are second parents.  Parents shouldn't hate their children.

Republic Act No. 10524

Hooray for positive changes!  President Aquino signed RA 10524 last month which is an act expanding the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability.  It assures equal opportunity for employment stating that "No person with disability shall be denied access to opportunities for suitable employment."

The law states that at least one percent (1%) of the work force of all government agencies shall be reserved for PWDs; and private corporations with more than a hundred employees are also "encouraged" to do the same.

The copy of the law can be found here.

Why I Took a Break

The Break

I took a break from blogging for quite some time.  I didn't feel the need to explain, but I read a blog post that did explain why she was QUITTING to blog about her son, and while I am not up for quitting entirely, i wanted to share my sentiments on why I took a break.

Dale is now 14 years old, a teenager.  Just like any other, he likes to play video games and watch Youtube videos.  I started this blog as a sort of therapy for me.  I thought that recording my thoughts on Dale's journey will lessen the anxieties and pain. It did, at some point.  However, I did not think of the repercussions it will bring on Dale.  Instead of thinking about it though, I learned to put everything in God's hands.  We managed, without getting everything out there in the open for every one to read, to criticize, to laugh at, to judge.

I learned to give Dale the privacy he deserved.  He threw a tantrum without anyone knowing.  He was circumcised without his pictures plastered on this page.  We triumphed at what his recent assessment said.  We were called to the Guidance Office without everyone judging why.  We gave ourselves the chance to heal.  And we did.

The Return

I am blogging again.  Why I am doing this is for a number of reasons.  One is to be able to do something.  I am, for the rest of my life, ongoing dialysis.  I basically am an invalid for three days in a week, when I sit or lounge on a chair for more then four hours to get my blood clean.  I am jobless and all I do for the rest of the week is either sleep or play games on my phone.  I felt it was a horrid way of life.  I wanted to change that and make something out of the rest of the days that I am "well."

Two, I am now blogging, not for me, but for others.  I believe that if there are parents out there who are looking for other parents like me, then I should be available.  I think I have the experience, the knowledge, and the strength to provide comfort and support for parents of children with special needs.  I do not know everything, but at least I can be of moral support to them. I also would like to help other schools and centers to become a venue where they can reach out to parents.

So, yes, I am blogging... but I will choose what to blog about.  I will not blog about Dale all the time with a long post, but will update about him from time to time.  I will collate other articles about differently-abled children and tell you about it.  I will still feature centers and schools on the blog.  Links can be found on the right side bar.

The facebook page is up and gaining more likes. Please Like us on Facebook!  Link can be found on the left hand side bar.  I am also the "expert" on special education at Xpert.ph.  When they approached me on becoming "expert,"  I really hesitated.  I mean, I am no expert!  Surely, someone who is a SPED teacher is best suited.  But they insisted, so yeah, if you're not a member yet, please register at Xpert.ph, it's a website where a team of experts on different fields can assist you on various topics.

So, thank you.  For everyone who still reads this blog.  I hope that I can still be of help to you, one way or another.  For personal stuff, though, I manage a different blog.  Hope to see you there, as well!

1st Tantrum for Grade 8

Dale is now in Grade 8 (2nd Year High School) and I learned from his brother Tony (Grade 7) that he cried at school yesterday during CL (Christian Living).  When I asked him, he said because the teacher said that it was bad if you did not go hear Mass.  Remembering the time that he didn't, he started feeling bad and cried.  The teacher had to call the Guidance counselor.

Of course, I had a talk with him again and he said "Oh. Is crying considered a tantrum?"  :)

ASP Seminars on Vision and Music Therapy

Back to Back ASP Seminars (Vision and Music Therapy) on June 29. --> https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHJoNDBGQm9yUkF4Y05HbUVPdVplTXc6MQ#gid=0


Vision Therapy 

9:00 AM - 12:00 NN The seminar will provide parents, special education teachers and other service providers’ strategies for their children with autism to have monocular visual focus that will later initiate alignment of the visual axes of the two (2) eyes until eye contact is attained. They will learn simple visual perceptual skills and visual information processing techniques for the autistic child to be more attentive in order to develop the essential cognitive skills that play a very important role in the learning process. 

Dr. Teresita R. Yambot, OD, MAED, MSO, FPAO is an educator, an optometrist in vision development and a civic leader. She was an outstanding student and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Manila Central University. Dr. Yambot served her alma mater as a professor from 1976-2000 and dean of the College of Optometry from 1990-1994. She was a recipient of various scholarships, researches and professional awards. To top it all, Dr. Yambot was awarded one of the 10 Outstanding Professionals in 2007 awarded by the Federation of Philippine Professional Associations of the Professional Regulation Commission and “Ulirang Ina” by the Quezon City government in 2009. She has occupied numerous positions in the academe and in socio-civic organizations. Dr. Yambot has conducted countless researches in her field of expertise and has presented her works in national and international conferences. 

Music Therapy

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Dr. Estrella R. Agustin, Ph.D., MFLCD, BM is an educator, a musician, a clinician and a civic lider. She obtained her Ph.D. in Educational of Psychology and MA in Family Life and Child Development from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She has an intensive of 2 years training in Liturgy and music from St. Andrews Seminary. She served as Department Chairperson of Department of Family Life and Child Development of the UP Diliman. She is currently teaching at UP Diliman and serves as Chairman of College of Home Economics at the said university. She is also a Music Intervention Specialist and Music Therapy Section Head at St. Luke’s Medical Center. Dr. Agustin contributes numerous researches and creative writings in her field of expertise.

FEATURE: Speciabilities Development Center (SDC)

NOTE:

Exploring Possibilities is featuring schools/therapy centers on the blog to better help parents/caregivers to choose the right educational partner for their special needs child.

 Please note however, that this is not an advertisement, but rather, a guide.

If you wish to be featured on the blog, kindly submit your information (history, mission/vision/philosophy, programs, services, facilities, faculty, rates, promos, contact information, directions).  You may include photos and videos like staff/faculty group picture, facilities, or students in action.

Exploring Possibilities did not receive any monetary compensation for this feature.

Speciabilities Development Center (SDC)

11 Binmaka St., Manresa, Quezon City, 1115 Philippines

We have retained our old contact numbers: 

(+632) 361-9178 or (+632) 364-3460 or e-mail us at speciabilities@yahoo.com

 

“Enhancing every individual’s special abilities”

            Speciabilities Development Center is a SPECIAL SCHOOL for children, adolescents and adults with Autism, ADHD/ADD, PDD, Mental Retardation, Down Syndrome, Speech Delay, Learning Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury and other developmental disabilities.

************* Mission *************

            It is the mission of SPECIABILITIES DEVELOPMENT CENTER to educate and train individuals with disabilities to fully equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for productive independent living. 

 ************* Vision *************

            SPECIABILITIES DEVELOPMENT CENTER shall be the school of choice for the physical, mental, social, occupational, and spiritual developments of special individuals in ways that acknowledge their uniqueness and prepares them to achieve their optimum potential.

************** Philosophy **************

That everyone has a right to education and employment regardless of status, competency or disability.
That every person is unique in his needs, abilities, learning styles, attitudes, and behavior.
That through all these, education must play a vital part. It should make the development of every person both a duty and a passion. It must make the educational process fun, experimental, sustained, collaborative, flexible, patient, and compassionate.

******* Programs for Special Education Class ********

Job Training and Placement Program
            The program is designed to provide training to young adults and adolescents the necessary discipline and work skills needed to prepare them to function fully and independently as part of society;s workforce. This training helps to promote social and interpersonal skills, builds personal care skills and develops community awareness.

Personal - Social Skills Program
            The program will enhance and develop the social interaction skills of every student as well as refine their self-help skills.

Extended Day Program
            This program is intended to fully enrich the learning potential of every student beyond the required class hours. The students stay in the school for the whole day and they are given a variety of activities to supplement their educational development.

Practical Academics
            The students will be taught practical knowledge in their academic subjects most importantly in the core areas of English and Math that they can apply in daily living and for future employment.

Interactive Community Experience Program (ICEP)
            The students will have the opportunity to visit different institutions in the community such as churches, banks, fire stations, bookstores and other places of interest to apply, enhance and validate classroom learning. The educational trips will enrich the student's basic knowledge on the institutions by learning through experience.

Sports and Recreation Program
            A variety of sports activities will be made available to every student such as swimming badminton, basketball, tennis and table tennis. These activities enhance their socialization skills while encouraging them to be active for their general development. Recreational activities will be offered as well such as arts and crafts. These in turn will tap the creative side of every student and takes the form of a therapy too.

Livelihood Program
            The qualified students cook and sell snacks. On special occasions, they make special products such as chocolate lollipops, oatmeal cookies during the month of February. The profit will be divided among them.

Integrated Caregiver Program
            The caregivers students will be trained and integrated in the over-all class activities. They are required to attend in the class and act as teacher aides for proper training. This will train them to properly implement the skills learned by their ward in school to the home setting.
 

***************** SERVICES *****************

 

 

1. Occupational Therapy (one-on-one or dyad)
2. Speech Therapy (one-on-one or dyad)
3. Physical Therapy (one-on-one)
4. Special Education (SPED) Tutorials

NOTE:
Subjects to be taught depends on the need of the student. This is on a one-on-one basis and on a per-hour basis.

5. Chinese Lessons (Mandarin, Fookien, or Pinyin)

NOTE:
This is on a one-on-one basis and on a per-hour basis.

 ***************** FEATURES *****************

Low teacher-student ratio (1 teacher to 3 students or less).

An individualized Edcation Plan (IEP) for each student to identify their level, goals, and method to achieve them.

Licensed Special Education (SPED) teachers and top-notch therapists from prestigious Universities.

Air-conditioned classrooms.

***************** SDC TEAM *****************

 Marian Christine V. Patriarca, Ph.D. cand.
Directress
YEARS OF SERVICE: 7 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED:
 University of the Philippines Diliman
(MA Special Education, Masters in Business Administration units,
Ph.D. Educational Administration - dissertation writing)
ACHIEVEMENTS: 
University Scholar, gives talk and trains teachers and
 parents all over the country on special  education (SPED).
She is also a breastfeeding counselor in-training.

Marry Jane Estayan
Secretary
YEARS OF SERVICE: 7 years
 
Charmaine Vea C. Bald
Special Educator
YEARS OF SERVICE: 2 years
SCHOOLS ATTENDED:
Far Eastern University (BS Psychology),
REACH, Inc. (Certificate in Special Education)

Kimberly Magbanua Mirador
Special Educator
YEARS OF SERVICE: less than 1 year
SCHOOL ATTENDED: Far Eastern University (Major in Special Education)

Hannah Grace Laderas
Special Educator
YEARS OF SERVICE: less than 1 year
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of Santo Tomas (BS Psychology)

 Karl Olivier R. Jamandra, CSP-PASP
SP Coordinator
YEARS OF SERVICE: 4 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of the Philippines-Manila
ACHIEVEMENTS: College scholar, Dean's lister, High School Valedictorian

Krizia Anna N. Lazaro
SP Asst. Coordinator
YEARS OF SERVICE: 4 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of the Philippines-Manila
ACHIEVEMENTS: College scholar, Dean's lister
 
Roselle Anne L. Dionisio, CSP-PASP
Speech Pathologist
YEARS OF SERVICE: 4 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of the Philippines-Manila
 
Katrina A. Quijano-Adriano, CSP-PASP
Speech Pathologist
YEARS OF SERVICE: 2 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of the Philippines-Manila
ACHIEVEMENTS: Best Thesis (UP-CAMP SP Batch 2005)

 Maricel A. Mangohig
Speech Pathologist
YEARS OF SERVICE:  1 year
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of the Philippines-Manila

 Christine Marie C. Buzon, OTRP
OT Coordinator
YEARS OF SERVICE: 3 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED:
University of the Philippines-Manila
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Dean's lister, College scholar, PGH-DRM Leadership Awardee,
Occupational Therapy Licensure Board Topnotcher (8th place)

Ruel A. Solitario, OTRP
Occupational Therapist
YEARS OF SERVICE: 4 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of the Philippines-Manila
 
Carina Marie L. Castillo, OTRP
Occupational Therapist
YEARS OF SERVICE: 3 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of the Philippines-Manila
ACHIEVEMENTS: Best Thesis 2008, College scholar, Dean's lister,
Society of Occupational Therapy Majors President 2006-2007

Calvin Lester M. Leorna, OTR, OTRP
Occupational Therapist
YEARS OF SERVICE: 6 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED:
University of the Philippines-Manila
ACHIEVEMENTS:
July 2005 Occupational Therapy Licensure Board Topnotcher (2nd place),
National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) Passer
 
 Marie Ellinore E. Silverio, OTRP
YEARS OF SERVICE: 2 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of Santo Tomas
ACHIEVEMENTS: Clinical Supervisor, Seminar speaker

Aira Alondra T. Uy, OTRP
Occupational Therapist
YEARS OF SERVICE: 3 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of Santo Tomas
ACHIEVEMENTS:
July 2008 Occupational Therapy Licensure Board Topnotcher (3rd place),
3rd Best Intern UST-CRS Batch 2007

 Kim Gerald G. Medallon, OTRP
Occupational Therapist
YEARS OF SERVICE: 2 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of Santo Tomas
ACHIEVEMENTS:
 July 2010 Occupational Therapy Licensure Board Topnotcher (1st place),
Magna cum Laude, Best Occupational Therapy Intern,
Consistent Dean's lister

 Ian Chester L. Manalang, OTRP
Occupational Therapist
YEARS OF SERVICE: 2 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of the Philippines-Manila
ACHIEVEMENTS: Councilor, UPM-University Student Council (2008-2009)

 Jose Ma. Rafael D. Ramos, OTRP
Occupational Therapist
YEARS OF SERVICE: 2 years
SCHOOL ATTENDED: University of Santo Tomas

******** RATES for THERAPY and TUTORIAL *******

P1,900 - initial evaluation for speech, occupational and physical therapy (inclusive of 2 sessions)

P600 - per session rate for speech, occupational and physical therapy (1-hour per session)

P400 - per session for SPED and Chinese tutorials (1-hour per session)

RATE for SPED CLASS: Tuition fee for the SPED Class will be determined after the FREE assessment. You can call SDC for the assessment schedule.

*********** CONTACT INFORMATION ***********

11 Binmaka St., Manresa, Quezon City, 1115 Philippines
We have retained our old contact numbers: 
(+632) 361-9178 or (+632) 364-3460 or e-mail us at speciabilities@yahoo.com

DIRECTIONS by public transportation:

1. FROM QUEZON AVENUE going towards WELCOME ROTONDA: Take a jeepney going to Quiapo. Get off at Sto. Domingo Church. Along Sto. Domingo St.,  take a tricycle and tell the address of the school.

2. FROM PGH, TAFT or BLUMENTRITT, STA. CRUZ (1 ride only): Take Muñoz jeepney and tell the driver that you will get off at Sto. Domingo St. Cross the Del Monte Avenue to go to the other side of the street. On the 3rd street, turn left at Binmaka St. Look for the address of the school. It is on the right side with the green gate.

3. FROM MUÑOZ, QUEZON CITY (1 ride only): Take Blumentritt and/or Sta. Cruz jeepney and tell the driver that you will get off at Sto. Domingo St. No need to cross the street. On the 3rd street, turn left at Binmaka St. Look for the address of the school. It is on the right side with the green gate.

4. FROM 5th AVENUE station of LRT (1 ride only): Take Quezon Avenue jeepney and tell the driver that you will get off at Del Monte Avenue. No need to cross the street and walk going towards Banawe Avenue. On the 1st street from the point you were dropped-off, turn right at Sto. Domingo St.  On the 3rd street, turn left at Binmaka St. Look for the address of the school. It is on the right side with the green gate.

DIRECTIONS by private vehicle:

1. FROM QUEZON AVENUE going towards WELCOME ROTONDA:
       1a. Along Quezon Avenue, turn right at Sto. Domingo St. (before Sto. Domingo Church). Cross Maria Clara St., N.S. Amoranto St., and Del Monte Avenue. After crossing Del Monte Avenue, turn left on the 3rd street, Binmaka St.  Look for the address of the school. It is on the right side with the green gate. OR
      1b. Along Quezon Avenue, turn right at Araneta Avenue then turn left at Del Monte Avenue. On the 1st street, turn right on Sto. Domingo St. then turn left on the 3rd street, Binmaka St.  Look for the address of the school. It is on the right side with the green gate.

2. FROM MUÑOZ, QUEZON CITY: Take Roosevelt Avenue going towards Quezon Avenue. Turn right at Del Monte Avenue. You will cross the intersection of Araneta Avenue. After crossing, turn right on the 1st street, Sto. Domingo St. then turn left on the 3rd street, Binmaka St.  Look for the address of the school. It is on the right side with the green gate.

3. FROM 5th AVENUE station of LRT: Take Araneta Avenue and right turn on Del Monte Avenue. Then turn right again on the 1st street, Sto. Domingo St. then turn left on the 3rd street, Binmaka St.  Look for the address of the school. It is on the right side with the green gate.