The project advocates the rights of persons with disabilities in the Philippines. Teaching this marginalized group to stand together to gain access to available resources (e.g. education, training & employment) in their communities. The rights based approach understands it is a human right to achieve economic, social and cultural development. Mentoring, education, training, facilitation and lobbying are key to advocate equal rights and building adequate support in the community.
9.1 million Filipinos have a disability. Poverty has been shown to increase the chances of disability and disability the chances of poverty. Persons with disabilities are excluded, look down upon and thought as useless by the community. Persons with disabilities lack empowerment to fight for their rights. They are taken advantage of and left behind unable to access education, resources, employment and quality of life that is their right.
Learning basic life skills and utilising assistive devices will allow persons with disabilities to achieve higher level of education and become more employable. Persons with disabilities are taught their rights through laws and mandates. They are empowered to educate the community in regards to equal opportunities. Persons with disabilities with livelihood opportunities show the community their capabilities changing the real and perceived view towards them.
The project will provide access and skills for education and employment for persons with disabilities alleviating their poverty. Putting the responsibility of advocation on the persons with disabilities displays to the community their capabilities and reduces the 'they are useless' attitude, increasing the opportunity for education and employment. Support networks ensure persons with disabilities work together so that when problems arise they can solve the issue as a group.
