Questions/Answers

Comprehensive Social and Vocational Rehabilitation Program for PWDs aims to provide highest level of physical, mental, social and economic sufficiency for PWDs, within the bounds of their capabilities and limitations through a wide range of social and vocational services, as follows: a. Social Adjustment Services - Assist the persons with disabilities to achieve an adjustment to disability and work towards reintegration to family & community. b. Medical Services - Help the clients by determining their capabilities and limitations with regards to daily activities and job performance to improve their condition. c. Vocational Assessment and Guidance Services - Assist clients in the formulation of their goals through the evaluation of their mental ability, aptitude and skills, and determining their work experiences, vocational, and occupational preferences. d. Vocational Training Services - Teaches the PWDs with employable skills and develops their positive work habits, attitude, knowledge & skills that lead to economic productivity and independence. e. Major Vocational Courses- National Certificates II (NC II) on Tailoring with Industrial Sewing Machine Operation (ISMO), Dressmaking with ISMO, Massage Therapy, Cookery, Beauty Care, and Hairdressing. f. Related Courses – Braille; Sign Language; Orientation and Mobility; Citizenship Training; Basic Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic; Music Development; Daily Living Skills; Basic Computer Course; Housekeeping NC II; and T-shirt/mug printing. g. On-the-Job Training - Exposure to actual work setting in preparation to eventual employment. h. School Placement - Assistance is provided to qualified PWDs who desire to train for projects and courses not offered in the Center. i. Placement Services - Assist trained persons with disabilities to find employment either in self-employment, open employment, or sheltered employment.

The Comprehensive Social and Vocational Rehabilitation Program of Area 1 Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC-1) delivers inclusive and equitable services for PWDs who are most vulnerable and living in poverty through the implementation of coordinated and comprehensive social and vocational interventions. This program is free for all PWDs, to enjoy their right to development and to contribute to the socio-economic status of their families. Innovative approaches promote equity and integrity in delivering efficient and effective public service, thus, achieving optimum level of their potentials to prepare them for employment, eventually contributing to poverty reduction.

Disability is referenced in various provisions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically those pertaining to education, growth and employment, inequality, as well as accessibility of human settlements. Following are the specific SDGs and targets that this initiative supports: Goal 4 - Inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of lifelong learning for all focuses on gender disparities in education and ensuring equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons-with-disabilities. This initiative addresses the concerns of the two targets namely 1) by 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university; and 2) by 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship; PWD trainees can access free social and vocational rehabilitation programs towards job placement and microenterprise development that empowered them to be productive individuals. Goal 8 - To promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, the international community aims to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

This initiative has support mechanisms installed to be sustainable in social, economic and environmental spheres, to wit: 1.Partnership Building - for decades now, there are various stakeholders that AVRC-1 has established partnerships with. Partners are from public, private, education institutions, Civil Service Organizations (CSOs), and faith based organizations and churches. These partnerships resulted in more services and resources that support the PWDs’ training/rehabilitation program. 2.Learning Hub - AVRC-1 is a known source of knowledge worthy for sharing; local students do on-the-job training, exchange students and youth leaders form Singapore, Japan and other countries do learning visits, other Vocational Rehabilitation Centers (VRCs) do benchmarking and replicating of good practices. The Philippine Blind Union, Inc. tapped AVRC-1 instructor on providing demo and lecture in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China in 2018. 3.Digital Transformation - a PWD accessible website is established for clients and stakeholders to easily access information about AVRC-1; this website garnered Apolinario Mabini Award as Accessible Website in 2018. AVRC-1 is also an accredited Tech4Ed Centers, with a mainstreamed computer training in all vocation training courses offered. On-line sessions with trainees during this pandemic was also initiated 4.Client Empowerment - successful trainees and alumni are empowered and also are now partnering with AVRC-1 in empowering fellow PWDs. Some of them are owners of health spa that employ blind and other PWDs who are graduates of AVRC.

15% of the world population experience some form of disability. As stated, “[S]ocieties will never achieve the SDGs without the full participation of everyone, including people with disabilities…Realizing the SDGs by, for and with persons with disabilities.”[1] As such, acknowledgment of the persons with disabilities’ potential and contribution to society by enhancing current efforts to address their needs and rights in achieving the goals at all levels. Reduction of inequality (SDG 10), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). In the Philippines, poverty incidence in 2018 is 16.7% or 17.7 million Filipinos living in poverty. Among PWDs, poverty incidence is 14.7% or 236 thousand individuals, according to Philippine Statistics Authority poverty data. PWDs are the most vulnerable sector in a developing country like the Philippines. They encounter many issues that hamper their full development such as access to education due to economic and socio-cultural realities where PWDs are left at home. Lacking in school facilities and rehabilitation or developmental services in many areas of the country as these are least priority projects.

Gender equality is a global priority especially in promoting the right to education and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5. The preceding initiatives ensure inclusive and equitable quality education intended for PWDs lifelong opportunities particularly in achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls principally in the marginalized sectors. The various social, physical and economic barriers are addressed through enlightening the Local Government Units (LGUs), stakeholders and policy makers to formulate rights-based and comprehensive actions for their well-being.

AVRC-1’s target clientele includes persons with physical disabilities, mental disabilities, and psycho-social disabilities. After undergoing social and vocational rehabilitation program, clients are: > Employed in different business establishments/offices such as massage clinics, garments shops/factories, business process outsourcing companies, food chain restaurants, beauty salons, and as computer trainers. Others are rendering home beauty care services. Other clients are also engaged in sheltered employment such as sewing, provision of massage services, t-shirt making, and catering services. > Now business owners provide employment to other PWDs. A graduate, Mr. Lazaro Pe, founded VISMA massage and accutherapy clinics with nationwide franchises and is replicated by other graduates and co-PWDs. Another graduate, Mr. Renante Patoc, ranked Top 5 in the 2011 Licensure Examination for Massage Therapist now manages his own Massage Clinic and founded one of the biggest and successful cooperatives of PWDs in Northern Luzon. > Employed as Department of Social Welfare and Development and/or AVRC-1 staff. > Experiencing improved social functioning, quality of life, and economic status.

The following details the implementation of the Comprehensive Social and Vocational Rehabilitation Program of AVRC-1: A. Program Processes: 1. Preparation of Program Plan - comprehensive annual program plan and Work and Financial Plan reflecting Center’s thrusts and priorities 2.Identification of Program Funds - submission of consolidated program fund estimates as basis of allocation 3. Collaboration and Networking - with various stakeholders formalized through Memorandum of Agreement / Understanding B. Program Implementation: 1. Programs and Services - these are the initiatives aforementioned in the Objectives. 2. Operational Guidelines: i. General Policy - PWDS aged 16-59 years old who are physically and mentally fit, willing to undergo Vocational Training and Rehabilitation, walk-in clients / referred by LGUs, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and other agencies. ii. Case Management: a. Assessment Process b. Contract Setting and Case Planning c. Preparation of Social Case Study Report (SCSR) and Intervention Plan d. Implementation of Rehabilitation Plan e. Monitoring f. Evaluation g. Termination of Rehabilitation Programs and Services iii. The Chief of the Division to which the AVRC-1 belongs to, together with the Regional Center Coordinator, Regional Inspectorate Committee, and Standards Section representatives monitor the following areas of concern: > Administration and Organization > Program Management > Case Management > Helping Strategies > Physical Structure and Safety

There were obstacles encountered but were also overcome. Some of these are: > PWD trainees from far-flung communities often experience difficulty in going to AVRC-1, thus, despite being a non-residential facility, a dormitory was constructed and hired a Houseparent to allow trainees to stay safely for about 10-month training. > The extended community quarantine due to COVID19 pandemic prevented the trainees to return on time as well as enrolment of new trainees was delayed. Thus, on-line classes and interaction with trainees via video conferencing is currently introduced.

AVRC-1 is the first Regional Rehabilitation Training Center established in the country and the first Vocational Rehabilitation Center outside of Metro Manila. To provide a holistic impact on the well-being of the trainees, a comprehensive social rehabilitation was introduced and integrated in the vocational training. Its long-time implementation of impactful initiatives and good practices, strong networks and linkages, international exposures, awards and recognitions, successful clients and graduates all point to the Center as an innovative institution.

Many public and private institutions are inspired to replicate this innovation because of the evident change and progress in the life of trainees. The graduates of AVRC-1 are also a living example of empowerment as they extend their success to help uplift the life of impoverished fellow PWDs.

AVRC-1 continued to improve its services by adapting with the modern technology, as well as to provide a more responsive training and rehabilitation program for PWDs. Some of the achievements are: > Accreditation as one of the Tech4ED Centers in Region 1 by the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), empowering PWDs along ICT. Computer education is incorporated in all courses offered. Inclusion of Computer Training provides opportunities for the PWDs especially for those with visual disability to be equipped with knowledge and skills in ICT. > Creation of a website for readily accessible information on programs, services, and activities of AVRC-1. Awarded with Apolinario Award 2017 as Government Accessible Website of the Year. > Partnership with the Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) enhancing knowledge and skills of visually impaired persons along ICT. This partnership already exists for more than 10 years.

AVRC-1 good practices were adopted/transferred as follows: i. Persons with Disability Affairs Offices in various Local Government Units adopted the partnership strategy with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other agencies for training needs of PWDs. ii. Physical Restoration Services extended to communities by the LGUs through the AVRC-1. iii. Knowledge Exchange Activity with international students in partnership with Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) and Caring for the Future. iv. Knowledge Exchange Activity with other VRCs replicated National VRC, and AVRCs II and III v. Benchmarking of LGUS and private agencies vi. Participation in the 14 World Blind Union Asia- Pacific (WBUAP) Regional Massage Seminar held at Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China where AVRC-1 instructors provided demonstration and lecture on “Education, Training and Employment of the Blind Massage in the Region”.

The initiative has great potential for transferability because of the following: 1. Responsiveness - the initiative contributes to achieving SDG targets and its effectiveness is proven by the improved quality of life of its beneficiaries, and various citations and awards. 2. Innovativeness - the initiative introduced tools and technologies to improve services for the PWD sector such as digital transformation and knowledge exchange. 3. Sustainability and Replicability - program implementation is well-documented in its manual of operations, program plans, and monitoring and evaluation reports.

The specific resources of AVRC-1 are: i. Financial resources - direct release funds from the National Government or centrally managed funds from the DSWD Central Office. ii. Human resources - includes a Training Center Superintendent, Social Welfare Officers, Houseparents, Medical Officer, Psychologists, Manpower Development Officers (Vocational Training Instructors and Placement Officers), Administrative Officers and Assistants, Drivers, Utility Workers, Clerks, Storekeeper, and Security Guards. Some of the employed staff are former AVRC I clients. Volunteers are also maximized in the delivery of services to clients.

Its operational budget is included in the General Appropriations of the Philippine Government. It also receives support from partners, donations in-cash and in-kind, such as assistive devices, training supplies and equipment, hygiene/sleeping kit, and free services. Partnerships with Local Government Units, other National Government Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and faith-based organizations are sustained over the years.

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AVRC-1 is formally monitored and evaluated by the following: Internal: -DSWD’s Standards Bureau and Field Office 1 (FO 1) Standards Section - monitors quarterly the five (5) areas of concern where AVRC-1 is duly Accredited Social Welfare and Development Agency (public) -Regional Inspectorate Committee (RIC) and National Inspectorate Committee (NIC) monitors the operations of the Center -DSWD’s Program Management Bureau conducting audit evaluation of quality and impact of program implementation Internal Audit (Integrity Management Program) of DSWD FO 1 -Quarterly monitoring report required by DSWD FO 1 to track progress in annual program implementation. External: -ISO Certification using the the ISO 9001:2015 Standard -Nomination to Awards and Recognitions

The following are the various indicators and tools used by the evaluators: 1. The Standards Bureau of the DSWD used the Assessment Tool for Accreditation of Community Based Services 2. ISO 9001:2015 Standards 3. Integrity Management Program Monitoring Report 4. Harmonized Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Report of DSWD

1. Resulted to Level 1 Accreditation of Community Based Services in 2019, facility improvement was recommended towards Level 3. 2. Cited ISO 9001:2015 Certified last February 2020, continual improvement in its quality management and service provision was recommended. 3. Compliant to Integrity Management Program of the government, a program that ensures corruption-free government agency. 4. Targets attained such as rehabilitation rate of clients trained.

AVRC-1 is a non-residential facility under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development FO 1, the Regional Office of the Government’s social welfare arm. It provides, maintains, and manages logistical requirements to support the Center in the attainment of its Vision and Mission. The Department also issues policies, formulate plans, and programs related to the provision of rehabilitation services. AVRC-1 also works closely with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), the national government agency mandated to formulate policies and coordinate activities concerning disability issues and concerns. It provides technical assistance in the implementation of programs and services for PWDs and conducts training, orientations, and workshops on key national mandates on disability to the staff of AVRC-1.

The implementation of programs and services in AVRC-1 is a result of collaborative efforts of different government and non-government organizations. 1. The AVRC-1 Advisory Committee - an advisory-giving body organized by the Center consisting of government and non-government agencies assisting on matters pertaining to developmental programs and services in the Center. 2. Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU)- Physical Therapy Department, Dagupan City – Physical Therapy Services to orthopedically impaired clients 3. Dental Alumni Association of LNU – through Very Important Patient with Disability (VIPWD) program for dental care services 4. De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Manila – Sign Language trainings 5. Colegio de Dagupan Student Council - support group for trainees 6. Philippine Dental Association – Pangasinan Chapter - free dental services 7. Department of Education - ALS through I Love PWD program 8. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority - conduct of short-term courses, provision of trainers, and NC II assessments. 9. Local Government Units - primarily in ensuring holistic approach in the client’s case management 10. Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) - computer training 11. Department of Health - provision of assistive device 12. PHILSPADA - involvement in sports through the annual “abilympics”

Over 1 Billion people globally experience disability. People with disabilities have generally poorer health, lower education achievements, fewer economic opportunities, and high rates of poverty than people without disabilities. People with disabilities are more likely to experience greater isolation and decrease in community life. There is a greater barrier to accessing services in low-income countries. In the Philippines, socio-economic barriers for PWDs continue to be a challenge. This initiative was able to reach out to only a few PWDs and has to expand to influence more institutions, public and private, to invest for the development programs that will alleviate the condition of this disadvantaged and marginalized sector. A Disability Resource and Development Center will be established within the AVRC-1 premises to serve as a knowledge exchange center for PWD organizations, LGUs, CSOs, and other groups, locally and abroad. The promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and the equality and non-discrimination and principle of inclusion (UNCRPD) assure the PWD that he/she stands on equal footing with all other persons in the enjoyment of their rights.