By Lucky Mae Fornoles
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Attitudinal barriers, media portrayals, and a lack of awareness are factors that contribute to the stigma and stereotypes about disability, both worldwide and in the Philippines. These stigmas and stereotypes stem from misconceptions and superstitions that discriminate against and limit opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs). In this two-part series we will look in more detail at misconceptions and then superstitions.
Misconceptions
Disability = Inability
Most people believe that having a disability equates to a lack of ability or productivity. But “productivity is not inherently tied to one’s physical or mental abilities,” business analyst Frankline Orlinde of Kenya Power writes. There are companies that have embraced disability inclusion – even to high levels of management – and there are assistive technologies that have made it possible for tasks to be performed efficiently and effectively. Proof that PWDs can contribute meaningfully to society if only they will be provided with appropriate support and opportunities.
The Philippines does not believe that disability equates to inability, as evidenced by its comprehensive laws promoting the rights and integration of PWDs. The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons or Republic Act No. 7277 started to adopt a rights-based approach on March 24, 1992; amended by Republic Act No. 9442 (where it was renamed to “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability”) on April 30, 2007; amended again by Republic Act No. 10524 on April 23, 2013; and further amended by Republic Act No. 10754 on March 23, 2016.
There are still prejudices, particularly with Filipinos with intellectual disabilities, but branch manager Hannah Kim of Hisbeans Cafe in the Philippines is hoping that other companies in the country would also look beyond the disability and instead see what PWDs can offer.
“It’s not about their disability but about the person. PWDs have the same emotions and aspirations as everyone else, and it is unfortunate that their passions and potentials are often overlooked by companies,” she said in the report.
All disabilities are visible
Judging by appearances is a deeply ingrained human behavior. It is the case all around the world and in the Philippines, that’s why invisible disabilities such as mental health conditions, chronic pain, and learning disabilities are often overlooked.
The 2020 Census of Population and Housing, for instance, doesn’t specifically categorize or quantify invisible disabilities. Filipinos may either not recognize them, they may fear social stigma, or have a data collection system that is not equipped to accurately measure or categorize invisible disabilities.
But just recently, when an individual who has a congenital cataract was publicly berated for sitting in a priority seat on an LRT-1 train, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao issued a statement reminded the public that PWDs, including those with non-apparent or invisible disabilities, are fully entitled to the benefits and privileges provided by law.
“Many persons with disabilities live with conditions that are not visible but are as real and impactful to their everyday lives. We call on everyone to show more understanding, empathy, and respect to PWDs, including those with non-apparent ones,” she said in the report.
Local governments in the country, too, like the Quezon City, through its Persons with Disability Affairs Office, has programs providing financial assistance to PWDs even to those with invisible disabilities.
Likewise, the Commission on Human Rights, an independent constitutional office established in 1987 to promote and protect human rights of all people in the country, on the other hand, emphasizes the need for greater understanding, respect, and compassion even to those with invisible disabilities to create a more inclusive society.
People with disabilities need constant help
PWDs can be independent but independence for PWDs, is not only about performing all tasks alone but about exercising choice and control over their own lives. Those who can make informed choices about their education, career, housing, relationships, and daily activities can be classified as independent. This is why it is important to have proper accessibility. Having access to environments, transportation, and services can allow for full participation in society. With this participation comes the freedom to choose where to live, study, work, and socialize. If they can have access to personal assistance, information, and communication tools that will enable them to live independently, then they will have the ability to make personal decisions about daily routines, nutrition, hygiene, and health care wherever they may be.
Disabilities are a personal “problem”
Disabilities are often perceived as a personal problem worldwide due to deep-rooted societal issues like the medical model of disability, ableism, and stigma and discrimination. Environmental and societal barriers are overlooked, leading to the exclusion of PWDs from education, employment, and healthcare, and increasing their vulnerability to poverty and poorer health outcomes.
In the Philippines, disability began to be viewed a social concern when the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (Republic Act No. 7277) was ratified in 1992. Then the country also ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2008. Through these legal and institutional frameworks, PWDs didn’t just become “objects of pity” but active “subjects” with rights, capable of self-determination and full participation in society.
This rights-based approach continues today with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). It started as the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons (NCCDP) then became the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) before being transferred into the Office of the President through Executive Order No. 676 and renamed NCDA.
Yearly, too, is the celebration of the National Disability Rights Week (July 17-23). The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons also went through further amendments till it became the Republic Act 9442, providing a 20% discount on goods and services (similar to senior citizens), VAT exemption on these purchases, and provisions against public ridicule and vilification of PWDs.
The role of advocacy groups in shifting narratives from charity to rights-based approaches
Disability advocacy groups worldwide have been instrumental in transforming the perception of disability from a matter of charity to one of human rights. They have lobbied for policy change, promoted inclusive development, challenged negative stereotypes, and fostered partnerships that empower persons with disabilities.
A rights-based approach involves considering human rights principles, and actively promoting and protecting those rights. It focuses on inclusion, participation of the PWDs themselves in society, policy and legal reform, challenging discrimination, and dignity and empowerment.
Examples of major global and regional bodies that champion rights-based approaches to disability are the International Disability Alliance (IDA), CBM Global Disability Inclusion (GDI), World Disability Union (WDU), Disability Rights Fund, Disability Rights Advocacy Fund, UNICEF, and International Disability and Development Consortium.
They all advocate for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) through policy, legislation, and inclusive development programs.
The UNCRPD was adopted in 2006 and entered into force in 2008, signaling a ‘paradigm shift’ from traditional charity-oriented, medical-based approaches to disability to one based on human rights. It calls for the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities across the human rights, development and humanitarian agendas and highlights the rights and empowerment of women and children with disabilities that both face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.
In the Philippines, its disability groups began to believe in a rights-based, barrier-free and inclusive society for PWDs since the Biwako Millennium Framework, a regional action plan adopted in 2002 by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). It is supported by Proclamation No. 240 “Declaring the period 2003-2012 as the Philippine Decade of Persons with Disabilities.”
Disability groups in the country have also moved to frame disability as a rights issue, lobby for legislation, implement the PWD Act, and conduct public awareness on disability campaigns. They gradually removed the barriers and created a holistic approach that effected a lasting change at both community and government levels.
These are still not enough, of course. As mother of two kids Marian Audrey Carillo pointed out after reading “Disability in the Philippines” via a Facebook post: the Philippines has a long way to go in dealing with PWDs.
“Everyone – able-bodied or disabled, rich or poor – should have access to safe and convenient pathways, facilities, roads, and other infrastructures. If my children and I who are not PWDs have difficulty walking on sidewalks, how much more are the PWDs who also have to use sidewalks or climb into an establishment?” (Kung kami ng mga anak ko na hindi naman PWD ay nahihirapang maglakad sa mga bangketa, paano pa kaya ang mga PWD na kailangan ding gumamit ng mga bangketa o umakyat sa isang establisyimento?”)
If it’s any consolation, the Philippines already has strong laws promoting the rights of PWDs. What remains to be seen is the consistency of its implementation so that they won’t live in social exclusion or have feelings of inferiority anymore.
In the next issue, we will explore superstitions.
Lucky Mae Fornoles is a Journalism graduate, writer, and researcher who has contributed to interior design, real estate, and local newspapers in the United Arab Emirates, as well as online publications in the Philippines.