MANILA, Philippines — QUESTION: I am a mother of four kids and my youngest is diagnosed with having pervasive developmental disorder, one of the branches of autism. My son is turning nine years old and I am wondering since our government has released disability cards, does this cover assistance in schooling, treatment? As we all know therapy schools are a little expensive, and for a single mom like me, it can really be difficult. I would also like to know about government assistance for pediatric-developmental cases, and if you can send me list of schools in the Cavite and Alabang areas that cater SPED. Thank you very much. — Louise

Thank you for sending your question, Mommy Louise. Like many other parents of children with special needs, you are constantly seeking for ways to help your child with autism in spite of the personal challenges that you are faced with. I honor and congratulate you for not losing hope and feeling helpless, but bravely facing the odds for the sake of your son.

Knowing your child's rights!

Under the law, your child with special needs has rights like any other child. Gone are the days when disability is seen as a welfare issue, where people with disabilities are regarded only as beneficiaries of outreach programs.

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are now empowered, aware of their rights under the law and they find ways to exercise these rights that are due them.

Republic Act (R.A.) 9442 grants a “20 percent discount on all basic services” which include diagnostic medical and dental services, purchase of medicines, transportation, restaurants, recreational facilities (cinemas and amusement parks) and educational services in the form of scholarships, grants, financial aids and subsidies.

Being a solo parent grants you additional tax exemptions under the Solo Parent Act. You can visit the website of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA): www.ncda.gov.ph to download a copy of disability laws that your son is entitled to. The NCDA is the government agency mandated to monitor the implementation of these laws to ensure the protection of the rights of PWDs.

One of the main problems with the implementation of R.A. 9442 is that of society’s ignorance that such law even exists! In general, people are aware of the 20 percent discount for senior citizens, but very few know of the 20 percent discount for PWDs, not to mention the resistance of establishments to grant additional discounts to PWDs and narrowing their profit margins.

However, this law has already been passed and ideally, should be enforced. Just recently, Mercury Drug stores nationwide have approved the granting of a 20 percent discount for PWDs upon presentation of the disability card. Sadly, there is still limited awareness of the existence of this law and most often than not, the responsibility of educating the public rests with the PWDs themselves or the families of PWDs. Often, when a PWD shows his/her disability card when paying the bill in a restaurant, the waiter would ask “Ano po ito? Seniors’ po?,” referring to the Seniors’ Citizen card which most establishments immediately recognize. It is now up to the PWD or his family to inform the establishment of the provisions of R.A. 9442 and the 20 percent discount that he is entitled to.

To apply for the disability card which you would need to show to avail of the 20 percent discount, visit the City Social Welfare Division in your muncipality so you could be given instructions on how to apply for the card and the requirements that you would need to fulfill. Bring with you a certification from the developmental pediatrician since this would most likely be required before your application would be processed.

Realistic and practical options for intervention

There are two public hospitals wherein you could consult with developmental pediatricians and be charged with socialized rates — the Philippine General Hospital along Taft Avenue, Manila and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center at Quezon Ave. corner Agham Rd., Quezon City.

These are training hospitals for developmental pediatricians and compared with private hospitals, the fees that would be charged for a developmental assessment or consultation would be much less.

The Clinic for Therapy Services run by the U.P. College of Allied Medical Professions would likewise have subsidized therapy fees, while the Philippine Children’s Medical Center would have an out-patient clinic offering therapeutic services for discounted rates.

I would suggest that you contact the nearest local chapter of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) to ask for recommended SPED schools in your area that would charge reasonable tuition fees. ASP has local chapters in Carmona, Kawit, General Trias and Dasmariñas, Cavite. You can call the ASP Office at 9266941 / 9298447. This would also give you a chance to get connected with other parents of children with autism who may be going through the same challenges as you and would be happy to offer valuable advice and encouragement.

Stay on track and keep running the race Mommy Louise! In claiming your son’s rights to be given the services that he essentially needs, expect setbacks that would slow you down.

Our present realities are far from ideal. Nonetheless, stay on course and set your eyes on your goal. You will be surprised to discover that there are others running the race with you — doctors, teachers, public servants, other parents of children with special needs, and PWDs themselves (maybe just on wheelchairs!).

Together, we will reach the finish line. Caring for children like your son is everyone’s responsibility, not yours alone.