Pac Rim 2008 Info
Noted Speaker Series: Deanna L. Gregorio
Kathleen Tavenner Mitchell | Kay Nagata | Deanna L. Gregorio | Daniel Hubbell | Paul Glassman | Elizabeth DePoy | Stephen Gilson | Pōkā Laenui | Hewitt B. Clark
Monday April 14th, 2008: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM in the Niihau Room on the topic of Disability Rights
“Disability Rights: A Vision for the Future”
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”—Peter Drucker
Despite efforts to equalize opportunities and improve their lot, persons with disabilities in the Philippines continue to suffer exclusion from social and economic opportunities due to systemic barriers to their participation, such as exclusion from decision-making processes, negative attitudes about disability that perpetuate marginalization, and discriminatory legislative frameworks that have not only excluded the disabled but have also contributed to their discrimination. Access is mandated by law, but remains an illusive dream. Access to basic services, to education, to health care, to employment, and access to transportation are all severely limited for persons with disabilities. But access questions go beyond the physical. The general lack of data on disability prevents the department and other government agencies from knowing the extent of inclusion of persons with disabilities in other mainstream social services.
In our discussion we will explore the problems of Filipinos with disabilities and corresponding rights-based policies and programs. We will discuss both governmental and non-governmental solutions to emancipate, enlighten and empower them towards a life with a fighting chance at equality and opportunity.
Biography
Deanna Gregorio is the Sectoral Representative of the Persons with Disabilities Council of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), which advises the Office of the President on legislation and programs that concern disabled Filipinos. Her most recent legislative advocacies include the 1% allocation of national government budget for PWD programs, the 20% discount for PWDs (similar to the Senior Citizens Act) and the establishment of offices for persons with disabilities at the local government units. All of these are anchored on her flagship program at NAPC popularly known as HELP (Health, Education and Livelihood for PWDs). She is also a Sports Commissioner and President of the Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) of the Philippines.
Aside from being a staunch advocate of PWD rights, livelihood and welfare in the Philippines, Deanna is a successful businesswoman and a champion of PWD and women entrepreneurship. She is also a creative artist who enjoys embroidery, fashion and culinary arts. She regularly teaches livelihood classes to various PWD groups. She has presented papers internationally and has been famous for her innovative livelihood projects and matching clothes and crutches.
