Parents call for education, equality for blind children

MANILA, Philippines – A group of parents has underscored the need to educate visually impaired children to enable them to join mainstream society when they grow up.

Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children Inc. (PAVIC) president Pastor Jose Rico Domingo said every child with visual impairment also “possesses the rights and privileges” accorded to other normal kids.

“A blind child is a child first, the blindness is only secondary,” said Domingo, quoting PAVIC’s motto.

He stressed that aside from education, the group is advocating equality in rehabilitation and employment and promoting awareness of the “presence, rights and needs of visually impaired children.”

PAVIC began last Friday its three-day 2nd National Parents Congress at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City to drum up support for children with visual impairment.

With the theme “Hand in Hand, Building Bridges,” the conference brings together parents, educators, corporate leaders, and other sectors that have concerns for these kids.

“There has never been a better time to invest in PAVIC than today. From fear to faith, we have taken bold and serious steps in solidifying realized dreams that slowly shape a better future for our visually impaired children,” Domingo said.

The group, now with 424 members, supports members with children who are blind, with low vision, and other handicaps.

Quezon City Councilor Ariel Inton, one of the conference’s guests, assured that the city government would fully support PAVIC in its mission to promote awareness and uphold the rights of people with visual impairment.

Former PAVIC president Linda Choy said this year’s event aims to beef up the group’s tie up with corporations, private individuals, non-governmental organizations, and other sectors that could help them give a better future for their children.

Choy claimed the government could not provide visually impaired children with all their needs so they turn to other sectors for support.

She cited the need of the Resources for the Blind Inc. (RBI), a non-profit Christian organization, for braille to educate Filipinos with eye disorders.

RBI rehabilitation specialist Mila Wayno said the government is doing its best to educate children with visual impairment through the Department of Education, which offers special education to those with disabilities. – Sheila Crisostomo