Abelardo Apollo David: God’s gift to special children

Holding one’s head up high can be nearly impossible for some special children until Archie David teaches them how to develop their self-confidence. Teenagers who are mentally retarded, affected with Downs syndrome, hearing-impaired or autistic handicaps are welcomed at the school owned by our bachelor, The Independent Living Learning Centre in Mandaluyong. There, the adolescents learn how to dress up and eat by themselves, practice how to conduct themselves in social situations like going to a parlor for a haircut, or achieve physical feats such as rolling over, walking and developing head control.

Teacher Archie, 27 years old, has 50 students and 18 employees. Our 5’11" bachelor is also an assistant professor at the UP College of Allied Medical Profession (UP-CAMP). What excites him these days is his project which extends free therapy to indigent teenagers in Mandaluyong on Friday mornings. Archie presents his skills as an occupational therapist, teaching parents how to take care of their special children.

Archie grew up in Tarlac until he moved to Manila to study in UP. His studies in UP-CAMP led his professors to nominate him for an Australian Aid scholarship. Archie won over a thousand applicants whereupon he took his Masters degree as an occupational therapist at the University of Queensland, Australia.

Which living person do you admire most?

Mahatma Gandhi. He was most concerned with the welfare of humanity; he showed us the way to peace and was able to accomplish much without using violence.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

My family, and my work as an occupational therapist and professor. I derive a sense of fulfillment from working with indigent people because I know that I am helping their lives. On the other hand, I have some clients who treat me like I am their employee and I don’t like that.

What is your passion?

I can go on and on when it comes to my work. I am so fortunate to be in this field. Even when there are obstacles, the passion is still there. I get to help so many people and their families whenever I lead a child to do something he had not been able to do before.

What is your most fervent wish?

I always pray for a better economy.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

I consult people and try to derive strategies that will address the conflicts. I try to solve problems right away.

What sports do you like most ?

Doing therapy with the kids is my physical exercise because there is a lot of running around trying to make them sit.

What book influenced your life?

Text books like Willard and Spackman’s Occupational Therapy. When I was in Australia studying for my Masters I discovered Model of Human Occupation by Carl Haufner. It outlines a rehab approach and adheres to the principle of being client-oriented rather than the approach of being medical when clients are passive.

Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?

Fictional heroes tend to have hidden identities and they help people without expecting to be acknowledged for that. I have been fortunate to be able to help people and to enjoy all the blessings now as a result of the good that I have done for others.

What is your greatest fear?

Hurting someone whom I really value.

What is your motto?

Success is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.

What is your current state of mind?

Relaxed and excited about the new program we are starting: the Integrated Modified Secondary Education Program. We include life skills training aimed at high school students. Applied academics — math would be taught in concept through measuring and weighing. Most of the students are from 11 years old up and are categorized into different programs.

If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?

I was very close to my grandparents with whom I stayed when I was young, and I wish they had lived a bit longer since they were instrumental in helping me accomplish my goals.

What is the first thing you look for when you meet a man ?

He should know how to honor his word.

Which historical character would you like to have been?

I like Ninoy Aquino. I am from Tarlac. I have this impression that he really loved his country and that he underwent the ultimate sacrifice just to awaken our minds and thereby ignited our cry for freedom.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

Sunday dinners with my family when my grandparents and brother, who had aneurysm, were still alive.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

People living harmoniously.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

When people have to inflict harm on others just so they can survive.

What is your favorite occupation?

I like working with children who have disabilities; conversations with friends and family.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Honor.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

She has to have her own aspirations and be independent.

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E-mail babycamp2@yahoo.co.uk.