INTRODUCTION:

If we believe that nothing can be achieve without power, it is even more necessary for us to understand that power, which is effective and sustainable, must be knowledge-base and such knowledge base power is basically driven by the ability to access information and communication. For several years the term ‘’Information Communication and Technology’’ (ICT) has become increasingly more information and communications. Therefore, the matter of access to information and communications is fundamentally inseparable from the matter of ICT accessibility.

People with Disabilities, as a diverse group of people with various characteristics, problems, needs and capacity levels, also have to live with ICT whether we like it or not. Therefore, in the process of determining how PERSON WITH DISABILITIES could achieve the goal of full participation as productive members of the Society, The matter of ICT Accessibility, in terms of Policies and practices, could not and should not be ignored. And this presentation is, perhaps, another Attempt to call attention from those of us who are directly or involve with such practices. Whether they are best or even Acceptable practices will left to be judged by the audience here and PERSON WITH DISABILITIES in general as they are only examples of activities, programs and/or Initiatives which I happen on be involve directly and indirectly.

MAKING CHANGES FROM WITHIN:

Computer Technology has become familiar in our daily life. It seems that without computer technology we cannot live our life in this contemporary world. It is very useful in communication as well as in our daily work.

Persons with disabilities have also defined greatly from computer technologies, although they continue to face significant obstacles in accessing them. In accordance with the United Nations Economic and Social Council call for action towards an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for person with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, the Empowering of PWD in Information and Communication Technology was conceptualized by the joint effort of Rotary Club of Matina and Kakayahan ng may Kapansanan Foundation Inc., Mrs. Herminia Borromeo a spouse Rotary Club of Matina and Engr. Darlito Palermo. On February 2002. It started with the idea of Empowering Hearing Impaired, Visually Impaired and Orthopedic ally Handicapped to provide and develop the skills in Information Communication Technology.

The training program was formally organized and implemented on August 06, 2002 through the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the different participating Government and Non Government agencies: The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office XI herein represented by the Regional Director, the Honorable Lourdes M. Trasmonte herein referred to as DOLE; The Technical Skills Development Authority Regional Office XI herein represented by the Regional Director, Honorable Orlando Naag herein referred to as TESDA; The City Social Services Development Office herein represented by Ms. Marilyn Agonia, Officer -in-charge; The Rotary Club of Matina herein represented by Mr. Pablito Parilla and the Kakayahan Ng May Kapansanan Foundation Inc., herein represented by the President, Dra. Ma. Luisa Aportadera herein referred to as the KKFI.

ACCESSING ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY:

The Computer Training Center for PWD’s starts its operation last January 2003 at Lispher Inn Juna Ave Matina Davao City Philippines. When Engr. Darlito Palermo, Coordinator, arrived coming from Okinawa, Japan for Independent Living for Differently-Abled person. He stated that Japan has more number of PWD’s using computer technology in terms of employment, education, rehabilitation compared to our country like Philippines. This means more Japanese PWD’s are empowered while Filipinos with disabilities are still struggling for ICT benefits despite the richness of their human resource and demonstrated talents and capabilities. What is lacking is the opportunity for Filipinos talents to have access to accessible ICT. If we can only fight the problem of inadequate economic resources and high cost of technology then ICT development will be a good prospect for empowering PWD’s. Davao City, Philippines blessed to establish Computer training center for PWD’s and for the generous support and selfless service of various Government and Non government agency for the following Objective:

1. To provide and develop the skills in Computer and Communication Information Technology of PWD’s;

2. To help PWD’s live independently through Support Employment and Living Participation ( SELP ) activities;

3. To develop the full potentials of PWD’s and help them to become productive member of the society.

This Rotary Foundation Computer Training Center for PWD’s is the first training center in Mindanao and caters Hearing Impaired, Visually Impaired and Orthopedic ally Handicapped individuals.

Desktop courses offered are:

1) Basic Computer operation

2) Microsoft Office

3) Microsoft Word

4) Microsoft Excel

5) Microsoft PowerPoint

6) Organ Paper Design

· Calling Cards, Pamphlets, Brochure, Information Booklet poster, etc.

7) Basic Homepagel Design

· Creating Homepage, Graphic Design and Internet operation