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BANATE, MARIEL P.

1-8 (A) BEED

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Carmel Therese Lauron

BEED 1-8A

"The success story of a person with special needs"

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Charell Salumbides Story | PWD No Excuses sa Pagtupad ng Pangarap kay I-FERN

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Women Who Inspire Us “Helen Keller”

Rogemae G. Bazar

BEED 1-8(A)

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Over the course of her lifetime, she wrote hundreds of essays and speeches, as well as 14 books. She published her autobiography, The Story of My Life, when she was 22 years old. The book was adapted first as a play and then as a film, entitled The Miracle Worker.

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Many know the incredible story of Helen Keller's childhood, but her legacy of activism and philanthropy in adulthood is also inspirational.

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KADUSALE, LEA MARIE Q.

BEED 1-8(A)

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Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development | Building Futures Since 1983

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With P CAFPD support, Carla Dela Cruz graduated from college in 2011. Read her story to see how your contributions made a difference in her life. You deserve to be as proud of Carla as we are!

The Early Years

Against all odds, Carla Dela Cruz has built a good life. Significantly handicapped in her lower body from birth, Carla has never been able to walk - in a country with few resources or accommodations for the disabled. Carla grew up in an exceedingly poor family of 11 children in a small rural town on the remote island province of Catanduanes. Her parents had only occasional employment as farm and other rural labor. Prospects for her future were bleak.

Nonetheless, Carla was determined to flourish.

As a small child, she made the daily journey alone along the village trail to the elementary school. As she describes, "I literally crawled for my education. I used a backpack for my stuff since I can't use a sling bag. When available, I put slippers on my hands and shoes on my feet." To this day, she has calluses and scars on her palms and feet from the ordeal. Undeterred, Carla studied with all her might and was consistently an honors student.

Carla was unable to continue on to the local high school two-and-a-half kilometers from her home because, as she explains, "I had no wheelchair to use and my siblings were not willing to bring me back and forth to school. After I graduated from elementary, my parents had no plans for me."

Fortunately for Carla, her older brother offered to bring her to Quezon City to continue her studies. At the age of 13, Carla moved to Metro Manila to live in a dormitory and attend high school at the National Orthopedic Hospital - School for Crippled Children. "At my young age it was difficult for me to be away from my family, to live in a strange place where I didn't know anybody."

Even in an institution for "crippled children," Carla encountered difficulties and limitations of accessibility in her crowded dorm and school compound. "I had to do everything for myself such as washing clothes, ironing uniforms, budgeting money and making decisions." While the school might seem grim and depressing to some, for Carla this was a turning point in her life. She began to blossom in high school and was consistently on the Dean's List. It was also here that she received her first wheelchair, a donation from the founder of the school dormitory.

Carla dared to dream bigger dreams for herself and her future. In grade 10, she applied for the highly competitive Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Carla was awarded a full scholarship to be an exchange student and "youth ambassador" for a year in the U.S. While attending high school and living with a host family in Maryland, Carla learned about the Americans with Disabilities Act and first connected to others in the disability rights community. That's also when she met Carol Radomski, now PCAFPD president, who suggested that Carla apply for a PCAFPD scholarship to pursue her dream of a college education. After returning to the Philippines to finish high school, Carla mailed in her scholarship application. And when she heard that she had been selected to be a PCAFPD scholar, she was elated. "It felt like winning the lottery!"
The College Years - Continued Challenges, the Emergence of a Leader
Carla had a daily, four kilometer wheelchair journey to her college from the dorm. Public transit in the Philippines is generally inaccessible to people in wheelchairs. "Every day, as I rolled my wheelchair I knew I was in a dangerous situation, especially in crossing the road crowded with cars, or rolling my wheelchair against the direction of the traffic." Even simple daily activities, such as holding an umbrella, presented a challenge for Carla as she navigated the city streets in her manual wheelchair during the long, heavy rainy season.

Carla's dorm was located near Commonwealth Elementary School, and she got to know some of the special education "SPED" children making their daily trips through the neighborhood to that school. This connection reinforced Carla's desire to teach children who had acute challenges just like her. Indeed, she decided she wanted to teach one day at that very school.

During this time, Carla began taking on leadership roles for advocacy. She volunteered with the Leonard Cheshire Disability Young Voices program, and in 2008 she was selected to travel to Ethiopia as a Philippines representative to the U.N. Young Peoples Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Through this experience, Carla discovered her own gifts as a spokesperson for those with disabilities, gifts which she continues to use in the Philippines.

Carla's focus, hard work, and positive attitude pulled her through to her goals. She graduated with honors from Trinity University of Asia in March 2011 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a major in Special Education. Six months later, she passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Even then, Carla was discounted by some of her colleagues. They were incredulous that she had passed the licensure exam on her first try since only 20 percent accomplish that feat. "Discrimination and low expectations from others are always a part of my life."
A Career and The Dreams Live on!
When Carla received her first teaching assignment, she was delighted to learn that she would be working with SPED students at Commonwealth Elementary School. The job, which she still holds, carries its own challenges. Carla has a classroom of 20 pupils, 7 to 14 years of age, with disabilities ranging from "intellectual disability" (ID), Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, to autism. Her role is to prepare them for success in their various grade level classes. She feels a keen empathy for her students, knowing the wrenching difficulties they have to face in everyday life.

Today, just as Carla dreamed, she is able to help her family have a better life as well. "People

helped me get an education so now I am able to help two other siblings go to college. I promised PCAFPD that I would, in turn, lift up my family once I finished my studies."

With the help of the Foundation, Carla returned to school in 2014 to pursue a master's degree in special education. Still carrying a full teaching load during the week, Carla spends her evenings and weekends studying for her graduate degree, which she hopes will better prepare her to be a leader in her chosen field of special education.

And Carla has more dreams for her unfolding life. As always, her aspirations are close to home - to continue to help people with disabilities in her community. When asked how her life would have been different without the scholarship she simply responded, 't imagine my life without PCAFPD

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Carla's Story | Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development

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With PCAFPD support, Carla Dela Cruz graduated from college in 2011. Read her story to see how your contributions made a difference in her life. You deserve to be as proud of Carla as we are! The Early Years Against all odds, Carla Dela Cruz has built a good life.

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ROSALES, LYCA

BEEd 1- 8A

Success Story: Mathieu

https://www.ldatschool.ca/success-story-mathieu/

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Add to favorites

Click here for Mathieu's video transcript in English
Please note this video is only available in French. You may enable English closed captioning by clicking on the CC located at the bottom right of the video player. What was it like when Mathieu was first diagnosed with a learning disability?
MATHIEU: In grade 2, it was Miss Lyne (the therapist) who told me. I was a little shy. Since I've known, it has helped me better understand how I learn.

He found out in grade 2. I asked a consultant to help me with the process. I was realizing that he was aware that he was different than the other students. I didn't know how to explain it to him without hurting his feelings or lowering his self-esteem. Following meetings with interveners, he reacted well. He finally understood that it was not his fault. It was because of his learning disability. He is aware he learns in a different manner, but that everything is possible. We created a video and presented it to the 3 rd grade class (at the beginning of the school year). It was a success. We have known since he was very young and we started meeting with a speech therapist since he turned 3 years old.

TEACHER: Mathieu has been aware of his challenges since preschool. Last year, at the end of grade two, he created a video with the help of his parents to explain to his classmates his learning disability. However, he was not yet ready to present it. This year, in grade 3, he wanted to show his short video to his classmates. As a teacher, I facilitated a discussion about everyone's differences leading to the introduction of Mathieu's video. Following the video, the students asked Mathieu questions. He shared the difficulties he experienced in various areas. Mathieu's mother explained what dyspraxia is.

We often discuss our differences in the classroom and emphasize the inclusion of everyone, with or without learning difficulties or learning disabilities, in a healthy and positive manner.
What are Mathieu's strengths?
MATHIEU: I am good in math and social studies. I like to play hockey and play catch with my friends and neighbours. I think I am very nice with my friends and that I am determined.

MOTHER: Mathieu is very determined and applies himself well. He has a good sense of humour. He knows that I'm always there for him and that helps him feel safe.

TEACHER: Mathieu is a student who is always attentive in the classroom and who wants to succeed. He is proud when he accomplishes a task or answers a question on his own. He is very friendly toward his peers and respects the rules in the classroom. He loves mathematics, social studies and science.
What are Mathieu's needs?
MATHIEU: I need help with French, in reading and writing. It is difficult because I try to say a word and the wrong word comes out.

MOTHER: He needs help with writing and reading. He has a tablet with software that helps him. It is easier for him to complete a task when the teacher provides short directions. Visual supports and graphic organizers help him a lot with organizational skills and understanding new concepts; these are strategies that help him process information better.

We are always afraid that he is not at the same level as his peers, that children will laugh at him because of his learning disability (speech, language, reading). We are afraid that one day we will no longer receive the help and support we get from his school and how it will interfere with his future academic success...so that one day he can find a job and have a nice future!

TEACHER: Due to his dyspraxia, it is difficult for Mathieu to organize his ideas in his mind and to verbalize them correctly. He often needs to take his time because the first answer he gives is rarely the correct answer, although he knows the right one. With the help of questions, he can come up with the correct answer and better express what he intended to say.

Regarding his writing, Mathieu uses assistive technology to help him organize his ideas and write complete and coherent sentences by spelling words without missing the syllables.

Reading remains a challenge for him. His comprehension is better when he reads in his mind but we have to guide him with questions. Kurzweil helps him understand texts and assists him with reading.
What strategies did you learn to succeed at school? How did educators help you learn these strategies?
MATHIEU: I sound out words. I refer to a word wall. I reread words that are difficult and WORD Q helps me out a lot. My teachers taught these tricks to all of my classmates.
What is the impact of having a family member with a learning disability?
MOTHER: It requires a lot of work and patience. It is very important to be accepting of the situation. Certain moments were difficult because I had to, and still do, give him more time to do several tasks. This situation often led to his brother misunderstanding and feeling jealous. We have experienced several moments of frustration and hopelessness while he tried to say a word or explain something to us that we could not understand. We worried when he began school because it was very difficult to understand him when he spoke. He was not able to complete a sentence with three words. We are very proud of his progress (his friends accept him the way he is). We are very appreciative of the support we've received from the staff at Renaissance School.
What should educators know?
MATHIEU: Teachers need to explain difficult words so I can better understand.

MOTHER: The most important things a teacher must know, to help a student with a learning disability in the classroom, are:

Respect and understand their limits.

Good communication between parents and teachers.

Motivate and reinforce the student.

Set realistic goals for the student.

Have confidence in the student and encourage them to take risks. Demonstrate through gestures and motivating words that they are just as capable as others.

TEACHER: The most important things a teacher must know, to help a student with learning disabilities to succeed in the classroom, are:

Never hesitate to ask parents and staff questions to better understand the child, know their needs, and learn strategies that work well.

Acknowledge and celebrate small accomplishments and the student's progress.

Ask for help when searching for best practices.

Familiarize yourself with various types of assistive technology.

Collaborate with parents, special education resource teachers, and other team members at your school.

Can you provide an example of a success Mathieu experienced in the classroom?
TEACHER: I shared my classroom experience with my colleague, who had a grade 6 student with a learning disability and ADHD do a presentation in her classroom with the support of the special education resource teachers. This was also a success!
Click here to access the users 'guide for this success story.

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Click here for Mathieu's video transcript in English Please note this video is only available in French. You may enable English closed captioning by clicking on the CC located at the bottom right of the video player. What was it like when Mathieu was first diagnosed with a learning disability?

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ARMAMENTO, JEAN

BEED 1-8A

THE WOMAN WHO WENT DIVING IN HER WHEELCHAIR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QILFwbsPx4&t=4s

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The Woman Who Went Diving In Her Wheelchair

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The success story of a teacher with a Downsyndrome.

-Cuesta, Jelaine B. 1-8A

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Here's a dose of good vibes for the start of the week and a new month: An inspiring post has been making the rounds on Facebook, just in time for graduation season. But this post is extra touching because its message also coincided with Down Syndrome Consciousness Month.

Brina Maxino, a 21-year-old AB History graduate and current assistant teacher, shares how despite having Down Syndrome, she has been able to graduate with a college degree and several special skills courses, while also serving as a Special Olympics Youth Ambassador.

Goes to show that challenges should never deter us from achieving our goals.

And in the spirit of Down Syndrome Consciousness Month last February, Maxino also calls others to respect persons with disabilities (PWDs). "Please do not call us names like mongoloid, idiot, moron, stupid, or retarded," Maxino writes. "It hurts us. Please be kind to us. Our disability does not mean inability. We can be useful members of society."

According to the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, one in 800 Filipino children has Down Syndrome. MIMS Today also notes that there are about 1,875 new cases of Down Syndrome reported every year, with more than 100,000 families living with a person diagnosed with this disability.

Although Down Syndrome is a common disability in the country, it seems many still don't recognize that people with this disability can still live normal lives, especially if given proper education and therapy.

Hopefully, Maxino's example will get the word out.
Photos courtesy of Brina Maxino's Facebook post Support PWDs with every tote bag you buy Children with disabilities deserve good food, too Why education-in a good environment-is the solution to poverty Read more from Pauline Miranda: I tried making "boy bait" cake for Valentine's Eat your way through Chinatown for P500 or less Unique takes on sinigang we want Liza Soberano to try How tech powered Plet Bolipata's installation at Art Fair Thinking of going zero-waste? You're not alone
Writer: PAULINE MIRANDA

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This teacher with Down syndrome's achievements prove "disability does not mean inability"

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Here's a dose of good vibes for the start of the week and a new month: An inspiring post has been making the rounds on Facebook, just in time for graduation season. But this post is extra touching because its message also coincided with Down Syndrome Consciousness Month.

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Mary Faith O. Cordeta BEED 1-8(A)

PWD No Excuses sa Pagtupad ng Pangarap

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Charell Salumbides Story | PWD No Excuses sa Pagtupad ng Pangarap kay I-FERN

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LOMOSCO, MERIAN

BEED 1-8A

Charell Salumbides Story PWD No Excuses sa Pagtupad ng Pangarap kay I FERN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmJTiDjSh14

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Charell Salumbides Story PWD No Excuses sa Pagtupad ng Pangarap kay I FERN

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Nick Vujicic’s inspiring story of overcoming disability | PDF

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Alicaway, Kyara P. BEED 1-8(A)
"Nick Vujicic's inspiring story"

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Nick Vujicic’s inspiring story of overcoming disability | PDF

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Scribd is the world’s largest social reading and publishing site.

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Cruzpero, Jasmin, F. BEED 1-8A

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Jessica is best known for becoming the first armless pilot in aviation history. Her achievement earned her a Guinness World Record medal, invitations from six continents, and featured on tv programs like Ellen, Inside Edition, Fox and Friends, Oprah Winfrey Network, CNN, CBS Evening News, and the BBC.

I believe in...

A future where people passionately pursue their dreams with the resilience to overcome any challenge.

Described as a speaker "no one will ever forget," I show audiences around the globe how to inspire enthusiasm and build authentic confidence. With the goal of showing people how to go home from work every day feeling excited for tomorrow, I teach how to courageously tackle new challenges with creativity and unrelenting drive.

Since I was born without arms, I became fascinated by the limitless ways the human body can adjust to a variety of circumstances. I utilized dormant physical traits to adapt and use my feet the way people use their hands. As I learned to conquer physical barriers, I developed mental skills that allowed me to go on to achieve the seemingly impossible in my own, unique way.

-Jessica

Read Jessica's Story

Rightfooted Foundation International

Mentor, educate, advocate and inspire.

Speaking Services

Get ready to turn your "I Can't" into "I Can!" and "I Will!"

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About Jessica Cox | Motivational Guest Speaker

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Seeking an energetic motivational guest speaker who has overcome adversity with the charisma to inspire, lift up, and educate your audience? Book Jessica Cox now: 520-505-1359.

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The success story of Jessica Cox: The first ever Armless Licensed Pilot

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SUMALINOG, VELICCA P.
BEEd 1-8(A)

"DISABILITY IS NOT A HINDRANCE TO SUCCESS."
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.leaderbiography.com/the-success-story-of-jessica-cox/

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The success story of Jessica Cox: The first ever Armless Licensed Pilot

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Born without arms, Jessica Cox defied the odds to become the world's first armless licensed pilot in history. Through the years she mastered the art of swimmi

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ESCABAS, JEAN

BEED 1-8A

HELEN KELLER

https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/women-who-inspire-us-helen-keller#:~:text=Keller%20went%20on%20to%20graduate,she%20was%2022%20years%20old.

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Over the course of her lifetime, she wrote hundreds of essays and speeches, as well as 14 books. She published her autobiography, The Story of My Life, when she was 22 years old. The book was adapted first as a play and then as a film, entitled The Miracle Worker.

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Many know the incredible story of Helen Keller's childhood, but her legacy of activism and philanthropy in adulthood is also inspirational.

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Christine Maloloy-on BEED 1-8 (A)

Autism Success Story--Leo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhvP_1DhMtw

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Arnado, Lyca

BEEd 1-8(A)

Inspiring man born without arms or legs - Nick Vujicic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJnJ_fTYofQ

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Inspiring man born without arms or legs - Nick Vujicic | 60 Minutes Australia

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OSUA, SHELLA MAE R.

BEED 1-8A

Nick Vujicic - Attitude Is Altitude and Life Without Limbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Kj3BfHQuI

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Nick Vujicic - Attitude Is Altitude.com and Life Without Limbs.org

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Montero, Sydell Mae

BEED/ 1-8(A)

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A PWID’s success story: Angelo Jardeleza in his workplace

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Angelo Jardeleza works twice a week and earns a decent living despite being diagnosed with autism during his childhood. This is his story.

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ABENDAN, MARIBEL

BEED 1-8A

Heart of a Champion: The Unbelievable Story of Kyle Maynard

https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/153858-heart-of-a-champion-the-unbelievable-story-of-kyle-maynard.amp.html

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Escultor , Caren D.

Beed 1-8A

“no fears, no excuses, no limits, lead to no impossible in life”

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Without Limbs He Conquered the Impossible | Kyle Maynard | Goalcast

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Cañaveral, Anna Katrina U. , BEED1-8(A)

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IN BRIEF: In this post we dissect the life and struggles of the present day Genius Professor Stephen Hawking. We look at this early life, pre and post ALS, his family, and his understanding of life and the universe.

Early life

Stephen Hawking was born on 8 Jan 1942, which was the 300th death anniversary of Galileo. Though he was born to a well-educated parents, the time he was born was quite difficult as his parents did not have money back then and also the Second World War was making livelihoods rather challenging, in search of a safer place his family returned to Oxford, Stephen had three siblings and therefore the family had scarcity of money.

His early school life was not outstanding, he was third from the bottom in his class but he enjoyed board games and like geniuses do, he with his friends created their own board games, he also made computers out of waste part to solve mathematical equations not only this, he loved to climb, dance and rowing.

He loved mathematics but as Oxford did not have the degree he had to take up Physics and later went in specifics of it, Cosmology.

Where he believes he was not able to spend time on studies and was paying much attention to school on the other hand he was exploring science.

Disability Is In The Mind

He was 21 years old when he was diagnosed with ALS, it all started in Oxford when he began to notice that he would trip and fall or slur his speech, till 1963 he ignored it but it was his father who took notice of this condition and took him to the doctor. A series of tests diagnosed that its Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is when the nerves that control muscles were failing. He was told that he wouldn't survive more than two years.

When everyone had lost hope then Stephen had a dream that he was going to be executed and he believes this disease helped him to become the scientist he is today, as he says " Before my condition was diagnosed, I had been very bored with life, there had not seemed to be anything worth doing." With the sudden realisation that he might not even live long enough to earn his PhD, Hawking dedicated all his energies to his work and research. In one of his interviews he also mentioned - " My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus. "

The Journey

It all began with his research on Black holes, to his first major publication The Grand Design -Hawking set out to challenge Sir Isaac Newton's belief that the universe had to have been designed by God, simply because it could not have been born from chaos. " It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the universe going " and till today he is in headlines for his new theories and work.

Lesson For Us

He did not recover from his disease and it made him physically weak in time, but what kept him going was his willingness to work from the mind as he says " Although I cannot move and I have to speak through a computer, in my mind I am free."

He didn't close his mind when his body failed and today at the age of 73 while he was just given hardly anytime he proved that it's about the will to live and readiness to accept challenges. Death has to come but the life which we have between birth and death is up to us and it's our will how we want to live. As he says - "I'm not afraid of death, but I'm in no hurry to die." (Stephen Hawking)
"Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. If you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don't throw it away." (Stephen Hawking)
When a man who can't move, or talk, can make wonders and also lead a normal family life with kids, then why do some of us lose hope and accept failures? Is it right to flow in the river of sadness when the grave is not the goal?
Stephen Hawking Biography. (n.d.). Retrieved from Bio Stephen Hawking>Quotes. (n.d.). Retrieved from Goodreads Just last year, a biopic was released on the life of Stephen Hawking. Watch the trailer below.
References

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IN BRIEF: In this post we dissect the life and struggles of the present day Genius Professor Stephen Hawking. We look at this early life, pre and post ALS, his family, and his understanding of life and the universe. Early life Stephen Hawking was born on 8 Jan 1942, which was the 300th death anniversary of Galileo.

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ARNOZA, SHEENA JESA

BEED 1-8A

How this PWD in Zamboanga sets his sights high

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050467

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How this PWD in Zamboanga sets his sights high

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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Teddy Kahil is totally blind. As he turned 46 this year, however, his accomplishments are near-extraordinary for a man of his condition, and he even continues to strive to do more for himself and his fellow persons with disability (PWDs).For starters, Kahil received the…

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Finding Where You Belong: A Story of Disability and Education | Joss Perring | TEDxBrighton

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Suan, Hezil Mae R. BEED 1-8(A)
" WHERE YOU BELONG"

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Finding Where You Belong: A Story of Disability and Education | Joss Perring | TEDxBrighton

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OMILIG, AILENE I.

BEED 1-8A

"Carla's Story"

https://rpcvphilippines.org/graduates/carlas-story/

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Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development | Building Futures Since 1983

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With P CAFPD support, Carla Dela Cruz graduated from college in 2011. Read her story to see how your contributions made a difference in her life. You deserve to be as proud of Carla as we are!

The Early Years

Against all odds, Carla Dela Cruz has built a good life. Significantly handicapped in her lower body from birth, Carla has never been able to walk - in a country with few resources or accommodations for the disabled. Carla grew up in an exceedingly poor family of 11 children in a small rural town on the remote island province of Catanduanes. Her parents had only occasional employment as farm and other rural labor. Prospects for her future were bleak.

Nonetheless, Carla was determined to flourish.

As a small child, she made the daily journey alone along the village trail to the elementary school. As she describes, "I literally crawled for my education. I used a backpack for my stuff since I can't use a sling bag. When available, I put slippers on my hands and shoes on my feet." To this day, she has calluses and scars on her palms and feet from the ordeal. Undeterred, Carla studied with all her might and was consistently an honors student.

Carla was unable to continue on to the local high school two-and-a-half kilometers from her home because, as she explains, "I had no wheelchair to use and my siblings were not willing to bring me back and forth to school. After I graduated from elementary, my parents had no plans for me."

Fortunately for Carla, her older brother offered to bring her to Quezon City to continue her studies. At the age of 13, Carla moved to Metro Manila to live in a dormitory and attend high school at the National Orthopedic Hospital - School for Crippled Children. "At my young age it was difficult for me to be away from my family, to live in a strange place where I didn't know anybody."

Even in an institution for "crippled children," Carla encountered difficulties and limitations of accessibility in her crowded dorm and school compound. "I had to do everything for myself such as washing clothes, ironing uniforms, budgeting money and making decisions." While the school might seem grim and depressing to some, for Carla this was a turning point in her life. She began to blossom in high school and was consistently on the Dean's List. It was also here that she received her first wheelchair, a donation from the founder of the school dormitory.

Carla dared to dream bigger dreams for herself and her future. In grade 10, she applied for the highly competitive Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Carla was awarded a full scholarship to be an exchange student and "youth ambassador" for a year in the U.S. While attending high school and living with a host family in Maryland, Carla learned about the Americans with Disabilities Act and first connected to others in the disability rights community. That's also when she met Carol Radomski, now PCAFPD president, who suggested that Carla apply for a PCAFPD scholarship to pursue her dream of a college education. After returning to the Philippines to finish high school, Carla mailed in her scholarship application. And when she heard that she had been selected to be a PCAFPD scholar, she was elated. "It felt like winning the lottery!"
The College Years - Continued Challenges, the Emergence of a Leader
Carla had a daily, four kilometer wheelchair journey to her college from the dorm. Public transit in the Philippines is generally inaccessible to people in wheelchairs. "Every day, as I rolled my wheelchair I knew I was in a dangerous situation, especially in crossing the road crowded with cars, or rolling my wheelchair against the direction of the traffic." Even simple daily activities, such as holding an umbrella, presented a challenge for Carla as she navigated the city streets in her manual wheelchair during the long, heavy rainy season.

Carla's dorm was located near Commonwealth Elementary School, and she got to know some of the special education "SPED" children making their daily trips through the neighborhood to that school. This connection reinforced Carla's desire to teach children who had acute challenges just like her. Indeed, she decided she wanted to teach one day at that very school.

During this time, Carla began taking on leadership roles for advocacy. She volunteered with the Leonard Cheshire Disability Young Voices program, and in 2008 she was selected to travel to Ethiopia as a Philippines representative to the U.N. Young Peoples Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Through this experience, Carla discovered her own gifts as a spokesperson for those with disabilities, gifts which she continues to use in the Philippines.

Carla's focus, hard work, and positive attitude pulled her through to her goals. She graduated with honors from Trinity University of Asia in March 2011 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a major in Special Education. Six months later, she passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Even then, Carla was discounted by some of her colleagues. They were incredulous that she had passed the licensure exam on her first try since only 20 percent accomplish that feat. "Discrimination and low expectations from others are always a part of my life."
A Career and The Dreams Live on!
When Carla received her first teaching assignment, she was delighted to learn that she would be working with SPED students at Commonwealth Elementary School. The job, which she still holds, carries its own challenges. Carla has a classroom of 20 pupils, 7 to 14 years of age, with disabilities ranging from "intellectual disability" (ID), Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, to autism. Her role is to prepare them for success in their various grade level classes. She feels a keen empathy for her students, knowing the wrenching difficulties they have to face in everyday life.

Today, just as Carla dreamed, she is able to help her family have a better life as well. "People

helped me get an education so now I am able to help two other siblings go to college. I promised PCAFPD that I would, in turn, lift up my family once I finished my studies."

With the help of the Foundation, Carla returned to school in 2014 to pursue a master's degree in special education. Still carrying a full teaching load during the week, Carla spends her evenings and weekends studying for her graduate degree, which she hopes will better prepare her to be a leader in her chosen field of special education.

And Carla has more dreams for her unfolding life. As always, her aspirations are close to home - to continue to help people with disabilities in her community. When asked how her life would have been different without the scholarship she simply responded, 't imagine my life without PCAFPD

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Carla's Story | Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development

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With PCAFPD support, Carla Dela Cruz graduated from college in 2011. Read her story to see how your contributions made a difference in her life. You deserve to be as proud of Carla as we are! The Early Years Against all odds, Carla Dela Cruz has built a good life.

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Dumoran, Briessis B. BEED 1-8(A)

"How a 13 year old changed 'impossible' to 'I'm Possible'. "

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Sparsh Shah wants to show people how they can transcend every difficulty that comes their way in life and how they can start a chain reaction to be a guide for other people who want to turn their life around as well.