After completing her undergraduate studies at Bates College, she pursued her law degree at Harvard, where her experiences navigating a world that wasn’t designed for people with disabilities inspired her to advocate for greater accessibility and inclusion. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to promote human rights for individuals with disabilities through her public speaking, writing, and consulting. In 2015, she was awarded the White House Champion of Change for her work with the disability community.

My Insights and Discoveries of Haben Girma as he transformed her challenges into opportunities for advocacy and change. Her work transcends personal experience; she emphasizes the importance of accessibility and inclusion for everyone. Through her talks and workshops, she highlights how society often overlooks the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals with disabilities. One of the key takeaways from her advocacy is the message that it’s not the disability that holds individuals back but rather the barriers imposed by society—both physical and attitudinal. Girma's story exemplifies the idea of resilience and determination. She is a role model for many, showcasing that with the right support and mindset, people with disabilities can achieve significant milestones and lead impactful lives.

Haben aims to reshape societal views of disability and encourages a world that embraces differences, highlighting the innovations and perspectives that individuals like her can bring to various fields—including law, technology, and education.

DLS-CSB B.A. Applied Deaf Studies 2009

2015 DLSAA Lasallian Achievement Awardee

Deaf Education - "for her inspiring international achievements as a Deaf student, and for sharing her knowledge to the country's Deaf communities, amplifying the need to improve on existing means of communication through education"

Arce is the youngest recipient of the Lasallian Achievement award and has made strides in her career to become an internationally recognized expert in her field. She was the first Filipino to be awarded the World Deaf Leadership Scholarship at the Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. in 2012. This institute is the world leader in liberal education and career development for students who are Deaf and hearing impaired. It was here that Arce built her educational foundations and graduated with a master's degree in Deaf Studies with a concentration in Cultural Studies. She quickly went on to apply her knowledge and expertise in the professional world. Driven by her desire to help those in need, Arce is presently teaching Deaf undergraduate students. Using her specialized bilingual method, Arce seeks to empower hearing impaired individuals who face the challenge of acquiring basic literacy skills early on in their lives. She strives to help them develop their reading and writing abilities in order to prepare them for college and beyond. Moreover, Arce aims to educate parents of Deaf children and special education teachers in the use of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as part of her holistic approach to Deaf awareness. The impact Arce has made in the lives of her students is immeasurable and will benefit them for decades to come.

My Insights and Discoveries is that Ana Kristina Arce's achievements are particularly noteworthy because she is the youngest recipient of the Lasallian Achievement Award. This recognition highlights her dedication and impact on the deaf community.  Her success in receiving the World Deaf Leadership Scholarship at Gallaudet University, a prestigious institution for deaf education, further underscores her commitment and expertise in the field.  Her work amplifying the need to improve communication for deaf communities through education showcases her leadership and advocacy.  It's inspiring to see her overcome challenges and become an internationally recognized expert.

• I feel inspired by David's resilience and his ability to turn a negative label into a source of strength and purpose. His story evokes empathy and admiration for his journey.

Learnings:

• I learned that even the most difficult beginnings can lead to remarkable achievements. David's story highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the power of transforming adversity into advocacy.

• I also learned the profound impact of perspective. What others see as a flaw can become a unique strength when embraced and redefined.

Discoveries:

• I discovered a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the importance of creating inclusive environments.

• I realized that true beauty lies not in physical appearance but in the strength of character and the ability to make a positive impact on the world.

DAKMAT'S MEMBERS:

HANNAH MAE PORFECIO

AIRENE CANE

MARK BUNOAN

ANALEAH HERMOSO

NADINE DIZON

JULLIANE LABISIS