14 young deaf  trainees of DSWD-7 join summit

CEBU, Philippines —  More than a hundred grade 10–12 deaf students in the entire Philippines have participated in the Young Deaf Summit 2022, organized by deaf leader-advocates.

At least 14 of them are active trainees of the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7.

The two-day conference included a series of discussions and experiential sharing that helped equip the deaf with practical skills they can use to prepare for the uncertainties that will arise after the pandemic lockdowns.

The lockdown and community quarantines, according to DSWD-7 in a statement, have affected the social and emotional well-being of many individuals, including persons with disabilities (PWDs).

DSWD-7 said that the active trainees from AVRC II gained valuable insights, particularly on career preparation and reaching their goals despite uncertainties.

The activity carried the theme, "Planning a Positive Post-Pandemic Future", and it was in partnership with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (DLS-CSB SDEAS).

Since 2019, the AVRC II and the DLS-CSB SDEAS have been partners in the promotion of the rights and welfare of the deaf.

The AVRC II is a DSWD vocational center that offers courses in commercial arts and crafts, massage therapy, dress and apparel technology, commercial cooking, consumer electronics, housekeeping, furniture and cabinet making, computer technology, and basic cosmetology.

Other services available at the center includes social adjustment, psychological and vocational guidance, vocational placement, medical and dental services, prosthesis services, in-house physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. — GMR (FREEMAN)