Children with disabilities typically miss out on regular benefits and projects due to environmental challenges, which are exacerbated by poverty, according to Save the Children.
The group stated that among the issues faced by children with disabilities are accessing societal services, bullying, discrimination even within their own homes, or overprotection from their families that restricts their social interactions and hinders their development.
An initiative funded by the European Union and Save the Children aimed to change the circumstances faced by children with disabilities through Project Scope.
In this endeavor, they empowered those in the disability sector, including children with disabilities, to voice their grievances and desires from the government and their community.
The project also pushed for enhancing the capacities of local government units to implement programs that would assist individuals with disabilities.
"Existing disability laws and policies are not fully implemented and do not adequately meet the specific needs of persons and children with disabilities. Local Government Units (LGUs) have incomplete data and lack the capacity to implement legal mandates and effectively facilitate access to inclusive social services. Persons with disabilities and their caregivers; parents, organizations, and local Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) are not informed about relevant policies and benefits available to them and are often not represented in special local bodies," stated Save the Children.
The project targeted children with disabilities and their parents and caregivers in the cities of Taguig and Parañaque and in the municipality of Pateros. The beneficiaries included 19,274 persons with disabilities (PWDs), including children from impoverished communities.
"Through Project SCOPE, I learned to become more confident. Now, I am not shy to speak up among my peers. I am also able to share my opinions and listen to others in activities like consultations [with the] government," said Aimylyn, a 16-year-old member of the partner organization Parañaque Dream Chasers.
As a result of Project SCOPE, complaints related to bullying and discrimination were filed in the city of Taguig.
(Photos by Save the Children)
