2018 National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week

26 July 2018

Actually, the NDPR week was originally scheduled for July 17-23.  Unfortunately, the Philippines was beseiged by typhoons and strong southwest monsoon rains which led to the suspension of classes during most of this week.

They were only able to do their Arts and Crafts activity on Thursday and the rest of the activities were scheduled today.  Dylan spent the past couple of days practicing with his other SPED schoolmates for a dance routine they were scheduled to perform for everyone. :)

The NDPR week is meant to spread awareness about the different disabilities, like Autism, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability among others and to help people understand that "We are Different, But Not Less".








Thanks to Mommy Hati, Dylan's classroom and hallway were well-decorated for the occasion.  Too bad that by the time we actually were able to come to class some of these decorations were picked off by passers by hehe

Anyway, for Arts and Crafts day, the two Autism classes were held jointly but only a few students were able to come, maybe some fearing that despite the Local Government not suspending classes, rains will fall and it will be trouble getting back home.  

Still, the kids accomplished their work and I only just discovered that their artworks were to be judged by other SPED teachers and those who were deemed best will receive awards for their efforts :)  

Today, the activities included the Mr. and Miss NDPR 2018 and the SPED Got Talent contest.  Dylan was assigned to be Solenn's escort haha  He should be wearing something else but since he was also expected to participate in the dance for the SPED group, he would have no time to change into his dance wear :)

Everybody paraded within the school.  I think they were originally meant to go around the school, like outside, but since it was still a bit downcast and there was a bit of a drizzle, the organizers just cancelled that idea.

Everyone was really in high spirits because for most of us this was the first time we got to walk around the other hallways of the school haha

When it was time to go to the gym/social hall, the participants for the Mr and Miss NDPR 2018 were separated from their groups to stay in a waiting area so that they can walk to the event hall together.

Then it was Dylan's and Solenn's turn to walk the runway so to speak :)  I guess Teacher Ressie picked Dylan for Solenn's escort because Solenn feels comfortable with him and listens to him :)  

Following this segment, it was time for Dylan and the other select SPED participants to get ready to perform their dance number.  Dylan was the only one from his class to join so he was by himself when they were practicing.  I fully appreciated how the bigger kids were taking care of him and making him feel welcome when he was with them.  :)

After a lot of other performances, both individual and group, we were surprised at the awarding and when Augustine's and Dylan's names were called.  They apparently won 2nd and First place, respectively, for their Arts and Crafts project!

Then, Dylan was also called again to receive his Certificate of Recognition for his role as an Escort in the Mr. and Miss NDPR 2018 activity.

Oh and I almost forgot!  The kids also participated in the SPED Got Talent!  They performed a Gummi Bear dance number! :)  They only had one day to practice on the stage but since they usually dance to this song in the classroom, it was cool :)

Today's activity ended up being a long but fun-filled day and I'm so proud of Dylan and all his classmates who were able to withstand the long hours and nobody went into apocalyptic tantrums throughout.  It showed they've improved since last year and that's a feat, in itself :)  Thank you Teacher Ressie for always believing in your kids!! :)