A Bold Leap: Advocating for Neurodiversity in Philippine Higher Education
We are delighted to share with you the details of a groundbreaking meeting that sets the stage for a momentous event, "ADHD in Philippine Higher Education Forum". This meeting, a pivotal milestone in our journey towards inclusion, was orchestrated to champion the cause of neurodiversity in our higher education system. Here are the salient points of this promising gathering:
The Champions for Change
Our meeting brought together a diverse group of ardent advocates for neurodiversity:
Karl Patrick R. Mendoza, the convener of our forum, is a PhD Candidate at the University of Canterbury and Asst Professor at the UP Communication Research Department.
Amrei Dizon, Founder of Vitalstrats Creative Solutions, and our Vice-President at the ADHD Society of the Philippines.
Our esteemed President, Juan Carlo C. Saquin, a registered Occupational Therapist and Entrepreneur managing Angel Beats Play & Development Center.
Estesa Xaris Que-Legaspi, the Director of the Lasallian Center for Inclusion, Diversity, and Well-being, shares our vision of an inclusive society.
Why We Gather
"We cannot change what we're not aware of," asserts our President, Juan Carlo C. Saquin. This enlightening sentiment lies at the heart of our forum. Set to unfold on either the 21st or 28th of October 2023, our mission is to challenge ableist beliefs and initiate a robust discourse on ADHD in Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
The Crucial Need for Change
Our forum has emerged in response to a pressing need. Ableism is a pervasive issue within our academic sphere that urgently needs to be addressed. However, there's a notable lack of comprehensive data on how HEIs worldwide handle ADHD-related difficulties, which further underscores the importance of our forum.
Our Vision for Change
In a research study, it was revealed that only a fraction of Philippine higher education institutions have policies catering to the needs of neurodivergent individuals. This alarming gap fuels our primary objectives:
Raise awareness about ADHD among faculty, staff, and students of Philippine HEIs.
Offer an avenue for individuals with ADHD, their families, and allies to voice their experiences and insights.
Explore strategies to accommodate students with ADHD and foster collaborations among professionals, researchers, and advocates.
Our Call to Arms
Our target audience spans across faculty, staff, and students from Philippine HEIs, families, and allies who support individuals with ADHD in higher education. We firmly believe that by bringing diverse voices together, we can create more comprehensive solutions.
Charting the Course
Our forum will be a melting pot of ideas and experiences. With keynote speeches by experts, interactive panel discussions, and personal testimonies, participants can expect to gain profound insights into neurodiversity. Opportunities for networking will further enrich the experience.
Laying the Groundwork
Our forum isn't just a standalone event - it's the launchpad for the larger Philippine Neurodiversity Network (PNN) initiative. To build a solid foundation, we're conducting interviews and focus groups with individuals with ADHD, guidance offices, and experts prior to the forum. We're also inviting government representatives to facilitate future policymaking on neuro-inclusion.
To ensure fair representation across all sectors, a thorough pre-screening process for panelists was proposed, enabling the presentation of compelling, relatable case studies. Moreover, we aim to concentrate on nationwide outreach, inclusive of marginalized communities and other intersectionalities, while inviting international representatives to share their experiences.
In parallel, we're devising an effective communication strategy to engage decision-makers by highlighting the benefits of supporting our cause. We're also in the process of outlining a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) specific to this event and a long-term vision.
Creating a Supportive Ecosystem
Our Vice President, Amrei Dizon, shared, "Our vision also includes addressing the current shortage of psychologists and Occupational Therapists (OTs) that specialize in ADHD. We're calling for more accessible government services, improved working conditions, and incentives for professionals within this field to retain local talent."
To ensure smooth operations, Amrei proposed formalizing the organization's structure by forming committees, such as a program committee, liaison, ways and means, speakers bureau, etc. We've also identified the need for a secretariat and are considering engaging student organizations as possible collaborators.
The Journey Ahead
As we lay the groundwork for the "ADHD in Philippine Higher Education Forum", we're optimistic about the change we can bring about in Philippine higher education. Our commitment at the ADHD Society of the Philippines is unwavering. We are eager to challenge ableist assumptions, raise awareness, and foster unity among stakeholders. Stay tuned for more updates on this pioneering initiative - and learn how you can be part of this transformational journey. Together, let's make a difference.
Join the Movement
We're always seeking to expand our community of advocates, allies, and change-makers. If you are passionate about promoting neurodiversity in higher education, we'd love to hear from you.
If you want to contribute to this pioneering initiative, or if you simply want to learn more, please feel free to reach out to us at adhdsociety@yahoo.com.
Whether you wish to participate in the forum, share your insights or experiences, contribute resources, or offer your services, we welcome all forms of support. Let's together pave the way for a more inclusive future in higher education in the Philippines.
Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting change. Email us today!