An Inspiring Story of A Deaf Teacher

Ms. Stella  was born deaf. In spite of her impairment, she was able to finish her studies. She graduated from Far Eastern University with a degree in Commerce, major in Bank and Finance. She was a former Mathematics Teacher to her fellow Deaf at South East Asian Institute for the Deaf (SAID), inside Miriam College (formerly known as Mary Knoll).

In 2000, the principal of her former school asked her if she could become a permanent shadow teacher, tutor and guide for a multihandicapped child named Angel. At first, she felt hesitant to accept the job. But later on, she had finally decided to accept it. Later did she know that accepting the offer would become the turning point of her life.

During her first few days as Angel’s shadow teacher, Ms. Stella found it quite challenging. There were times when she had to take note of Angel’s lessons in school, as the child gets tired easily. She also needed to assist Angel while walking, because she couldn’t walk in a normal phase. Angel also had a tracheotomy to help her breathe well. Tutoring Angel every day, including weekends and summer was also part of Teacher Stella’s job.

In 2009, Teacher Stella was diagnosed to have Glaucoma, which caused her to stop working as Angel’s shadow teacher and tutor. Angel’s family tried to find a substitute shadow teacher, but they couldn’t find someone who is as patient and kindhearted as Teacher Stella. For that reason, they had finally decided that Angel would just study at home through private tutoring.

After a few years, Angel had an accident, and the back of her neck was fractured. She underwent an operation, but unfortunately it was not successful. Her body got infected, which caused her to be in a state of coma for a few days, and eventually passed away.

For Teacher Stella, Angel is an “Angel of God, sent from Heaven,” who taught her to be patient and be willing to give unconditional love.

Getting Inspiration from My Fellow Blind

 Ms. Louise May Fami was the 2nd among 3 siblings, she was born blind but despite her impairment, she was able to finish her studies. She graduated from Philippine Women's University with a degree in Music. Her mother was very supportive of her. From elementary through college, Mrs. Fami patiently served as May's guide. May's former job was teaching music in a rehabilitation center for the blind. Currently, she works in a restaurant as a receptionist at Noche- dine in the dark.

I admire her because she is very intelligent. she has a great determination, and her personality is very strong in spite of her disability. I salute her mother because of the great love and support for her daughter. For Ms. May, disability is not a hindrance to achieve success and live a normal life.

Love without limits

Note: all the names mentioned are not the real names of the persons featured in this article.

 Last week, as I was searching for certain people on Facebook, I came across three mothers of children with cerebral palsy and visual impairment. i sent them friend requests and private messages. To my delight, 1 of them accepted my request immediately. we soon became friends. I told her that i was going 2 visit Resources for the Blind, Inc., where her child was enrolled. i asked her if i could meet her and her son, and she said yes.

The following week, I had to go to RBI again. I was so happy because I got to meet not only my new friend but also the two other mothers whom I added on Facebook. I sat down and listened to their stories. I was so inspired and touched. One of the mothers, who resides in Cavite, would wake early every day and would travel to Quezon City with her child to attend classes. All of them hail far from RBI. 

 William, who is totally blind and has cerebral palsy, lives in Antipolo. Diana is from Cavite and has the same condition as William. Henry, from Malabon, has low vision and cerebral palsy. All three of them are unable to walk and talk. They undergo physical therapy to promote and facilitate mobility.

I am in awe of the three mothers whose unconditional love enables them to believe in their children, to be the best moms they can be, and to bring out the best in their little ones. According to them, their children are blessings from God, and they deserve nothing but to live life to the fullest. They believe that every child with disability has the right to learn, thus, they are willing to do whatever it takes for their children to be responsive, to enjoy life, and to achieve the greatest level of independence possible. Taking care of children with visual impairment and other disabilities is no easy feat, yet these mothers lovingly do their best to ensure that their children receive the education they need and deserve.

The Return of Superman Korean Variety Show

I have no favorite actor and actress both here in the Philippines and in foreign countries, but I love watching television and films. I have a lot of favorite movies and shows. One of them is the Korean variety show The Return of Superman. This is a reality show about celebrity Dads and their real-life children. Celebrity dads are left to care for their kids alone for 48 hours without the help of anyone, while their wives leave the home to enjoy relaxation time. The wives are shown leaving the home before the 48 hours begins and coming back to greet their family once the 48 hours have ended. During the 48 hours, the dads and children are either doing a task the wives have written out for the dads to complete, or the dads are exploring new activities with their kids. Occasionally, celebrity friends of the dads will stop by to interact with the kids.

Superman Return aired on KBS Channel in Korea. You can watch it in youtube and KShowOnline.com

The kids are fun to watch, not to mention their cuteness and wit. There is so much to be learned from the show by one who intently watches. How a father takes care of his child while the mother is away, the impact of parents’ upbringing of their children on the way children cope with change, and the effect of teaching good manners to children are just a few of the essentials in store for viewers. This show is not only about entertaining viewers but also educating them, specially the parents.

Inspiring Blind

Miss Minnie Aveline P. Juan 30 years old second in four children of Dr. Angelo Juan and Dr. Maria LiliaJuan, Ms. Minnie was blind since birth. But her blindness did not stop her to achieve triumph.

She finish her Elementary and High School with honors and graduate magna cum laude in College at Trinity College now Trinity University of Asia with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in English and Suma cum laude at Virgen Milagrosa University with the degree of Bachelor of Elementary Education major Special Education. She is now teaching her fellow visually impaired in Vergen Milagrosa University in Pangasinan. 

Nakaka inspire sya dahil sa kabila nang kanyang kapansanan sa paningin ay naging matatag sya hindi nya ginawang hadlang ang kapansanan upang mag tagumpay at ma overcome ang mga trials sa buhay. I hope that her inspiring story will be an instrument to reduce discrimination towards persons with disability. If opportunities will open, disabled people can prove that they are able and be successful too like Ms. Minnie

Love is for everyone

This photo shows the child and her parents. 

I used to think that adoption of children with disabilities happens in other countries but the Philippines. My perception took a 180-degree turn when I met the Venida family who lovingly decided to adopt a child born with blindness and Cerebral Palsy. I salute this  family for  having painstakingly gone through the long, tedious, and costly process of adoption, all because of love for their child. I was touched when I heard their story about why an angel’s adoption came to be. More than touched, I was blessed.

We can learn from there story that love can be freely given to anyone, even to those who may not be of our own flesh and blood. Even more inspiring about this selfless family is that they, more than providing for the child’s basic needs, support her in everything she needs and wants to do. They do there best to help her know and improve her skills and talents. Best of all, They give her unconditional love which she needs the most.

In this photo is the child and me

I hope and pray that there are more homes like the one this child is so blessed to belong in—a heavenly  abode that willingly opened its doors to those whom the world abandoned and neglected, those who could not be rendered support by their own families for whatever reason. Each child, whether with or without disability, has every right to live, to receive education, and to be loved.

You can read the story of the child written by her Mother by clicking on this link.

 http://idontwant2retire.blogspot.com/2008/05/special-childs-rights.html 

Why I Want to be a Blogger

I neither consider myself good at writing nor like to write essays, stories or poems. But I like sharing my ideas, skills, knowledge and advocate for the rights of my fellow persons with disabilities (PWD's). That is the reason why I wrote whatever came to my mind. I may not be a born writer, but I hope that with my written expression of myself, even a single soul may be inspired.

In February of this year, I went to Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) to purchase a magnifier. When my cousin and I were waiting for the staff member in charge of low vision gadgets, we sat near the area where classes were being taught to children who are blind and visually impaired. Then a teacher, together with one of her students, passed by in front of us. My attention was instantly caught by the child's charm and innocence.

A week after the event, I accidentally came across the blog of a mother whose daughter happened to be the same child I saw at RBI. Since then, I have been reading the blogger's inspirational posts about Lyca, her beloved child.

, last July 4, my friend attended the general assembly of an organization called Parent Advocates of Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC). One of the talks was delivered by Lyca's mother. Remembering the stories I told her about Lyca and her mom, this friend of mine paved the way for us to be introduced online. When Lyca's mother read one of my facebook notes, she told my friend that I, too, should create my own blog. My friend mentioned to her my desire to do so. I summoned enough courage to ask whether this blogger could teach me. To my delight, Lyca's mom said "Yes."

I am not in any way a good writer, but I wish for my thoughts to be shared. I am but one of the many persons with disabilities in the Philippines whose small voice wants to be heard. Through the encouragement and motivation of Lyca and her mom, I decided to keep on writing. Both of them are God’s blessings to me.