THE annual WorkAbility Asia (WAsia) Conference, a premier gathering of regional leaders and advocates on disability inclusion to promote employment for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the continent, was recently held in Manila. Guided by the theme Inclusion at Work: Transforming Perspectives, Creating Opportunities, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) hosted the event through its School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS).
It was conducted in collaboration with the Nippon Foundation. After a colorful parade of national flags, Silent Steps, the official Deaf dance group of Benilde SDEAS, took the stage with an inspiring performance.
The conference served as a platform for government agencies, NGOs, businesses, and educators to exchange strategies and successful projects. Among the relevant issues tackled during the discussion were policy reform, leadership development, inclusive recruitment, livelihood pathways, assistive technology, and mental health.
The event was graced by DLS-CSB president Br. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC, and WAsia chairman Dipesh Sutariya. Susan Scott-Parker, OBE HonD, founder of Business Disability International, delivered a comprehensive keynote speech on employer engagement. Meanwhile Colin Allen AM, honorary president of the World Federation of the Deaf, imparted his insights about moving ‘From Tokenism to True Inclusion.’
Arch. Erico Abordo, Architects for Accessibility Philippines co-founder, inspired the group in his master class titled ‘Inclusive by Design: Rethinking Accessibility in the Workplace.’
Speaker representatives from global organizations such as Accenture Philippines, Enable India, Eden Social Welfare Foundation Taiwan, and WOWLEAP Philippines likewise shared best practices which redefine the future of work.
Leading the charge for the Filipino Deaf community were faculty, alumni, and staff from the Benilde SDEAS Center for Partnership and Development, who presented pioneering research and practical models for Deaf empowerment, including career development programs, inclusive workplace assessments, and industry partnerships.
Aside from the plenary sessions, the delegates immersed in various cultural exchanges and industry visits, which gave them glimpses of Philippine institutions and companies which champion diversity and accessibility. As part of their real-world learning experience, the delegations visited the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Quezon City Kabahagi Center, Accenture Philippines, and Shell Philippines.
WAsia, which was founded in 2004 as the regional arm of Workability International, has 50-member organizations that cover 13 countries and regions, such as Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand.
After a successful staging of the WAsia Conference in the Philippines, Japan will host next year’s edition.