Van With Hydraulic Wheelchair Lift

For the past 3 years, i have been travelling around the country attending forums, and seminars for Persons With Disabilities. Just a year ago, i realized that our country is not really accessible for us, PWDs. Some airlines dont have lifter. Some establishment dont have ramps. Coffee shops and restaurants don't have restroom for PWDs. And most of our mode of transportation are not accessible like bus and vans. It's really a problem especially for someone like me travelling alone. After all these observations, i just realized that i think i have to advocate accessibility for PWDs. Since im the one experiencing all these accessibility problems, why not be the one also to promote accessibility and give awareness esp. to business establishments how important it is to be accessible. 

Just a few days ago, i received an invite from Lifelifters Transport Inc. to try their van with hydraulic wheelchair lifter. LTI provides transportation solution to Persons With Disabilities and their families in the Philippines. They offer van rental service that is equipped with hydraulic lift. This will give us painless and easy way of entering to their van.

Restrooms: Accessible or Not?

I travel a lot. I try to eat to different restaurants. I have meetings most of the time in different coffee shops. One thing that i take into consideration is the restroom/comfort room/bathroom especially in places like hotel, restaurant,airport,coffee shops,or any place outside from my comfort zone. 

And i think, im not the only one who always have this kind of problem. I know those families who have PWD family member or with elderly also. 

As part of my advocacy campaign as to accessible or barrier-free environment, i always find time to take some photos of every restrooms that i use. And here are some of them.

Some Constraints of Persons With Disabilities

Hopefully PH will have this one. 

1. Difficulties in Transportation

Here and abroad we have different types of transportation. We have buses, jeepneys, trains, taxis, airplane, boat, and many more. As person with disability, it is our concern to have an accessible transportation because just like any other person, we would love to see and experience also the beauty of the world through travelling. Not to mention, some important travels that we do for work, education, and leisure. 

Most of the time, esp for wheelchair person we experience difficulties in transportation and we cannot deny the fact that its really challenging on how we deal such difficulties. 

Street Feeding and Tutorial

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”  ― Mother Teresa

Instead of partying, together with some friends we go out and have some street feeding and tutorial to our children in the street. With simple food and some tutoring materials, we go around the city at night like in Torres St. and San Pedro St. where we can find numbers of street kids. 

We also invite volunteers to help us in this advocacy. As of now the schedule is every tuesday and saturday, 6pm at San Pedro Church. We also welcome donors esp. for the food. 

Cobra Pinoy Hero Awards 2013

"Heroism is not about perfection nor is it the absence of fear. It is rising above life’s challenges in order to be relevant to your community."

It's not about finding heroes because heroes are already all around - and indeed, within - us. Ordinary Filipinos - parents, teachers, policemen, farmers, fisher folks, OFWs and many more, perform quiet acts of heroism everyday. 

Practicing simple acts that can effect positive changes are all heroism. Mayaman ka man o mahirap, my pisikal na kapansanan o wala, kayang kaya mong maging bayani sa sarili mong bansa.

This year's Cobra Pinoy Hero Awards 2013 happened last Aug 28. 2013 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati city. Behind the Rolling Chair was fortunate enough to be part of this memorable event. I [Naprey Almario] was invited to speak and share my own experiences as advocate.

Here are the people who possesses unique characters of heroism - the winners for this year's Cobra Pinoy Hero Awards 2013.