Higlights of the LRC Day Oct 2011.wmv

LCDPF celebrates first LRC Day
By DEXTER C TIRO
In its efforts to promote livelihoods and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, LCDPF through the Economic Empowerment Programme held its very first LRC Day October 12, 2011. It was a fun-packed open house activity aimed to gather together LRC Club members as a community of PWDs towards economic empowerment independence and career advancement.
The Livelihood Resources Center (LRC) is a fully accessible facility where PWDs can avail of various services that will help them in their search for employment and livelihoods opportunities such as career counseling, skills training, work placements or apprenticeships, and other support services for them to meaningfully participate in career advancement and sustainable livelihood development programs. A group of volunteers and advocates composed of persons with disability called the LRC Club supervised by the Economic Empowerment (EE) Programme are at the forefront of these activities.
Organizers of the LRC Day lead by Dexter Tiro, Placement Coordinator for EE Programme said that they wanted to deviate from the usual activities at the center and provide venues for expression and socialization for the candidates, thus the LRC Day. The activity also aims to provide continuous career and livelihoods guidance for its candidates, members and non-members alike and to recruit more candidates and volunteers for the programme.
LCDPF Vice-president and Executive Director, Alejo S. Tatel, was present to welcome the participants and assure them of the continuous support for them. Richard D. Arceño, LCDPF National Coordinator gave the short career guidance focusing on the importance of motivation in finding meaningful and gainful employment.
Young Voices member Argie Espina briefly discussed salient points in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), particularly Article 27 which enumerates rights to employment of people with disabilities.
In the afternoon, a small group discussion facilitated by the EE Team was conducted to discuss major concerns and issues about finding employment relevant to them. During the discussion, participants highlighted discrimination, as the major cause of unemployment for people with disability. It was followed by lack of skills and knowledge that matches the job positions available. Expectedly, accessibility was mentioned as a major concern. The participants also offered their suggestions on how the programme could best address their concerns. Listed among their suggestions are conduct of more trainings, workshops and activities.
There were also games and other recreational activities, including "Group Quiz Bee" and "Pinoy Henyo". The participants expressed happiness over activities and little prizes they received and asked LCDPF to make the LRC Day a regular activity.
Thirty-five (35) LRC Club members, out of whom 16 were new recruits and representing different types of disabilities, attended the successful first LRC Day activities. The next LRC Day would be held in December this year.

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• LRC Day
• LRC Club
• Livelihood REsource Center
• LCDPF
• EE Programme
• DEXTER TIRO
• Dexter
• EE