The Children with Disabilities Caravan (CAREvan) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) served 30 children with disabilities in Pangasinan on Monday during the Handog ng Pangulo Serbisyong Para sa Lahat service caravan at the Sison Auditorium here.
In an interview, NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova said CAREvan is a one-stop shop for children with disabilities, designed to provide free developmental evaluations, therapy and support services for children with special needs.
“We have developmental pediatricians, clinical psychologists, rehab doctors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech pathologists and social workers. Our aim is to provide a diagnosis at a very early age,” she said.
All the children who would qualify for NCDA’s assessment will receive free therapy twice a month for five months, she said.
The assessment and therapy could cost the parents around PHP6,500 and PHP1,200 per session, respectively, she added.
Relova said it is important to diagnose or assess children from zero to five years old, since it is the crucial stage for a child’s full growth and development.
“If we can diagnose the children earlier, we can provide appropriate treatment, whether it is through speech, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, and there will be a chance to limit their further disability,” she said.
Relova said they also plan to bring the CAREvan to island localities with limited access to these services or professional help.
“The government is bringing the CAREvan to let the parents know that they are not alone in their journey. The government is here to help you,” she said.
Persons with Disability Affairs Officer Jennifer Garcia, in a separate interview, said the CAREvan would also help the parents whose children have non-apparent disabilities avail of the PWD identification that would entitle their children to benefits, including discounts.
She noted that some parents could not afford an assessment to obtain a medical certificate or certificate of disability, which is required. (PNA)
