Caring for children with special needs: Emmanuel Foundation For Children With Special Needs, Inc
There are no accidents. Each child is created with a purpose.
A time for play with the therapists.
What if I'm already gone? Who's going to take care of my child?
These are the common questions that enter the mind of parents when they are gifted with children, especially those with special needs.
Children need to be independent, thus parents should teach them life skills as early as possible so that when the time comes that the kids have to fend for themselves, they will not have any difficulties.
For children with special needs, there is a foundation that cares enough for their well-being. This is the Emmanuel Foundation for Children with Special Needs, Inc. This was founded in 1991 by Dr. Linda B. Que, who was given a child with special needs, Thomas Emmanuel. This inspired her to start a center that will help these children and their parents cope with their unique situation.
Sculptor Tony Wuthrich holds a wall
hanging design he made. He is the
grandfather of a special child.
In 1992, its service was limited to counseling for parents. In 1994, there were family programs, physical therapy, occupational therapy and special education.
Now on its 14th year, it has 55 students, has 10 special education teachers and four physical therapists.
The center's youngest ward is one year old and the oldest is in her 30s. The older ones undergo pre-vocational projects under the Sheltered Workshop of the Emmanuel Foundation. Here, they make one-of-a-kind gift items that they sell at the third floor lobby of the Atrium.
"We want them to be self-sufficient. The money they earn serve as their allowance for themselves, so they won't be a burden to their parents," said Wilda Usi, secretary.
This year, Dr. Que brought Emmanuel Foundation for Children with Special Needs, Inc. to the public after recognizing that there are more children with special needs that they could nurture. This was through an exhibit where the public was able to view the various programs of the center as well as the crafts made by the children out of indigenous and recycled products.
Preparing the materials for a Christmas
card.
Emmanuel Foundation for Children with Special Needs, Inc. envisions itself as a community of caring families committed to helping children with special needs to be all they can be. Their goal for the children is for them to be empowered by learning life skills, have a measure of independence, have a good quality of life and be productive. To do this, they have developed the following services: assessment, evaluation, intervention programs, parent support group and counseling. The intervention programs include early intervention or behavior modification, rehabilitation, language stimulation, special education and pre-vocational. All these efforts sum up to one phrase: "I can, we can."
To get in touch with the center, call (033) 3363652 or visit 152 MH Del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo City. Their website is www.emmanuelfoundation.multiply.com.