Senate passes bill to protect rights of persons with autism

The Senate has unanimously approved on third and final reading a measure which establishes a national plan to improve care, services, and inclusion for persons with autism spectrum disorder.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1822, said the measure also intends to increase the number of specialists for persons with autism (PWAs) and provide training for healthcare workers so that they are better able to respond to the needs of PWAs.

“Let this measure be our collective contribution to supporting persons on the autism spectrum and their families. Malinaw ang mensahe ng panukalang batas na ito: ang isang makatarungang lipunan ay yaong nagbibigay-daan, hindi hadlang, sa potensyal ng bawat Pilipino (The message of this bill is clear: a just society is one that enables, not hinders, the potential of every Filipino),” Hontiveros said in her sponsorship speech.

The Senate voted 20-0 with no abstentions to pass the bill on third and final reading on Monday.

It also aims to strengthen services such as early detection and screening, access to healthcare and therapy, inclusive education, community support programs, and employment opportunities for persons with autism.

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) shall also serve as the lead agency in preparing and implementing the National Plan of Action for autism spectrum disorder.

The plan will coordinate the programs of key government agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The bill also includes an anti-discrimination provision making it unlawful for any person, institution, or government agency to deny or restrict the rights of persons with autism, particularly in accessing healthcare, education, employment, and social protection programs. — JMA, GMA Integrated News