by: Nikka L. Ibay

The Olongapo City National High School (OCNHS) -Special Needs Education (SNED) is united in commemorating the 𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 with the theme, “𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦” on 12 to 23 February  2024. This annual observance was made possible by President Fidel Ramos’ Proclamation 711 of 1996 – in inspiring genuine and organic acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of persons on the autism spectrum in our society and our global community.  The activities of the week promote action by the public and private sectors towards enabling persons on the autism spectrum to live with dignity, enjoy equal rights and access, function independently, and contribute productively. Society should strive beyond “consciousness” or “awareness” and inspire genuine inclusion — through acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation!

       The celebration aims to advocate and raise awareness on the needs of special individuals while promoting understanding of their nature in order to dispel painful stereotypes within the communities. The activities will make our learners with special needs different with pride, honor and respect.