International Biophilia Rehabilitation Academy

The 3rd JOINT INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON DISABILITY AND BIOPHILIA REHABILITATION CONFERENCE, on SEP. 16-18, 2004, at MANILA PHILIPPINES


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KEYNOTE ADDRESS

　

VENUS M. ILAGAN

Chairperson, Disabled Peoples International (DPI), 2002 to present

Chairperson, The International Disability Alliance (IDA), May 2004 to present

National Project Director - Breaking Barriers for Children Project, 1995 to present

Secretary General, Differently-Abled Women's Network (DAWN)-Philippines, May 2001 to present

RECIPIENT,

PTU AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORK IN DISABILITY,The Danish Society of Polio and Accident Victims (PTU),Copenhagen, Denmark, 4-5 June 1998

5' ANNUAL KAZUO ITOGA MEMORIAL PRIZE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN THE FIELD OF DISABILITY IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, The Kazuo Itoga Memorial Foundation of Japan

RECIPIENT, 2004 OUTSTANDING ALUMNA, Centro Escolar University, The Centro Escolar University Alumni Foundation Inc.

Abstract of the Keynote Message:

My dedication to help the disabled was borne out of my very own personal experience when I was working in a government office in the City of Manila. Being a wheelchair-borne disabled myself, I have always felt discriminated and wasn't given an equal opportunity in my job. That didn't discourage me but rather boosted my determination to aim high.

Now, I have proven not only to my countrymen but to the world that disability is not an obstacle to the pursuit and achievement of one's goal. I have practically spanned the globe giving talks and speeches on disability and the value of equal opportunity and the goal of truly being independent and productive.

My dream and mission is to enhance these values particularly in countries like the Philippines where care, attention and opportunities for the disabled have yet to be given a true meaning. I dream of the time where my fellow disabled countrymen will enjoy an equal opportunity to be independent and productive.

Thank you.