As the country observes National Disability Rights Week from July 17 to 23, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is working to forge stronger partnerships with educational institutions to expand access to learning and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“We are holding partnership forums with state universities and colleges (SUCs) to support research and identify initiatives that will enhance educational access for persons with disabilities,” said Atty. Walter Jason Alava, NCDA Regional Programs Coordinator and spokesperson, during the DSWD Media Forum on Thursday, July 17, at the agency’s New Press Center in Quezon City.

This initiative is in line with the theme of this year’s celebration, “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,” and seeks to close the gap between education and employment for the sector.

While Republic Act No. 10524 mandates that at least one percent of jobs in government agencies, offices, and corporations be allocated for persons with disabilities, the NCDA acknowledged that many are still unable to qualify due to lack of education and training.

“The biggest challenge lies in qualifications. Many persons with disabilities haven’t had the opportunity to pursue formal education. That’s why under the leadership of NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova, we are actively pursuing partnerships with SUCs and schools to help address these educational gaps,” Alava explained.

Discussions are underway with SUCs and other learning institutions to launch inclusive programs, including scholarship grants and skills training, aimed at equipping persons with disabilities for future employment.

Alava also noted that the NCDA continues to connect persons with disabilities to companies open to hiring them—such as those in the BPO sector, courier services, and the food industry.

“For businesses interested in hiring persons with disabilities, we also conduct dedicated job fairs. We don’t discriminate based on the type of disability. As long as they apply and the employer accepts them, we’ll assist in the process to help them get hired,” he said.

As part of the weeklong celebration, NCDA and its partners will hold job fairs specifically for persons with disabilities on July 18 in Cebu City and July 22 in Cagayan de Oro.

The DSWD Media Forum is hosted by Strategic Communications Special Assistant to the Secretary Raymond Robert Burgos and Digital Media Service Director Dianne Joie Ruiz. T