Striding towards inclusive growth and development, the MMSU-College of Health Sciences-Department of Physical Therapy, through the Extension Directorate, expands its Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Program at the Florentino Camaguin Integrated School (FCIS)-Special Education Resource Center in Vintar, Ilocos Norte.

The PT department responded to the request of the said school to deliver accessible rehabilitation services to children with disabilities (CWDs) enrolled in their school via the conduct of a needs assessment activity and consultative meeting last November 22. Data gathered from the activities will be used to establish baseline information relevant in adequately planning the project and providing quality service to the children.

The FCIS is home to 17 CWDs. Of these, seven have cerebral palsy – either medically diagnosed or assumed to have such based on their clinical presentation. All are wheelchair-bound and have been going to the Stimulation and Therapeutic Center (STAC) in Laoag City. Due to concerns regarding distance, transportation, and expenses that burdened the children and their parents, the FCIS requested for partnership with the PT department to provide rehabilitation services to the CWDs in the community.

Through this initial step in making their initiative and concern more visible to the public, the PT department aims for a more inclusive and transformative extension program. This comes with the hope of helping CWDs achieve optimal health through easier access to health care and rehabilitation. In the end, they are seen to become better-equipped as more active members of the school and their communities. Part of the program will be the provision of free rehabilitation services and physiatrist consultation, together with referral to other health or medical services in nearby facilities. This activity include initial examination of the CWDs by the physiatrist and the PT staff, a survey of immediate needs through questionnaire, and a focused group discussion to identify the resources, roles, and system needed for the planning of the project.

The needs assessment activity was collaboratively conducted by the CBR project leader, Mr. Francis Clarence C. Chua, with the following team members:

                Dr. Henry E. Bolompo, physiatrist of the MMSU PT and Rehabilitation Center (UPTRC)

                Mr. Lyndon Phillip U. Tolentino, PT-in-charge of the UPTRC

                Ms. Mary Audrey D. Viloria, PT staff of the UPTRC

                Mr. Paul Cresencio R. Liberato, PT staff of the UPTRC

The FCIS group comprised of the following:

                Mr. Eric Castro, in-charge of the SPED Resource Center

                Ms. Thelma Vidad, Head Teacher of FCIS

                Teachers of Special Education Resource Center

Prior to this, the College of Teacher Education (CTE), CHS, and the Extension Directorate visited the school for collaborative and comprehensive program for the CWDs.

(With reports/photos from Mr. Paul Cresencio Liberato / Mr. Francis Chua, CHS-PT Department). 

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