Art knows no disabilities

Dubbed as “Drop the Prefix,” it aims to focus on recognizing the talents of PWD in painting, designing and sketching, all while providing them with livelihood and safe spaces for their growth.

The talented artists who shared their creativity to make the advocacy a possibility.

Over one billion people in the world or 15 percent of the general population are Persons with Disabilities (PWD) — whether cognitive, developmental, mental, physical or intellectual impairment — and over 80 percent of them live in low-income countries without ease of access to basic services.

PWD are often caged in the stigma that their disabilities hinder their full and effective participation in the workforce than other people who don’t have the same situation. It’s twice as hard for PWD to find job opportunities that could help them earn a living while finding an inclusive and barrier-free workplace that could be of help in meeting their needs.

As the Christmas season draws near, Southstar Drug (SSD) in partnership with the Project Inclusion Network (PIN) and Goodwill Industries are turning the tide for PWD and providing them with equal opportunities and possibilities while reaching their full potential as contributing members of the nation.

Dubbed as “Drop the Prefix,” it aims to focus on recognizing the talents of PWD in painting, designing and sketching, all while providing them with livelihood and safe spaces for their growth. In return, PWD have the chance to flourish and showcase their skills and abilities with their own artworks.

Southstar chose a few, talented artists from the PIN pool for the campaign.

Some of these individuals are deaf, like Maribeth who is talented in painting. She started watching videos online, then underwent training and tutelage. After that, Maribeth started to draw original ideas and designs and became her family’s breadwinner through her craft.

Benedict Rodland Quintela II and his artwork.

Others like Joaquin and Juan Gabriel, both with Autism, have the same likes and skills and also got to participate and hone their skills in art.

“It’s empowering (working with the kids and providing them with opportunities), giving abilities to people. It’s fulfilling in a sense that in our hearts, we are helping them but, in the end, they’re also helping us. To be a bit human, when you look at them once they learned the life skills, you’ll be happy, because there are is much talent to share,” Southstar Drug general manager Christine Tueres said.

Said artworks will be sold through bags and wall and desk calendars in Southstar branches nationwide starting October. Proceeds will help provide livelihood to the respective PWD and will be added to the funds for their educational training and development to further enhance their art skills and capabilities.

The designed bags and calendars will be produced through the Goodwill Industries of the Philippines.

“Together, as we bonded and developed over time, all of us became more emphatic, a bit more human. All of us became more caring of each other and Southstar drug as a community became even richer because of it. We wanted to extend and expand our experience with PWD to a greater arena. Our objective in this project is to create a full cycle where they will exclusively benefit,” she said.

True to its tagline, “We care a little more,” Southstar has extended assistance to people who need a little more special care and inclusion, therefore hiring individuals whose special talents are a match to a particular task that its stores and head offices require.

To date, Southstar has over 23 working PWD. Most of them are now regular employees.

“We believe that everyone should be valued and appreciated for one’s uniqueness, capability and ability,” Christine shared, with gratitude to be sharing the same vision with their partners in this advocacy.