Quezon city: As the nation marks the 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 exploring partnerships with learning institutions to ensure more persons with disabilities (PWDs) can access education and eventually secure employment.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NCDA is engaging in partnership forums with state universities and colleges (SUCs) to assist in researching strategic initiatives for the education of persons with disabilities. NCDA Regional Programs Coordinator, lawyer Walter Jason Alava, highlighted this during a media forum at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.

The proposed collaboration aligns with the celebration's theme "Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together" and aims to bridge the gap between education and employment of persons with disabilities. Despite Republic Act 10524 mandating that at least 1 percent of available positions in government entities be reserved for PWDs, Alava acknowledged prevailing challenges concerning qualifications.

Alava pointed out that a significant number of persons with disabilities lack formal education, which creates obstacles in meeting job qualifications. Consequently, the NCDA is actively pursuing partnerships with SUCs and educational institutions to address educational gaps through scholarships and other opportunities for qualified individuals.

The NCDA also facilitates connections between PWDs and companies in sectors such as business process outsourcing, courier services, and restaurants, offering job opportunities. Alava emphasized that the council is inclusive regarding the nature of disabilities, and assists applicants who are hired by companies in processing their employment.

In celebrating National Disability Rights Week, the NCDA and its partners are organizing job fairs for PWDs, scheduled for July 18 in Cebu City and July 22 in Cagayan de Oro.