Words by Aira Mae Parado
Most of us have the same daily routine. We rise in the morning, head to school or work, hustle the daily grind. But some people have to deal with it the harder way.
For people with disabilities or PWDs, the reality of daily life is different. There are some instances when even transport is hardly accessible to them. To address this, a group of young people known as Project SMILE, initiated a campaign called #PeopleWith, inclined to raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and empowering our Filipino PWDs. #PeopleWith basically recognizes PWDs beyond their disabilities. It acknowledges that they are also #PeopleWith skills, talents, strengths, and most importantly, journeys. That they also matter.
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Project SMILE is a youth-led organization whose mission is to uplift the lives of neglected and underprivileged Filipinos. And to grant PWDs a much better and safer time on the road, Project SMILE partnered with Alyansa ng May Kapansanan na Nagmamaneho ng Sasakyan at Motor sa Pilipinas (ALKASAMOPI), pushing for the first-ever PWD-friendly tricycle in the country. It will not only provide them with better mobility, but also be their source of livelihood. PWDs can drive the tricycle themselves.
The initial design and prototype of the PWD-friendly tricycle are primarily targeting wheelchair users. Compared with the regular tricycle, this model will allow wheelchairs to be easily rolled in, as the entrance will have ample space and will be lower. Project SMILE hopes to enhance our PWD commuters’ lives, especially given that most streets in Manila are very narrow and congested.
In line with this, Project SMILE would like to reach out for your help in making this PWD-friendly tricycle come to life. The ultimate objective is to put up at least one for each city in the Philippines. Now that you know about this, will you Join the Ride?
Help fund the country’s first ever PWD-friendly tricycle for just P100. Sign up here to donate, participate, and join the ride towards PWD inclusion: bit.ly/PeopleWith-JoinTheRide
For further campaign details, please visit Project SMILE through the links below.
Project Smile
www.facebook.com/pg/projectsmilephilippines
Instagram: @projectsmilephilippines
