The Guidance Services & Wellness Center (GSWC) recently held a weeklong celebration of National Disability Rights Week from July 17 to 23. Aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the celebration of the event brought the university community together to celebrate students with special needs (LSNs) and empower them to ignite a spark of collective realization that strengths, talents, and resilience has no limitations.
The weeklong celebration kicked off with an art gallery exhibit showcasing impressive creations by LSNs, from poetry to paintings. The exhibit emphasized that art should be created without hesitation and should be free of limitations. Following the exhibit, the GSWC hosted a “Reelflix” event at room U401, where two films exploring the struggles and triumphs of people with disabilities. These films served as an inspiration for the students, highlighting how the characters accepted and overcame their limitations. Leaving the viewers with lesson that love is a universal language that our hearts can speak louder that our words, and that human connection is vital for healing.
The week’s events culminated in a seminar workshop titled “Sparkling Resilience: Cultivating Mental Wellness for LSNs.” Although rough weather and class cancellations caused a delay, the event successfully pushed through on a rescheduled date. The session began with a “levelling off” activity where participants got to know each other and shared their experiences. Ms. Angelita A. Padilla, RGC, Ed.D., facilitated the first part of the workshop, introducing Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg’s 7 C’s of Resilience, a framework designed to help young people navigate challenges and thrive. The second part of the workshop was led by Ms. Charlyn Mae Cabalo, who introduced three cognitive strategies to help participants with calming and relaxation, combating negative thoughts, and fostering connections with others. The primary goal of the seminar was to equip LSNs with self-help strategies they can apply in their daily lives.
This celebration was more than just a week of events; it was a powerful stride forward. The University of the Cordilleras is taking meaningful steps toward building a truly inclusive community one where every student, regardless of their circumstances, feels seen, supported, and empowered to shine. This is not the end of a celebration, but the beginning of a leading the way to inclusive practices.
