Dr. Mary Ann Moya-Prudencio, a Neurodevelopmental pediatrician, said it is important for children with special needs to be in touch with nature.
With Team Surf, therapy teachers in a school for children with special needs partner with surfer volunteers for an an outdoor clinic for their students as they discover nature and their inner strengths.
"Isang advantage pa ng outdoor activities lalo na sa mga kids with special needs, marami kasing sensory inputs na naipoprovide yung beach. Meron silang mga needs para makapag-perform sila better," said special education teacher Jenny Paguyo.
George, one of their students, was too shy, according to Paguyo, because he is aware that he has difficulty in speech.
"Pero after niyang makapag-surf, it’s something na alam niya sa sarili niya, ‘I can do good, I can do well in this area.’ So kapag pinag-uusapan na yung surfing o kaya swimming, very proud siya," shared the teacher.
Another student became less fearful of the waters through Team Surf and has become more calm and communicable.
"Through Team Surf, it’s one way to gather all the families and the parents para magkaroon sila ng support group, para makita rin nila na our children can do so much more than what we expect," said Paguyo.
Other than the parents, Team Surf also aims to educate the community on special education and rehabilitation, and help cultivate a culture where children with special needs can become productive citizens.
"Mafi-feel pa rin nila yung kasiyahan na parang lumalaki sila na nature lang, pwede silang maging masaya," said Ian Saguan, President of La Union Surf Club.
Paguyo urged parents to introduce new activities to their kids, where they are all equal and where their abilities will be highlighted.
"Nakakatulong din siya para i-promote na hindi lang academic 'yung kailangan nating i-consider, at yung bata, may iba-iba siyang kakayahan," she added.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
