Far Eastern University-Manila

Institute of Arts and Sciences

S.Y. 2023-2024

Embarking on a new journey:

Finding your ability in your disability

Submitted by Group 7:
Facultad, Jaimee Marie P.
Galarpe, Zeniel M.
Macaraeg, Krisha Macaraeg A.
Midura, Honey Mae I.
Saquilayan, Mary Coleen

Submitted to:
Ms. Denise Ang
 Introduction

Being subjected to an integral part of a society that emphasizes the tangible and obvious notions,
it is easy to lose sight of the profound and abstract value of things that cannot be perceived, heard,
or felt instantly. According to a study conducted by the United Nation (2016), different
demographics may face comparable risks of being susceptible to the detrimental effects of both
natural and man-made disasters, but their genuine vulnerability is determined by factors such as
their socioeconomic standing, social and political participation, as well as access to prevention and
assistance resources. Individuals with impairments, incur a disproportionate amount of
responsibility during emergencies, catastrophes, and disputes due to a lack of accessible
evacuation routes, poor response operations (including housing, camps, and food distribution), and
deficiencies in the rehabilitation process. The thrilling journey you are about to engage in with our
program is more than just an ordinary experience; it is a powerful monument to our united
determination to meet the peculiar mental health needs of persons living with physical disabilities
in the midst of a crisis. Our program exemplifies an ongoing dedication to empowering and
uplifting people with physical disabilities, knowing that the mental health journey has no physical
restrictions and boundaries. Our proposed mental health plan is the culmination of a collaborative
effort, created by the perspectives of the people we assist and directed by trained professionals
who understand the delicate interrelationship between mental health and physical impairment. Our
shared goal is to build a more secure, kinder environment in which all people, regardless of their
physical state, can have the opportunity to start on a path to better mental health and a more
fulfilled existence to this day.

Theoretical Framework

Tedeschi and Calhoun's Post-traumatic Growth theory has made an impact on the field of
psychology by highlighting the possibility of resiliency and constructive transformation in the
aftermath of trauma. It is not about dismissing the difficulties of trauma, but about acknowledging
that hardship that can lead to personal progression. This idea has been used by researchers and
clinicians to guide therapy and interventions for persons who have suffered trauma and are looking
for meaning and growth in their experiences. According to Collier (2016), as vulnerable people
evolve and utilize this paradigm across different fields of study, we open up new channels for
supporting individuals on their path toward resiliency and development, offering optimism and
support in the face of life's most significant challenges. Moreover, this idea serves as a guide for
individuals coping with trauma and emotional challenges. It implies that we can find courage,
wisdom, and a greater appreciation for life regardless of our toughest situations. It is crucial that
we see tragedy as a stimulus for personal progress rather than a conclusive event that will dictate
the course of our life.

Participants
The participants included in the Mental Health Program are Persons with disability or PWDs
(people with special needs, physical illness, physical injury, mental illness).

Rationale
The rationale of our program for mental health aims directly to persons living with physical
disabilities in the midst of a crisis is well-written and persuasive. It highlights the following key
points:

• Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by crises. This is due to a number
of factors, including inaccessible evacuation routes, poor response operations, and
deficiencies in the rehabilitation process.
• Mental health is just as important as physical health. People with disabilities deserve
access to quality mental health care, especially during times of crisis.
• The proposed mental health plan is the culmination of a collaborative effort. It was
created with input from the people it will serve and trained professionals who understand
the delicate interrelationship between mental health and physical impairment.
• The shared goal is to build a more secure and kinder environment in which all people,
regardless of their physical state, can have the opportunity to start on a path to better
mental health and a more fulfilled existence.

The emphasis is on the importance of collaboration and input from the people who will be served.
This is essential for ensuring that the mental health plan is responsive to the needs of the
community and culturally appropriate.
The recognition of the systemic barriers that people with disabilities face in accessing mental
health care. The proposed plan seeks to address these barriers by providing culturally competent
services and removing accessibility barriers.

The commitment to building a more secure and kinder environment for all people, regardless of
their physical state. This is a valuable and aspirational goal that is worth striving for.

Overall, the rationale for the mental health program is strong and convincing. It is clear that the
program has been carefully developed and is grounded in a deep understanding of the needs of the
target population.

The number of crises caused by climate change and other factors is increasing, and people with
disabilities are among the most vulnerable populations. The proposed mental health program can
play an important role in supporting people with disabilities to cope with the challenges they face
and to live fulfilling lives.

The program's emphasis is on empowerment and resilience. The program aims to help people with
disabilities develop the skills and resources they need to manage their own mental health and to
live full and productive lives. This is a valuable approach that is consistent with the best practices
in mental health care.

General Objectives

The principal goals of this module are to provide adequate physical and psychological resolutions
to persons with disability (PWD) that have experienced first hand disaster. It is imperative that
these individuals are given additional and extensive care compared to those who are normal and
able bodied victims, given that vulnerable groups such as PWDs are most at risk when it comes to
catastrophic events. Moreover, this program enables disaster and risk reduction management
inclusive in a way that does not hinder the care of an individual with limited capacity. According
to United Nations (2016), majority of PWDs are either deliberately ignored or left behind during
a disaster because of the lack of resources and adequate training of volunteers to supply them with
the help they need, which is why this module aims to increase the accessibility of these persons
and shed a light on the necessary assistance that they require. In addition, supply them with
 methods to cope in order to increase their resilience and lessen the psychological effects of the
disaster they have gone through.

Schematic Diagram of the Modules

Embarking on a new journey: Finding your ability in your disability

Tedeschi and Calhoun's Post-traumatic Growth Theory

Appreciation Relationship Spiritual Personal New Possibilities

of Life with others Change Strength in Life

The aim of The aim of this This module Through this The aim of this module is to
this module is module is to lessen aims to help specific module, help persons with
to encourage PWD participants
the emotional distress the participants disabilities (PWDs) discover
participants regain their
to slow of PWDs after a spiritual wellness will partake in an new possibilities in their
down, disaster, increase through activity wherein lives, empower them to
acknowledge reconnecting to
their self-esteem and they will develop a pursue their dreams and
what they their religious
efficacy, and beliefs, learning sense of goals, and promote
have right
now, and to motivate them to seek coping manners belongingness, resilience and hope.
be able to such as yoga,
emotional confidence and
express their meditation, and
connections with journal writing, social engagement
gratitude.
others with the and not being within their own
purpose of shaping afraid to seek peers and
help when they
and strengthening colleagues.
need it.
their resilience after
the disaster.
Module 1: Appreciation of Life

Specific Objectives
The objective of this module is to encourage participants to slow down, acknowledge what they
have right now, and to be able to express their gratitude.

Activities
The activity will be an open discussion. One day prior to the activity, each participant will be asked
to choose one item from inside or outside of their home that serves as a daily reminder of what
keeps them alive & embracing life, and to provide a brief explanation for their choice. Participants
are free to choose not to share at all and instead choose to listen to the sharer.

Duration
It will take approximately 15 minutes to discuss and share the activity each day for a week.

Facilitator
The activity will be facilitated by a community, disability, and medical social workers.

Venue
The most nearby barangay hall or the actual neighborhood would serve as an assembly venue.

Materials and equipment

One item from inside or outside their home

Outputs
The output of this activity, with PWD as participants, will be entirely about their lived experiences.
Module 2 : Relationship with others

Specific Objectives
The objectives of this module are to:
1. Lessen the emotional distress of PWDs after a disaster by enabling them to find solace and
strength through social support.
2. Increase the self-esteem and efficacy of PWDs by forming positive relationships with
others.
3. Motivate PWDs to seek emotional connections with others with the purpose of shaping and
strengthening their resilience after the disaster.

Activities
Seeing that the disabilities of PWDs vary in nature, the activities that will be conducted will have
little to no physical activity and focus more on the use of their cognitive capabilities specially to
facilitate interrelationship skills with others. The activities are composed of three games namely,
“arrange yourselves according to..”. “pass the message”, and “trivia quiz”. All of the games will
be done in groups. These games can aid in encouraging PWDs to get to know other people seeing
that they have to interact with others in order to effectively play the game.

Duration
Each game will comprise of three (3) rounds and the ideal time limit for each game is 30 minutes.

Facilitator
The facilitator of the games can be any disaster volunteer as long as they are compassionate
towards vulnerable groups especially those with limited capacity such as PWDs.

Venue
The activities can be carried out in local community centers such as basketball courts,
gymnasiums, and public space made for convocation. The minimum requirement for the venue is
adequate space to conduct the games.
Materials and equipment
For the trivia quiz games:
1. White board
2. Marker
For the output:
1. Bond paper
2. Ballpen
The other two games do not require any materials or equipment.

Outputs
Given the limited capacity of PWDs, the only output required of them is to write a reflection paper
on their experience, who they interacted with, what they have learned, and how they now feel
towards the events that occurred during the disaster. This output can facilitate catharsis and aid in
the betterment of PWDs through social support and relationships with others.

Module 3: Spiritual Changes

Specific Objectives
This module aims to help PWD participants regain their spiritual wellness through reconnecting
to their religious beliefs, learning coping manners such as yoga, meditation, and journal writing,
and not being afraid to seek help when they need it.

Activities
This module will have group counselling that is then followed by various activities. The group
counselling will be headed by a licensed group counselor that will help the participants release
their sentiments, experiences, and challenges. After this, various activities will consist of
mindfulness meditation, music therapy, and arts and crafts therapy. This will give the participants
peace and enjoyment throughout the whole module. It will then be followed by a group lunch to
promote conversations and peer connections.

Duration
The group counselling will run for approximately 1 hour, followed by 40 minutes of activities.
The remaining 20 minutes will be for food distribution and social gatherings.
Facilitator
This module will be handled by a group counselor with the assistance of the students.

Venue
The venue fit for this module would be a spacious, relaxing, and close to nature location.

Materials and Equipment

• Speaker
• Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Colored Paper
• Bond Paper
• Yoga Mats
• Food and Beverages
• Chairs

Outputs
The participants will be requested to tell the whole group a reflection after the group counselling
and activity every day.

Module 4: Personal Strength

Specific Objectives
Through this specific module, the participants will partake in an activity wherein they will develop
a sense of belongingness, confidence and social engagement within their own peers and colleagues.

Activities
• Meditation and Mental Strength Building (20 minutes)
• Distribution of Food and Beverages (20 minutes)
• Reflection and sharing activity highlighting one’s personal strength (1 hour)

Facilitator
Within the course of the event, the program will be facilitated by the students but will also have a
mental health service provider and a fitness instructor for the meditation activity.
Venue
Module 4 will be conducted in a spacious area where the targeted participants can make a line
while doing meditation or a big circle for the sharing activity.

Materials and Equipment

• Microphone
• Food and Beverages
• Towel
• Pen
• Paper

Outputs
Given the limited physical capacity of a disabled individual, they only have to exert a limited
amount of energy when it comes to physical strength. Hence, the main focus is to highlight their
own strength and share it among other participants to inspire and motivate others about the stories
they have accumulated. This output can help them learn how to distinguish their assets and
liabilities and to establish them further all throughout their life.

Module 5: New Possibilities in Life

Specific Objectives
The objectives of this module are to:
1. To help persons with disabilities (PWDs) discover new possibilities in their lives.
2. To empower PWDs to pursue their dreams and goals.
3. To promote resilience and hope in PWDs.

Activities

1. Guest Speaker (30 minutes)

Invite a guest speaker who is a PWD who has achieved success in their life. The guest speaker can
share their story of overcoming challenges and achieving their goals.
 2. Vision Board (45 minutes)

Provide each participant with a poster board and magazines. Ask the participants to create a vision
board of their ideal life. The vision board can include pictures, words, and phrases that represent
the participant's goals, dreams, and aspirations.

3. Group Discussion (30 minutes)

Have the participants share their vision boards with the group. Ask the participants to talk about
their goals and aspirations. Encourage the participants to support each other and to offer advice
and encouragement.

Facilitator

The module will be facilitated by a trained mental health professional.

Venue:

The module will be conducted in a comfortable and safe space.

Materials and Equipment

• Poster boards
• Magazines
• Markers
• Tape

Evaluation:

The module will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Participation: Did the participants participate in all of the activities?

• Engagement: Did the participants seem engaged and interested in the activities?
• Enjoyment: Did the participants seem to enjoy the activities?
• Learning: Did the participants seem to learn anything from the activities?
Feedback:

At the end of the module, the participants will be asked to provide feedback on the activities. This
feedback will be used to improve the module in the future.

Safety Guidelines:

✓ It is important to create a safe and supportive environment for the participants.

✓ The activities should be modified to meet the needs and abilities of all participants.
✓ The facilitator should be sensitive to the needs of the participants and should be prepared
to provide support if needed.

Additional Notes:

• The module can be adapted to fit the specific needs and interests of the participants.
• It is important to focus on the participants' strengths and abilities.
• The goal of the module is to help the participants discover new possibilities in their lives
and to empower them to pursue their dreams and goals.

Modules Activities Duration Facilitator

Module 1: Community,
1 hour and 45
Appreciation of Disability, and
• Open Discussion minutes a
Life Medical Social
week
Workers
Module 2: • Arrange yourselves
Relationship with according to… 1 hour and 30 Any disaster
other • Pass the message minutes volunteer
• Trivia quiz
Module 3: • Group Counselling • Licensed group
Spiritual Changes • Mindfulness Meditation counselor
2 hours
• Music Therapy • Students
• Arts and Therapy
 Module 4: • Meditation and Mental • Mental Health
Personal Strength Strength Building Service Provider
• Distribution of Food and • Fitness Instructor
1 hour and 40
Beverages • Student
minutes
• Reflection and sharing
activity highlighting
one’s personal strength
Module 5: New • Seminar
1 hour and 45 Trained mental health
Possibilities in • Vision Board
minutes professional
Life • Group Discussion

References:
Collier, L. (2016). Growth after trauma. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/11/growth-trauma
United Nations. (2016). Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Situations.
https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/issues/disability-inclusive-disaster-
risk-reduction-and-emergency-
situations.html#:~:text=Individuals%20with%20disabilities%20are%20disproportionatel
y,distribution)%2C%20and%20recovery%20efforts.https://www.iacdglobal.org/wp-
content/uploads/2019/12/PISpecial_Final.pdf
General, O. O. T. S. (2005). Health and Wellness for Persons with Disabilities Today. The
Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with
Disabilities - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44662/
Tough, H., Siegrist, J., & Fekete, C. (2017). Social relationships, mental health and wellbeing in
physical disability: a systematic review. BMC Public Health, 17(1). https://d
oi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4308-6
Mental health for all. (2020, November 30). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/features/mental-health-for-all.html
Bhaskar, A. U., Baruch, Y., & Gupta, S. (2022). Drivers of career success among the visually

impaired: Improving career inclusivity and sustainability in a career ecosystem. Human

Relations, 76(10), 1507–1544. https://doi.org/10.1177/00187267221103529