“The true test of a character is to face hard conditions with the determination to make them better.”– Helen Keller
The fifth child among six children, Christianne Roses Casipit was diagnosed with Autism spectrum at the age of seven. His late father Jaime De Leon Casipit is from Lingayen, Pangasinan and his mother Jeannie is from Pilar Sorsogon. After his father passed away, his mother looked into organizations that provide free occupational therapy and other forms of intervention for children with special needs.
Christianne finished Transition Education and Job Readiness programs on March 26, 2014, at Philippine General Hospital. He underwent On-the-Job Training (OJT) at Mang Inasal for three months. Throughout his training, he was recognized as competent and required guidance in understanding in carrying out his task. After his OJT, he remained at home for a month and expressed to his mother that he wanted to pursue his studies.
The Quezon City Person with Disabilities Affair Office (PDAO) shared with Mrs. Casipit about the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center’s (NVRC) programs and services. They convinced Mrs. Casipit to enroll Christianne in NVRC and undergo computer skills training. Christianne underwent an interview and assessment by a Social Worker and Psychometrician before being given a list of requirements.
A series of conferences through the Rehabilitation Team Meeting (RTM) was conducted to deliberate the result of his evaluation. On October 28, 2015, he became an active trainee of the center in Social Rehabilitation and Independent Living Skills while undergoing Vocational Rehabilitation training along with Personal Computer Operations (PCO).
As he stayed in the facility he sensed a certain camaraderie among those who shared his condition and thus did not feel entirely alone. Christianne actively participated in the group’s values formation sessions and generously sharing his personal experiences through the process. He gradually came to accept his disability and discovered his true purpose in life. During his training, his instructor was amazed by his behavior by showing kindness to his co-trainees and being helpful at all times. He was also recognized and received an award for complete attendance in his training. Christianne remarkably demonstrates his unwavering determination toward his ambition for his family.
Christianne chose PCO as his vocational course and underwent OJT in the Center at Vocational Guidance and Psychological Services (VGPS) and Social Adjustment Service (SAS) based on the evaluation in his OJT. He demonstrates proficiency in computer operations as well as skills in organizing things specifically in filing objects. Christianne managed to display composure and a cooperative attitude for the majority of his OJT stint, albeit occasionally lacking the proper social cues and actions.
After his training on August 18, 2016, he was referred back to Quezon City LGU for potential employment, his mother does not stop looking for employment opportunities until they learned about the Unilab Foundation Project Inclusion. This project capacitates and recognizes persons with special needs to be hard-working and an asset to the company.
Christianne was hired on January 5, 2017, as an employee of South Star Drug – Cubao Branch. He is responsible for putting price tags on items and ensuring that they are on their proper shelves. He does this with accuracy and enthusiasm. According to the Pharmacist Assistant, Christianne works as a merchandiser, salesman, and helper. He was also recognized to have a positive work ethic.
Moreover, Christianne enjoys his work at South Star Drug which helps him a lot and his family. For five years, he diligently worked at the store impressing his supervisory with his exceptional performance. Despite his disability, he served as a source of inspiration for the entire team earning their admiration and respect.
Regarded as one of the most accomplished trainees in the center, he managed to become a well-functional individual and skillfully utilized his acquired abilities within the center.
The National Vocational Rehabilitation Center provides programs and services to assist Persons with Disability (PWD) by giving skills enhancement training and help them develop their independent living skills.
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