A united team consisting of Pic-A-Talk team, JCI Iligan Maria Cristina volunteers and CASS-EC board members pose with the SPED kids aka the beneficiaries of Mindscapes

February 18, 2024, Iligan City – Plaza Alemania became the vibrant setting for an event that encapsulated hope, empowerment, and boundless potential. A joint project by Pic-A-Talk and JCI-Iligan Maria Cristina titled “MINDSCAPES: Empowering SPED Students with Pic-A-Talk AAC gathered approximately 15 Special Education (SPED) students and their families, alongside dedicated volunteers from Pic-A-Talk, JCI-IMC, and CASS-EC, to embark on a journey of communication development and inclusivity.

Pic-A-Talk AAC was the main revolutionary tool tailored to children with communication disabilities. Designed to facilitate independent communication and foster a sense of autonomy, this Filipino-based AAC opens doors to a world where every voice, regardless of language or economic background, is heard and valued.

Out of the numerous students studying at Iligan City SPED Center, 20 were carefully selected based on their potential to benefit from Pic-A-Talk AAC the most. Behind the scenes, volunteers from Pic-A-Talk, JCI-IMC, and CASS-EC worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless execution of the event, ensuring that no hiccups would happen along the way.

Aisemp Bernadette Uy Agot, a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) from Medbay Therapy Center, welcomed the occasion as the guest speaker. With her expertise and passion, Agot enlightened parents on the profound significance of integrating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) into the daily lives of their children. Her insights brought greater understanding, connection, and empowerment for both children and parents alike.

Following enlightening discussions and heartfelt exchanges in which the parents expressed their experiences raising special kids, the highlight of the event unfolded as the children received their very own mobile devices, generously sponsored by JCI-IMC. Their ability to express themselves would be unlocked by these phones, opening up a world of limitless opportunities.

Uma Roa discusses the challenges of being a parent / caretaker of a child with special needs

Aisemp Agot, SLP of Medbay Therapy Center and Uma Roa of Pic-A-Talk pose for the camera!

Out of the numerous students studying at Iligan City SPED Center, 20 were carefully selected based on their potential to benefit from Pic-A-Talk AAC the most. Behind the scenes, volunteers from Pic-A-Talk, JCI-IMC, and CASS-EC worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless execution of the event, ensuring that no hiccups would happen along the way.

Aisemp Bernadette Uy Agot, a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) from Medbay Therapy Center, welcomed the occasion as the guest speaker. With her expertise and passion, Agot enlightened parents on the profound significance of integrating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) into the daily lives of their children. Her insights brought greater understanding, connection, and empowerment for both children and parents alike.

Following enlightening discussions and heartfelt exchanges in which the parents expressed their experiences raising special kids, the highlight of the event unfolded as the children received their very own mobile devices, generously sponsored by JCI-IMC. Their ability to express themselves would be unlocked by these phones, opening up a world of limitless opportunities.

Uma Roa (left), Aisemp Agot (center), and Jzietel Alemania (right) take a stunning picture together