Project Title: Disability Inclusion in Digital Economy The COVID pandemic has underscored the importance of technology in accessing information and resources due to its restrictions. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are further left behind in the new normal. ATRIEV, an assistive technology-focusedorganization, was able to transcend to the new normal andmaximized assistive technology to provide persons with disabilitieswith the skills to earn and survive. As early as 2018, ATRIEVrecognized the role of social media to promote businesses online. Using the Android platform, ATRIEV developed a training program centered on using Facebook Marketplace for PWD micro-entrepreneurs nationwide. With assistive technology, participants were taught photo editing apps, Facebook posting, and online branding. In 2020, ATRIEV revised the social media training to include financial literacy, pricing, and costing of products and services and renamed the training to Digital Business basic training (DBBT). Since most businesses shifted online, the training also included the use of e-payments, delivery services, and access to online shopping sites. using video conferencing platforms, ATRIEV’s visually-impaired trainers redesigned DBBT for online training customized for PWD Android users. In 2020, the majority of the150 DBBT training participants engaged in online selling of food, ready-to-wear apparel, herbal products, and e-loading services. However, because of the evolving technology trends, most online sellers and buyers shifted to the use of Instagram for business, Online live selling using Facebook live and YouTube videos as add-ons to the social media business package. For this project, ATRIEVwill revises its DBBT course content to include Instagram for business, video creation, and putting up a YouTube channel. Communication and presentation skills modules will also be added to the course. Customized marketing training will also be included to focus on actual sales techniques. Aside from the skills development of PWDs, ATRIEV will also connect them to access resources from government institutions like the Department of Trade and Industry(DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority(TESDA), and Department of Social Welfare and Development(DSWD). ATRIEV will train these agencies inaccessible document production and online facilitation. ATRIEV will also conduct accessibility audits of their websites for remediation to ensure that all of the government tools and processes are inclusive. Finally, ATRIEV will build a site where PWDs can learn, find jobs, sell online and earn. While government agencies have online tools, most of these tools are either not accessible or not appropriate for beginners in using technology. Together with ATRIEV’s accessibility experts and a website firm, a fully accessible platform will be developed that will help PWDs transition to the mainstream of the digital economy. The site will have a Learning Management System (LMS)that will host all the skills development training programs, a time log, and monitoring system for ATRIEV trainers and employees to track their work performance, a repository of profiles of employablePWDs and their portfolio, a directory of employers and their job vacancies, and an online shop where PWDs can upload, share and connect their businesses. This all-encompassing site will be known as the Disability Inclusive Digital Economy Platform.

Reimagining Resilience: How ATRIEV empowered persons with disabilities to thrive in the digital economy

When the pandemic hit, it brought challenges, but it also sparked innovation. ATRIEV, dedicated to disability inclusion, found a way to empower people with disabilities (PWDs) through technology. Their project, “Disability Inclusion in Digital Economy,” offered virtual training for PWDs to start micro-businesses. As the world slowly adapted to the new normal, the project evolved into a hybrid model, blending virtual and in-person elements. Alongside, ATRIEV collaborated with government and private stakeholders, advocating for PWD entrepreneurship through workshops and accessibility training.

Cecille’s journey is a story of hope, one among many individuals with disabilities who found their path to success through the “Digital Inclusion in Digital Economy” Project by ATRIEV, supported by Voice. In the midst of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this project became a beacon of resilience.

While the pandemic disrupted lives worldwide, ATRIEV continued to thrive, breaking stereotypes along the way. Their dedication to assistive technology became a lifeline, empowering people with disabilities (PWDs) not just to survive, but to flourish through small businesses.

“Nagkaroon ako ng kumpyansa sa sarili ko. Iyong parang kaya pala kahit mayroon kang kampansanan kaya mo talagang sumabay kahit sa walang kapansanan sa pagiging negosyante. Hindi lang po yung karunungan kundi yung parang you’re in a good company kasi ang mga nakikita mo, yung mga succesful na PWD na entrepreneurs. Nakakatuwa nga kasi nga sa ATRIEV po kasi, bale yung mga negosyanteng may kapansanan nakita mo na pwede talagang magtagumpay. So talagang, ang laki ng naging kumpyansa mo sa sarili mo dahil po sa training na iyon.”

– Chola Viray, Physical Disability, a DBBT Graduate and a Cash Grant Recipient

At the core of the project is the aim to provide PWDs with the digital skills they need to succeed. ATRIEV adapted its strategy ingeniously, transitioning from purely virtual training to a hybrid model, combining face-to-face interaction and online learning for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

“Ang laki ng naitulong nya kasi una marami akong nakilala at narealize ko na pwede rin palang mag business yung kagaya ko na walang kaalam-alam. At isa pa, binibigyan nito ng opportunity ang kapwa natin PWD na magkaroon ng purpose sa buhay at makatulong din sa… Hindi lang sa sarili nilang pagkaunlad, pati na rin sa pamilya nila.”

 – Jeaniffer Shynne Magat, Visually impaired, a DBBT Graduate and a Cash Grant Recipient

But ATRIEV’s vision extended beyond training. They actively involved stakeholders, particularly government agencies focusing on entrepreneurship. Through workshops and networking sessions, they highlighted the potential of PWD entrepreneurs and equipped these agencies with tools for greater accessibility. Private businesses also joined the cause, not just as financial supporters but as partners in promoting and networking these emerging enterprises.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. ATRIEV meticulously tailored training modules to diverse needs and abilities, continuously learning and adapting their approach. They forged partnerships with local government units (LGUs), reaching even marginalized communities like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, empowering more individuals across regions. From Quezon City to Cebu, and reaching as far as Upi, Northern Mindanao, ATRIEV empowered an impressive number of trainees, totalling 235 by 2023.

Beyond acquiring entrepreneurial skills, participants drew inspiration from their trainers, fellow PWDs who shattered limitations. Their success stories served as powerful evidence of what’s possible.  In Naga City, trainees from the Digital Business Basics Training, spurred by their experiences, formed their own association, demonstrating the ripple effect of empowerment. Their journey culminated in significant milestones, like their inaugural PWD trade fair during the National Disability Prevention and Awareness Week in 2023.

“Para po sa ATRIEV, nagpapasalamat po kami sa pagkakataon na ibinigay sa mga person with disability (PWD) dito sa […] mga recipient namin dito sa Naga. Nagpapasalamat kami sa malaking oportunidad at saka [sa] tiwala na ibinigay […] ninyo po sa aming lahat dito sa Naga. Patuloy po naming palalaguin ang grupong ito para po mabigyan din po ng halaga iyong itinulong ninyo sa bawat PWD namin.”

– Norelyn N. Oco, POST SPED Teacher, Persons with Disability Affairs Office – PDAO Naga City

The collaboration with LGUs was particularly heartwarming, as it went beyond financial support to include coordination and shared celebrations of success. Culminating events were filled with touching testimonies, showcasing the transformative power of opportunity.

Imagine Cecille, once a participant in ATRIEV’s training program, now a thriving entrepreneur! Her sauce graces every online store and social media platform. ATRIEV doesn’t stop there. They launch “Shop-Able,” a one-stop shop for PWD entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools they need to thrive.

This isn’t just a project; it’s a testament to the human spirit. It’s a story of overcoming obstacles, using technology for good, and empowering people to build their own success. Cecille’s story is just the beginning, an inspiring ripple effect that empowers countless others. ATRIEV, along with collaborators, is committed to paving the way for a future where disability doesn’t limit possibility.

“Nakatulong ang ATRIEV sa akin dahil doon ako nagkakumpyansa sa sarili, na kaya ko pala. Nagkaroon ako ng business na hindi ko aakalain na magkakaroon tas nakadagdag din ng income sa amin kaya naging malaking tulong talaga sa amin.”

–  Cecille Rose Primero, Physical Disability , a DBBT Graduate and a Cash Grant Recipient