In 1954, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation was created to carry out the vocational rehabilitation programs for the blind and other persons with disabilities (PWDs). Eventually, the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC) was established, part of which became the Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop (RSW).
These days, the RSW provides vocational, social rehabilitation, and skills training to PWDs and other special groups. In this article, we will learn more about its programs and services, who can apply, and what the requirements are when applying for their programs.
What is the Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop?
The Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop is a non-residential, business-work oriented facility of the DSWD. It provides temporary livelihood opportunities and work training to PWDs, for them to become gainfully engaged in productive work and become contributing members of society.
The facility is located at J.P. Burgos Street, Project 4, Quezon City.
Vision, Mission, and Goal
According to its official website, the RSW envisions “a society that enables PWDs to become self-reliant, with human worth and dignity, and to be productive members of the community.”
As cited earlier, the facility’s mission is to provide work training and livelihood opportunities to PWDs, so that they may become engaged in productive work and become contributing members of society.
The goal of the RSW is to provide opportunities for less fortunate individuals to generate income on their own capabilities, enabling them to become productive members of the community.
Target Clients
The RSW’s target clients are persons with:
- Orthopedic, muscular impairment (e.g. cerebral palsy, cleft lip and palate, harelip, club foot, hunchback, missing limbs, muscular dystrophy, polio, spinal injury);
- Chronic illnesses with impairments (e.g. stoke, endocrine and metabolic disorders, etc.);
- Intellectual and mental impairment (e.g. upper trainable/educable intellectually disabled, Down syndrome, improved mental patient);
- Learning impairment (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, slow learners);
Psychosocial and behavioral impairments (e.g. recovered drig dependents, released prisoners, autistic spectrum disorder); - Vision and seeing disorder (e.g. cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, low vision, reflective errors);
- Communication impairment (e.g. hearing impaired); and
- Special groups, which include dependents and family members of PWDs.
NOTE: The RSW’s programs and services are available to all eligible PWDs who are residing in Metro Manila and nearby regions.
Qualifications
To qualify for the RSW’s programs and services, an applicant must:
- Be of working age, from 18 to 59 years old;
- Have occupational skills but are lacking in motivation, self-confidence, have poor work habits, dependency syndrome, and/or an apathetic attitude that hinders them from obtaining employment or income-generating activities;
- Have limited or no occupational skills;
- Have practical skills but no access to job opportunities;
- Be unable to carry out a job under ordinary working conditions due to the nature and severity of their disability; or
- Be dependents that are living with PWDs and need employment to support themselves and family members who are PWDs.
Requirements
Those who are interested to apply at the RSW need to prepare the following documents:
- Referral letter from a referring party;
- Social case study report from the local government unit;
- Barangay clearance;
- Medical certificate with results of chest x-ray, complete blood count, and urinalysis;
- School records;
- PWD ID (if any);
- Recent photos (one 3R size and two 1×1 size);
- Recent psychological records (for PWID);
- Release paper (for released prisoners); and
- Resume.
NOTE: For walk-in applicants, there is no need for a referral letter. Meanwhile, for dependents of PWDs, they need to submit the PWD ID of their relative.
Programs and Services
The RSW provides the following programs and services:
1. Social Services
These services include casework, counseling of clients (individually or in groups), and contact with families and relatives.
2. Medical and Dental Services
These are carried out to determine the trainee’s disability, along with his/her physical capacities and limitations.
3. Psychological Services
Trainees are assessed based in terms of their mental ability, aptitude, skills, work experiences, and occupational preferences — in order to come with the best plan or program for them.
4. Vocational Skills Training
The facility conducts training on a wide variety of skills, including: handicraft making, tailoring/dressmaking, massage therapy, beauty services, production of wood and metal products, watch repair, computer repair, electronic servicing, canteen management, hotel and restaurant services, housekeeping and janitorial service, etc.
5. Job Placement
Clients are provided with assistance in finding jobs that are suited to their skills, interests, and qualifications. These include open employment, self-employment, or sheltered employment.
6. Recreational and Cultural Activities
These include indoor and outdoor activities, and various events.
7. Community Participation
Trainees are involved in the activities of nearby schools, health centers, hospitals, markets, churches, offices, and other places for possible networking and/or employment opportunities.
Video: DSWD Secretary Visits the RSW
On February 7, 2023, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited the Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop in Quezon City, as part of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s directive to improve centers and residential care facilities. Aside from the RSW, Sec. Gatchalian also went to the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center and the Bahay Silungan. Here is a video documenting his recent visit:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop:
1. What is the Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop?
The Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop or RSW is a non-residential, business-work oriented facility that provides temporary livelihood opportunities and work training for PWDs.
2. What are its vision and mission?
The RSW envisions “a society that enables PWDs to become self-reliant, with human worth and dignity, and to be productive members of the community.” Its mission is to provide work training and livelihood opportunities to PWDs, so that they may be engaged in productive work and become contributing members of society.
3. Who are its target clients?
The RSW’s target clients are PWDs with various impairments (e.g. orthopedic, chronic illness, intellectual, psychosocial, communication, etc.). It also caters to dependents and family members of PWDs.
4. What are its programs and services?
The RSW’s programs and services include: social services, medical and dental services, psychological services, vocational skills, training, job placement, recreational and cultural activities, and community participation.
5. How can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about the RSW by going there personally or by getting in touch with them via phone or email.
Contact Information: DSWD-NCR Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop Center
Address: J.P. Burgos St., Project 4, Quezon City, 1800 Metro Manila
Telephone: (02) 913 9782
Email: rsw_ncr@yahoo.com
Website: https://ncr.dswd.gov.ph/centers-and-institution/rehabilitation-sheltered-workshop-rsw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rehabilitation-Sheltered-Workshop-100064205794957/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop or RSW, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their dependents can look forward to learning new skills, and eventually gaining employment or business opportunities. Indeed, the facility is one of the ways in which the DSWD supports the rights and privileges of PWDs.