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Group photo with DS members
About DS Foundation
The Deanna Sipaco (DS) Foundation for the Differently-Abled Incorporated is a non-profit, humanitarian organization with a mission to cater to people with special needs. At the moment, the organization offers art and dance workshops as informal therapy. The foundation also serves as a support group for its members and their families.
We advocate inclusion and acceptance of persons who are intellectually and physically differently-abled. Most recently members of the foundation have been participating in mainstream activities such as art fairs and exhibits, dance performances at conventions and events, and representing the Philippines in international accessible art events. Read more here.
The foundation also coordinates with the government and local non-profit, non-government organisations catering to persons with disabilities.
Atty Alberto B. Sipaco Jr. speeching during a DS Foundation activity
A Brief History
In 1992 when Attorney Alberto and Diana Sipaco discovered that their daughter, Deanna, a person with Down Syndrome was interested in drawing, they immediately decided to enroll her in a class for visual arts.
Ten years later, Deanna had not only developed het talent in drawing and painting, but had achieved regionwide recognition in the field of visual arts. To acknowledge Deanna's achievements and their desire to also help out other individuals develop their special talents, Attorney and Mrs. Sipaco decided to put up the Deanna Sipaco (DS) Foundation for the Differently-Abled, Incorporated.
The Foundation aims to assist physically and mentally challenged people to develop their potentials in the field of visual arts, music, sports and dance. On January 29, 2001, Deanna's 29th birthday, the Foundation was formally launched to the public.
Cover of 'Breaking Down Barriers' book about Deanna Sipaco and the founding of DS Foundation.
Deanna
Deanna Cuison Sipaco was the eldest daughter of the four children of Atty and Mrs. Alberto B. Sipaco, Jr. She had gone to school at Lamb of God SPED Academy in Buhangin, Davao City, Philippines.
She was very active in school. To prove this, one can marvel at the awards and ribbons of exellence she received from the alma Mater every recognition day. Teachers and schoolmates alike were all her good friends as she was a very sociable individual. Her past time was spent doing oil paintings on canvass. Her creativity is boundless. Her passion for colors and shapes was very evident.
Today, her family, friends and mentors proudly share with the world that she was an achiever in her own right. It is hoped that she will become an inspiration, not only to those who are mentally and physically challenged but to everyone.
After thirty three (33) years of demonstrating her talents, untirelingly giving inspiration to children and adults like her, Deanna was laid to rest on September 14 in 2005, consumating her purpose in life, fulfilling God's design.
In 2009 at the Down Syndrome Congress in Dublin, Ireland, Deanna received a posthumous award to recognize her contribution in the field of visual art as a "great advocate for people with Down Syndrome".
DS Foundation and other organisations
We believe that it is important to not be an island, therefore DS Foundation also joins in activities of other organisations to advocate, exchange experiences, inspire and to broaden and strengthen support for our common goals. Read more here.
Diana Sipaco at the entrance of DS Foundation office.
Whether someone has Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Global Developmental Delay or any other physical and/or mental challenges, governments and societies should do everything within its power to be inclusive and take away barriers to be an actual part in their society in every aspect.
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This website is being developed. In the coming time you will find all pages updated. Thank you so much for being patient. It's a great virtue! ;)
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So, yes. This website is being developed as you just read. In the coming time you really will find all pages updated. Thank you again so much for being this patient. It's such a great virtue, isn't it? :D