On April 24, 2025, TheVoiceMaster released “CVAP Testimonial 18: Thelma Alcantara Pt. 2 (The Power of Support & Mentorship)”, a YouTube Short that shines a light on how inclusive training and intentional mentorship can change lives. Though modest in views, the testimonial carries a powerful message that reflects the Certified Voice Artist Program’s (CVAP) ongoing commitment to accessibility, empowerment, and the belief that every voice deserves a place in the industry.
A Passion Constrained by Barriers
Thelma Alcantara, a blind voice talent and radio drama scriptwriter, has always been drawn to storytelling. Her love for using her voice as a creative tool was clear early on, yet the path to a professional career felt out of reach. Like many persons with disabilities (PWDs), she encountered both practical and psychological barriers—limited access to accessible training and the persistent doubt that her disability might disqualify her from competing in a highly technical, performance-driven field.
These challenges reflect a broader reality within creative industries, where accessibility is often overlooked and talent is measured through restrictive standards. For Alcantara, this environment nearly led her to abandon the dream she had carried for years.
The Role of Inclusive Mentorship
CVAP became a turning point by approaching training through an inclusive and human-centered lens. From the outset, the program ensured that learning materials were accessible, providing audio scripts and ensuring compatibility with screen reader technology. Yet it was the mentorship—personal, intentional, and affirming—that truly reshaped Alcantara’s journey.
Her mentor saw beyond limitations and focused on possibility. Technical instruction in vocal modulation and script interpretation was paired with deeper guidance on how Alcantara’s lived experiences could enrich her performances. By encouraging her to draw from emotions such as resilience, determination, and perseverance, the mentorship reframed her disability as a creative strength rather than a barrier.
Equally transformative was being introduced to a community of fellow PWD voice artists within CVAP. For the first time, Alcantara felt she was not navigating the industry alone. The sense of belonging and shared understanding became a source of confidence and motivation.
Support Beyond the Classroom
CVAP’s commitment did not end with training. As Alcantara prepared to step into professional work, the program helped her create an accessible demo reel and connected her with clients who value diverse voices. When questions arose about her ability to deliver, the CVAP team advocated on her behalf—reinforcing that with the right tools and systems, disability does not limit excellence.
This holistic support model demonstrates how mentorship extends beyond skill-building. It involves advocacy, trust, and the willingness to challenge outdated assumptions about who belongs in creative spaces.
From Empowerment to Advocacy
Today, Thelma Alcantara is not only building her career as a voice artist but also using her platform to champion inclusion in the industry. Her journey has transformed her into an advocate for other PWDs who may still doubt their place in creative professions. By sharing her story, she helps dismantle the belief that disability and professional success are incompatible.
Her experience aligns with wider inclusion efforts in the Philippines, including digital accessibility initiatives that empower PWDs to work independently and engage more fully in professional life. Together, these efforts reinforce a simple truth: when support systems are thoughtfully designed, talent can flourish.
A Model for Inclusive Creative Industries
Alcantara’s story is a powerful reminder that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. Programs like CVAP demonstrate what becomes possible when mentorship is rooted in empathy and accessibility is treated as a priority, not an afterthought.
As Alcantara so eloquently expresses, mentorship is more than instruction—it is belief in action. By believing in individuals when they struggle to believe in themselves, and by building systems that support their growth, CVAP continues to help ensure that every voice, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to be heard.