Baguio: People with disabilities must not be kept at home, as they too can be taught to survive and live day to day by providing them with formal education to hone their skills in school. 'We cater to special children of all ages, and we adopt the education based on their assessed needs,' Dr. Rommel Manzano, principal of the government-run Special Pupils Education (SPED) Center in Baguio, said in an interview on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the SPED Center currently has 845 learners enrolled, with 293 attending special classes. The learners include individuals with hearing impairment, intellectual disability, learning disability, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Brigada Eskwela, a program that prepares the physical facilities for learners, is more meticulous than in a regular school. Classrooms for learners with disabilities must be smaller to contain the children adequately, and they cannot be overly decorative, as learners with ASD are easily distracted by colors and decorations.
The first week of classes, known as the 'opening block,' focuses on assessing learners' behavior in class, which could be influenced by their surroundings. Special classes are ideally designed to have only seven to 15 learners, but due to limited resources, some classes accommodate up to 20 learners, except for ASD classes, which have a maximum of five.
Manzano emphasized the need for a flexible approach in education, noting that some learners are provided with life skills rather than academic learning. These skills include arts, crafts, kitchen tasks, and even baking. He highlighted the importance of assessing how learners handle their education to avoid frustration.
As the former principal of a regular school, Manzano pursued a master's degree in special needs education to better manage the SPED center. Teachers at the center are Bachelor of Education graduates with majors in special needs education, ensuring they can fully understand and care for the learners.
The center follows the Republic Act 11650, which prescribes inclusive education for learners with disabilities. However, in Baguio, inclusive learning is not yet fully integrated as special training is necessary to support learners with disabilities. SPED caters to learners with severe and profound cases who require specialized training, while those with mild cases are encouraged to attend regular schools.
A parent, Emy, shared her experience, stating that her son, who has Down syndrome, needs education tailored to his unique needs. Her 11-year-old son is just learning to speak, and she emphasized the importance of carers with a broad understanding and patience.
