MANILA, Philippines - Education Secretary Armin Luistro urged yesterday schools to organize forums to discuss best teaching practices to improve the participation of children with intellectual disabilities (CIDs) in classrooms and the community.
Luistro issued the call in line with this year’s celebration of the National Intellectual Disability Week.
He also suggested school activities, including cultural shows, sportsfests and art exhibits, advocacy campaigns and open dialogues with parents, service providers and stakeholders.
Pursuant to the DepEd Memorandum No. 8 s. 2014, the conduct of the same activity in all regions is recommended, he said.
“All public and private schools, especially those with SPED programs, should undertake activities in line with this year’s theme, ‘Evolving Capacity with Family and Community Participation,’†Luistro said.
“To every learner — including learners with intellectual disability — we promise free, quality, and complete access to education. No sector in our society will be left behind; we are continuously pushing forward for everyone’s right to self-sufficiency and a better future,†Luistro said.
He said all activities to be conducted during the week-long celebration should not disrupt regular classes nor compromise the supervision of the learners with intellectual disability.
The DepEd’ Bureau of Elementary Education Special Education, in cooperation with the Quezon City government, Philippine Association for the Retarded (PAR), Jaycees Capitol, Inc. (JCI), Manila Water (MW), and the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS), organized a two-day learning day camp to provide students with intellectual disabilities a fun alternative to classroom instruction.