2 days ago
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BAGUIO, Philippines – Keith Harrison never set out to change how special education was being carried out. He was just a father trying to give his son, Julyan, the best shot at life. But change often begins with necessity, and for Harrison, that need was personal.
Julyan, now 32, is on the autism spectrum. Harrison and his wife, Rachel, spent years navigating a special education system where resources were scarce, teacher training inconsistent, and parents often felt isolated.
After Julyan was diagnosed at two years old, the Harrisons devoted their resources to providing therapy for their middle child. Rachel even moved back to her native Zambales so Julyan could grow up surrounded by nature – where he functioned well.
Three decades later, Julyan is able to paint, cook, garden, kayak, surf, and even sing. Knowing that he has these life skills encourages the Harrisons about their son’s ability to cope with the world as he gets older.
As president of the Rotary Club of Makati, Harrison had a platform. But he didn’t realize the extent of the challenges facing students like Julyan until October 2024, when his group launched its first special education (SPED) training program at General Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati.
The school, a hub for special needs education in the city, hosted a program designed to help teachers and parents address diverse learning needs.
For the Harrisons and the Rotarians, it’s about education and inclusion.
“Consistency of protocols and behavior management techniques from the school to home will make it easier for a child to have an enjoyable family life and an enjoyable and productive learning life at school,” Harrison said.
Their initiative didn’t stop in Makati. After Rachel learned about the struggles of teachers in Kibungan, Benguet, Harrison reached out to counterparts in Baguio. What began as a single training session expanded into a wider effort.
From March 7 to 9, Rotarians from Makati and Baguio led the “Special Magic” project at Baguio’s Teachers’ Camp for 229 public school teachers from Apayao, Benguet, and Baguio.
In Benguet alone, the Department of Education recorded 664 students with intellectual disabilities, 334 with learning disabilities, and 230 on the autism spectrum. These figures reflect only those assessed by professionals.
Globally, 316.8 million children and adolescents had developmental conditions as of 2019, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study. Southeast Asia has the highest prevalence of such conditions, including ADHD, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, and vision loss. In the Philippines, one in 100 people is on the autism spectrum.
Republic Act 11650, or the Inclusive Education Act, was signed in March 2022, guaranteeing free public early and basic education for learners with disabilities (LWDs). But it took more than two years before its implementing rules were published.
The law mandates individualized education plans (IEP) and various support services, including an Inclusive Learning Resource Center (ILRC) in every city and municipality.
Some of the teachers raised concerns about the lack of SPED-trained staff and facilities needed to fully implement RA 11650 in their districts.
Drawing from her experience as a mother to a man on the autism spectrum, Rachel told teachers: “You play a crucial role in their development. You will change lives, and your lives will change.”
Practical strategies
Ricky Tumadiang of the Balai Tulun-an Development Center said, “Each case should be handled differently, always anchored on the needs of the learners.”
Tumadiang, who has two decades of SPED experience, stressed collaboration is the key to addressing special education needs.
Teachers said the training broadened their understanding of adaptive learning techniques, individualized education plans, and behavior management, including behavioral intervention plans for inclusive classrooms.
Mercedes Catacutan of Pakpakitan Elementary School in Kibungan, Benguet, who also coaches para games athletes, said she has seen a rise in LWD cases.
Initially struggling to understand why some students couldn’t follow instructions, she adjusted her teaching strategies. Now, one of her students is set to represent Benguet in athletics at the Palarong Pambansa Para Games.
Noralyn Bang-ay of Paco Valley Elementary School in Kabugao, Apayao, traveled over 10 hours to attend the training. She highlighted a fundamental issue: poverty and hunger.
She said many of their students arrive at school without eating, so teachers pool their money for a feeding program to ensure they get proper meals.
Melanie Napeek of Tocmo Integrated School in Itogon, Benguet, has taught LWDs for over a decade without formal SPED training. She said many parents want to create a conducive learning environment for their children but struggle with the high cost of medical interventions like occupational therapy.
“Conversations have become more open, and learning challenges are no longer as stigmatized,” Napeek said. “Parents are willing to learn, but the challenge is access to affordable interventions.” – Rappler.com
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