Inclusive Education is a learning environment where children with and without disabilities are taught together, as equals. This approach is different to more traditional approaches to the education of children with disabilities, such as the SPED model used in the Philippines, that involve segregating CWDs into separate classes or even separate schools. Inclusive Education is recognized by teachers, families and policy makers to be a more beneficial way of ensuring that children with and without disabilities achieve their full educational potential.
The LCD Philippines Foundation Inclusive Education program was initiated in 2005 in response to a perceived need for a remodification of the current educational system for CWDs in the Philippines. Working in partnership with the Department of Education, other national NGOs and 19 Community Support Groups (made up of volunteer parents and volunteer organisations), amongst other partners, the program involves creating awareness among stakeholders; improving access to Inclusive Education in schools and communities through providing accessible features, equipment and appropriate teacher training; adopting an holistic approach to address the needs of CWDs through comprehensive health management and rehabilitation interventions (including a program developed by one of our CHIIPS Interns – ICARE) and research and data gathering. In addition the Inclusive Education in collaboration with the Economic Empowerment programme aims to create economic opportunities for the parents and families of disabled children.
Inclusive Educ..jpg- Teacher: Evangeline Ortiz