Quality Education for Learners with Special Needs

August 11, 2000

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 023-00

 

In accordance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) no. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994," and in compliance with the urgent request of the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) chaired by the Honorable Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, proper implementation of the provisions of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and its Implementing Rules and Regulations embodied in RA 7277, by all higher education institutions is hereby adopted:

1. Public higher education institutions (HEIs) shall admit all learners with special needs whether in academic, vocational or technical courses and other training programs, except those which have already accepted but whose facilities do not warrant additional enrolees. Private HEIs meanwhile, are encouraged to do the same as part of their educational service to qualified tertiary level students with special needs.

2. Teacher training institutions are enjoined to include Special Education (SPED) courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels of education and in other related areas, and to offer scholarship programs to qualified SPED teachers whenever possible, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education and other government and non-government agencies.

3. To ensure that quality education is accessible to all learners with special needs and to facilitate their learning process, the following modified facilities and equipment shall be given importance by all HEIs as minimum requirements specified in RA 7277.

a) For persons with visual impairment 3/4 sensory and tactile materials, braille books and record materials, braille writing, painting and reading machines, orientation and mobility equipment.

b) For persons with hearing impairment 3/4 group or individual hearing aids, speech trainers, tape recorders and speech or language kit containing auditory and language training materials.

c) For persons with orthopedic handicaps 3/4 the requirements provided for on Rule II of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 re: Accessibility Law, shall be complied with including adjustable desks or chairs and adopted physical education apparatuses.

d) For persons with mental retardation 3/4 facilities, equipment and instructional materials for developing skills in self-care, socialization, motor cognitive and pre-vocational and vocational training.

e) Other types of learners with special needs: those with behavioral problems including those with autism, those with learning disabilities and those with multiple handicaps 3/4 instructional devices and equipment for behavior modification, perceptual motor training, daily living skills, language and speech and cognitive skills development.

4. In compliance thereof, CHEDROs are directed to closely monitor the implementation of the aforecited provisions on quality education for learners with special needs, a semestral report of which shall be submitted to the Commission, through the Office of Student Services, 3/F NEC Bldg., UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City.

5. Full support and cooperation are enjoined.

Pasig City, Philippines, August 11, 2000.

(SGD.) ESTER ALBANO GARCIAChairmanCommission on Higher Education