History of Special Education in the Philippines (1902-2000)

Summary

This presentation traces the evolution of special education in the Philippines from 1902 to 2000. It highlights key milestones, including the establishment of the Insular School for the Deaf and the Blind in 1907, the formation of organizations like the Philippine Association of the Deaf, and legislative advancements such as the creation of the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons in 1978. The development of educational programs for children with disabilities, the rise of specialized schools, and efforts to integrate children into regular classes are explored, showcasing the country's growing commitment to inclusive education over the decades.

Takeaways

• 😀 Special education in the Philippines formally began in 1907 with the establishment of the Insular School for the Deaf and Blind in Pasay City.
• 😀 The first significant effort to educate children with disabilities in the Philippines was noted in 1902 by Fred Atkinson during the American regime.
• 😀 The Philippine Association of the Deaf (PAD) was founded in 1926, marking an important step in advocacy for hearing-impaired individuals.
• 😀 Key milestones between 1950-1957 include the opening of the first summer institute for teaching the deaf and the beginning of the integration of deaf students into regular classes.
• 😀 The Department of Education (DepEd) played a central role in advancing special education by establishing special education sections and training programs for teachers of exceptional children.
• 😀 A major leap in awareness and policy occurred in the 1970s, with Proclamation 1605 declaring the decade of the Filipino child and the creation of the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons (NCCDP) in 1978.
• 😀 The establishment of special schools for various disabilities, such as the first school for the crippled children in 1945 and specialized training centers in the 1980s, helped expand services for disabled youth.
• 😀 The 1990s saw increased specialization, with the opening of teacher training programs for visually and hearing-impaired children at institutions like the Philippine Normal University.
• 😀 Republic Act No. 344, passed in 1983, was a key legislative achievement, mandating accessibility improvements in public spaces and vehicles for disabled persons.
• 😀 Throughout the 1990s, multiple initiatives, including national congresses and awareness days, helped promote special education and the inclusion of children with disabilities in the mainstream educational system.

Q & A

What was the key development in special education in the Philippines in 1902?

In 1902, during the American regime, Fred Atkinson, the General Superintendent of Education, reported that deaf and blind children were found in a census of school-aged children in Manila and nearby provinces. This marked the beginning of the interest to educate Filipino children with disabilities.

When did formal special education begin in the Philippines?

Special education in the Philippines formally began in 1907 with the establishment of the Insular School for the Deaf and the Blind in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Who was the first administrator and teacher of the Insular School for the Deaf and the Blind?

Miss Delia Delight Rice, an American educator, was the first administrator and teacher of the Insular School for the Deaf and the Blind.

What significant event happened in 1926 regarding special education in the Philippines?

In 1926, the Philippine Association of the Deaf (PAD) was founded, composed of hearing-impaired members and special education specialists.

What was the role of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in 1945 for children with disabilities?

In 1945, the National Orthopaedic Hospital opened a school for crippled children (NOH SCC), serving young patients who had to be hospitalized for long periods.

What major event in special education took place between 1950 and 1957?

During this period, several important developments occurred, including the opening of special education schools for the deaf and the creation of the Special Education Section within the Bureau of Public Schools in 1957.

How did the 1960s contribute to the development of special education in the Philippines?

In the 1960s, private colleges and universities began offering special education courses, and key institutions like the Manila Youth and Rehabilitation Center (MYRC) were established. Additionally, various laws and programs were created to train teachers and administrators in special education.

What was the significance of Republic Act 5250 in 1970?

Republic Act 5250, passed in 1970, initiated teacher training programs for children with behavioral problems at the University of the Philippines.

What was the purpose of Proclamation 1605 in 1976?

Proclamation 1605, issued in 1976, declared the period from 1977 to 1987 as the 'Decade of the Filipino Child,' highlighting the need for educational improvements for exceptional children.

What major legislation aimed at improving accessibility for disabled persons was passed in 1983?

Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, the Accessibility Law, was passed in 1983, requiring buildings, cars, and public utilities to install facilities and devices to enhance the mobility of disabled persons.

When was the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) created?

The National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) was created in 1978 through Presidential Decree No. 1509. It was later renamed the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA).

What development in 1993 was significant for special education at the regional level?

In 1993, DepEd issued Order No. 14, directing regional officers to organize regional Special Education Councils, which helped standardize and improve special education programs across the country.