Overview
This lecture outlines the key events and developments in the history of special education (SPED) in the Philippines, highlighting major milestones, legislation, and institutional advancements.
Early Beginnings
- SPED in the Philippines began in 1902 when Fred Atkinson proposed education for deaf and blind children.
- In 1908, Delight Rice established the Manila Institute for the Deaf and Dumb (now Philippine School for the Deaf).
- Maria Vilia Francisco became the first Filipino principal of the School for the Deaf and Blind in 1936.
Establishment of Key Institutions
- Welfareville Children's Village for mental retardation established in Mandaluyong, 1927.
- National Orthopedic Hospital School for crippled children and youth founded in 1945.
- Quezon City Science High School for gifted students inaugurated in 1949.
- El Gaches Village for abandoned handicapped children opened in 1953.
- Special classes for the deaf in mainstream schools started in 1956.
Expansion and Teacher Training
- In 1957, a SPED section was created within the Department of Education.
- Some private colleges began offering SPED graduate courses in 1960.
- Republic Act No. 3562 in 1963 mandated training of teachers for blind children at Philippine Normal University.
- Training for SPED administrators began in 1965 at UP.
- Programs for socially maladjusted children and behavior problem training started in 1969-1970.
Major Policies and Surveys
- Silahis concept of SPED introduced in Manila public schools in 1975.
- Nationwide survey of unidentified exceptional children conducted from 1979-1981.
- Philippine Institute for the Deaf and oral school for hearing impairment established in 1990.
Legal and Structural Developments
- Summer teacher training for visually impaired started at PNU in 1992, and for the hearing impaired in 1995.
- DECS Order No. 14 (1993) created regional SPED councils.
- Reclassification of teachers/principals to SPED designation via DECS Order No. 5 (1998).
- Administrative Order No. 101 (1999) mandated accessible facilities for disabled persons in all public buildings.
Modern Advancements and Legislation
- SPED centers were officially recognized in 2000.
- Mobile teacher training for SPED initiated in 2002.
- Special Education Act of 2007 identified 10 groups of children with special needs.
- By 2009, there were 217 SPED centers and Braille textbooks were distributed.
- Special Education Act of 2010 mandated at least one SPED center per school division.
- Increased government funding and national conferences for SPED teachers in 2012-2013.
- Inclusive and quality SPED is currently available in the Philippines.
Key Terms & Definitions
- SPED (Special Education) — Education designed for children with special needs or disabilities.
- Braille Textbooks — Books printed in the tactile writing system for visually impaired individuals.
- Silahis Concept — A model for integrating SPED into mainstream public schools.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review SPED-related laws and orders (e.g., Republic Act No. 3562, Special Education Acts).
- Familiarize with current SPED centers and their services.
- Attend SPED teacher training if pursuing a career in special education.