Educating out of school Children with Disabilities

The Las Pinas Persons with Disability Federation Inc (LPPWDFI)  since the time we launched the project to stakeholders in Las, Pinas City, 2 barangays have adopted the Community Based Enrichment Program and has enlisted 17 children with disabilities in Barangay Pamplona Uno and 18 children with disabilities in Barangay Pamplona, Dos. LPPWDFI has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with each Barangay together with a teacher facilitator who have undergone training under the CBEP Program by LPPWDFI.

LPPWDFI monitors the activities done in these 2 classrooms by means of a monthly mm coordination meeting with facilitators. The children in these classrooms undergo inclusive activities specifically created under a module designed for persons with disabilities who have not attended school in preparation for entering Early Child Care and Development Program. In Barangay Pamplona Uno, they have 2 batches of children with disabilities, one in the morning from 9amcto 11am and in the afternoon 2pm till 4pm. These classes are done 3 times a week. Children with disabilities attend each class with their parents or guardian. On the other hand in a Barangay Pamplona Dos their class  is only once a week since they are still looking for a permanent area to serve as classroom in the Barangay. 

LPPWDFI  meets with the 2 facilitators of these areas to update and monitor learning developments of children enrolled in CBEP. These children with disabilities undergone developmental assessment by a developmental oedia as endorsed by ASLLPPWDFI to identify the areas that needs development. Samples of developments reported by facilitators are the following: socialisation skills, there are children with disabilities that before does not mingle with other kids but with CBEP they are now actively playing with others and participating in the class activities. Changes in their behavioral conditions like less tantrums and meltdowns in classrooms, and in their homes. Development in walking and writing skills were also reported. 

As of this writing, LPPWDFI has presented thus projects in 10 barangays, and so far 3 barangays have signified their intention to adopt CBEP in their area whike 2 barangays signified intentions to collaborate with each other so that they can serve more children with disabikities in their area. LPPWDFI continues to lobby and help support in the education of these children until they transition to regular schools. Disabikity should not be a hindrance in the development of these children. Education is for all.