NCDA BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 7 SERIES OF 2020
A RESOLUTION TO REVISE THE “GUIDELINES IN THE ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES”
WHEREAS, the United Nations (UN) declared the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981, universal policies on special education (SPED) for children and youth with special needs were adopted to suit their needs. These efforts of the UN gradually advanced and moved towards the attainment of a barrier-free, inclusive and rights-based society for persons with disabilities for their full participation, equality and protection of their human rights, including their right to education;
WHEREAS, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared and launched the Education for All movement through an International Conference held in Jomtien, Thailand in 1990;
WHEREAS, under Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), it stipulates that “Member States shall ensure equal access of persons with disabilities to primary and secondary education, vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning”;
WHEREAS, under Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, it clearly provides that “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all”;
WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7277 or the 1992 Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities and their Integration into the Mainstream of Society and for Other Purposes under Chapter 2, Section 12, it clearly provides that “The State shall ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with adequate access to quality education and ample opportunities to develop their skills. It shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all persons with persons. It shall be unlawful for any learning institutions to deny a person with disabilities admission to any course it offers by reason of handicap or disability”;
WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 9442, An Act Amending Republic Act No. 7277, Otherwise Known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. – Under Chapter 8, Section 32 letter (h) thereof, it provides that “Educational assistance to persons with disability, for them to pursue primary, secondary, tertiary, post tertiary as well as vocational or technical education, in both public and private schools, through the provision of scholarships, grants, financial aids, subsidies and other incentives to qualified persons with disability including support for books, learning materials and uniform allowance to the extent feasible: Provided, That persons with disability shall meet minimum admission requirements”;
WHEREAS, CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 23, Series of 2000 titled “Quality Education for Learners with Special Needs” was issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to raise the level of educational attainment of persons with disabilities in the country. It urges higher educational institutions to:
(a) Admit learners with special needs;
(b) Inclusion of SPED programs for teacher training institutions; and
(c) Facilities and equipment be modified to ensure quality education is made accessible to learners with special needs.
WHEREAS, in order to respond to the current needs and concerns pertaining to education of persons with disabilities that are in consonance with current trends and international standards, there is a need to amend the “Guidelines in the Admission of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education and Post- Secondary Institutions in the Philippines”
NOW, THEREFORE, RESOLVED as it is hereby resolved, to amend the issue of persons with disabilities making them admitted to schools which may include the classroom accessible and setting-up reasonable accommodations on activities, services and other programs for easier access and full enjoyment of persons with disabilities.
RESOLVED FINALLY that through the learning environment of students with disabilities may be arranged in a variety of creative ways so that available opportunities for learning that would eventually help them succeed in life can be fully achieved.
APPROVED this 5th day of October 2020 during the NCDA Board meeting held via Zoom.
APPROVED BY:
CAMILO G. GUDMALIN
Undersecretary, DSWD
Alternate Chairperson, NCDA
DR. NAPOLEON L. AREVALO FEDERICO V. ABUAN, JR.
Director IV Assistant Secretary
Department of Health Department of Labor and Employment
ATTY. TONISITO M.C. UMALI, Esq. ROOSQUE B. CALACAT
Undersecretary Assistant Secretary
Department of Education Department of the Interior and Local Government
AMEENAH A. FAJARDO ATTY. JOHNSON V. DOMINGO
Assistant Secretary Project Director
Department of Trade and Industry Department of Public Works and Highways
ATTY. ARTEMIO U. TUAZON, JR. NORALYN JUBAIRA-BAJA
Chief of Staff Assistant Secretary, UNIO
Department of Transportation Department of Foreign Affairs
ATTY. MA. NERISSA CARPIO RAMON L. CUALOPING III
Assistant Secretary Director-General
Department of Justice Philippine Information Agency
GABRIEL LUIS R. QUISUMBING ARNOLD (ALI) ATIENZA
Deputy Director General Undersecretary
Technical Education and Skills Development Department of Information and
Authority Communications Technology
JAMES G. INFIESTO ENRIQUE A. AMPO
Association of Differently Abled Persons, Inc. Executive Director
HACI D Oro, Inc.
FREDERICK L. CASTRO
Sector of Persons with Disabilities