Ruel F. Olapane Dr.

Elmer Albaladejo
Speaker Course Facilitator

Topic #4: Embracing Special Education

A. Special Education
In short SpeEd, is an individually planned and systematically implemented and carefully
evaluated instruction to help exceptional children achieve the greatest possible personal self-
sufficiency and success in present and future environments.

RA 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons)

Described the persons with disabilities are part of Philippine society and so the State shall
give full support to the improvement of the total well0being of disabled persons and their
integration into the mainstream of society.

Definition of terms of Section 4 of Republic Act 7277.

1. Disable Person – are those suffering from restriction or different disabilities as a result
of a mental, physical or sensory impairment to perform an activity in the manner or
within the range considered normal for a human being.
2. Individualized Education Program – commonly called an IEP, is a legal document,
collaboratively prepared by the special education team of professionals.

3. Mainstreaming – or Least Restrictive Environment to the maximum extent for the child
to participate with non-disabled peers in conjunction with the general education
curriculum.

4. Reasonable Accommodation – includes (1) improvement of existing facilities used by

employees in order to render these readily accessible to and usable by disabled persons,
and (2) modifications of work schedules.
 5. Rehabilitation – is an integrated approach to physical, social, cultural, spiritual,
educational and vocational measures that create conditions for the individual to attain
the highest possible level of functional ability.

6. Sheltered Employment – the provision of productive work for disabled persons through
workshops providing special facilities.

7. Social Barriers – refer to the characteristics of institutions, whether legal, economic,

cultural, recreational or other.

8. Zero Defect – specifying that all children, regardless of ability, are guaranteed a free
and appropriate public education.

Types of Disabilities.

1. Autism - is a neurological disorder that affects communication and the processing of

sensory information.

Echolalia is the repetitive communication disorder manifested by autistic children.

2. ADD/ADHD – means Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder – is a biological, brain-based condition that is characterized by poor attention
and distractibility and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.

3. Learning Disabilities – refers to a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological

processes involved in understanding or using spoken or write language which can result
in difficulties in reading, writing, listening, speaking, thinking, spelling, or
mathematics.

Dimensions of learning disabilities

1. Dyslexia – an impairment in the ability to read or comprehend written language

which is considered to be a significant learning disability or reading problems,
and/or oral language.

2. Dysgraphia – is a disorder related to written language.

 3. Dyscalcula or Dyscalculia – is the difficulty of the individual of mathematical
problems.

4. Mental Retardation – is a condition that affect an individual’s general ability to

learn school materials, adopt to the social demands

Classification:
1. Mild (50-55 to 70 IQ) – can learn basic academics
2. Moderate (35-40 to 50-55 IQ) – can learn self-help
3. Severe (20-25 to 35-40 IQ) – can learn self-help but under supervision.

5. Physical Impairment – are conditions that affect an individual’s gross-motor or

control or mobility and the fine-motor control.

Impairments:
1. Cerebral Palsy – paralysis of the brain involving muscle control, posture and
movement that is not progressive.
2. Hearing – a permanent or temporary disability in listening.
3. Visual – blindness is referred as having low or no vision.
4. Aphasia or Apraxia – expressive speech disorder or any language
impairments.

6. Gifted or Talented – another classification of children that needs special

education where these children exhibit excellence in their areas of intellect.

Special Education Curriculum.

Two Approaches:
1. Integrative or Activity – Centered Curriculum Approach – these scope and
sequence of this approach is found in the child himself.
2. Child – Central Curriculum Approach – it is designed for the child as the center of
the educational process.
 Disability Suggested Curriculum
-Weekly spelling test
-Active role in helping your students to gain skills
Learning Disabilities -Teach student to active homework independently
-Use graphs and books
-Pursue the cursive writing
ADD/ADHF -Balance of teacher-directed and self-directed activities
Autism -Teach the child according to his/her needs and interest
-Give homework, activities, assignments that needs to be
Tourette Syndrome
shorter.
Mental Retardation -Use many cues in teaching and presenting information.
-Provide learnings that is suited to him/her and put forth
Gifted and Talented
effort on creativity.
-Use visual and verbal cues depending on type of
disability.
Physical Impairments
-Provide graphic organizer or any digital type of materials
in presenting information.

References:
Bauzon, P.T. (2001) Foundations of Curriculum Development and Management, National
Bookstore, Manila

Corpuz, B.H., Salandanan G.G. (2007) Principles of Teaching I, Lorimar Publishing Inc.
Quexon City.

Davis, W.E. (1986) Special Education, (Terms Laws Assessment Procedures Organization), 2nd
Edition, Allyn and Bacon Inc. Boston.