THE COMMISSION on Human Rights has called on Congress to pass the bill that seeks to provide equal opportunities for learners with special needs.

The Instituting Services for Learners with Disabilities Bill has been passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives and is now being tackled by the bicameral conference committee.

De Guia said that the bill will enable learners with disabilities to develop their full potential and gain equal access to opportunities so they will not be left behind in these fast-changing times.

“With only a few provisions to reconcile, we hope that the Bicameral Conference Committee will soon conclude the deliberations for the bill to be passed before Congress adjourns,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said.

De Guia said that 5.5 million learners with disabilities have limited access to education.

“The educational situation of learners with disabilities has been compounded by the challenges posed by the pandemic,” she said.

“They are counting on the Inclusive Education Bill to be able to keep up with the new landscape of education as we gradually move to the new normal.”