THE SENATE approved on second reading a measure that will improve services and programs for learners with disabilities in all municipalities and cities.

Senate Bill 1907 was passed on second reading after days of interpellation and amendments.

The measure co-authored and sponsored by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian mandates that no learner with disability shall be denied admission in any public or private school.

“Sa ating pagbangon mula sa pinsalang dulot ng pandemya ng Covid19, kailangang siguruhin nating tinutugunan ng ating sistema ng edukasyon ang pangangailangan ng ating mga mag-aaral at kabataang may kapansanan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga reporma at panukalang batas na ating isinusulong, mas matitiyak natin na walang batang may kapansanan ang maiiwan sa ilalim ng new o better normal,” Gatchalian said.

Under the measure, DepEd will collaborate with local government units to establish and maintain Inclusive Learning Resource Centers in every city and municipality.

ILRCs will deliver free support services and inclusive education programs for learners with disabilities and will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team composed of professionals including special education teachers, psychologists, guidance counselors, social workers, interpreters, and other allied medical professionals.

The bill will also institutionalize the Child Find System to identify, locate, and evaluate disabled learners who are not receiving basic education services.