by Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Dec 28 (PIA) – Christmas is indeed for children. But for the city government of Isabela in Basilan it was more meaningful to celebrate the Yuletide season with children with special needs.
Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar gathered some 57 children with special needs for a treat last December 15 at city hall lobby as the Christian world celebrates the most festive, colorful, and joyous period of the Christian calendar.
In her message, Mayor Akbar exhorted parents to be more patient and honored them for their unconditional love for their special children who are differently abled. As a mother, too, she said that she felt the tension and the challenges facing parents in dealing with kids with special needs.
“Nobody can give the love that you parents are giving to these children. Hopefully, in spite of all the difficulties and problems that we encounter, we will not lose faith and patience in caring for our kids, no matter what their capabilities are because they are gifts from God,” the mayor stressed.
The mayor also cited the role of teachers handling these special kids. At one time, she said that she was tempted to hire them for their kids but on second thought did away with the plan knowing that she will deprive other kids who needed these teachers the most.
She also thanked Judge Leo Principe for initiating and advocating for a special education program under the Department of Education in the city.
Meanwhile, special education teachers thanked the mayor for the support and for giving children with special needs the hope to become contributing members of the society rather than social liabilities.
In Isabela city, the Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School (ICEPS) and the Isabela East Central Elementary School (IECES) are offering classes for children with special needs for about five years now.
According to about.com children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound mental retardation; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems. The designation is useful for getting needed services, setting appropriate goals, and gaining understanding for a child and stressed family.
Although every special-needs child is different and every family is unique, there are some common concerns that link parents of challenged kids, including getting appropriate care and accommodations; promoting acceptance in the extended family, school and community; planning for an uncertain future; and adjusting routines and expectations.
The Special Education Division of the Bureau of Elementary Education said that the State, community and the family life hold a common vision for the Filipino child with special needs: that is, he/she could be adequately provided with basic education; education should fully realize his/her own potentials for development and productivity as well as being capable of self-expression of his/her rights in the society; and he/she is God-loving and proud of being a Filipino.
The bureau said fundamental principle of inclusive school is that all children should learn together, wherever possible, regardless of any difficulties or differences they may have (The Salamanca Statement on Principles, Policy and Practice in Special Education). (RVC-PIA9 ZBST)