“Comprehensive care and support can make a difference in their lives.”
Eight years ago, I had the opportunity to work at the Anderson Center for Autism in New York, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
There, our work focused on inclusive education – creating a supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of their abilities, languages, cultures, or socio-economic backgrounds.
Now that I am back in the Philippines, I would like to distill the lessons from the experience and how inclusive education can be applied here, in particular, for children with special needs.
In the United States, special education has seen significant trends and developments over the years. The government funds and provides resources to help schools implement support services.
During my 18 months at Anderson Center, I gained hands-on experience in autism education and interventions in various settings. The center offers a variety of services, such as residential options in group homes with 24×7 care. Their vocational training prepares individuals for employment, while customized educational programs cater to each person’s unique learning needs.
The center also provides speech and occupational therapy, as well as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support overall development. ABA is a therapy that focuses on increasing positive behaviors and reducing challenges, leading to meaningful improvements in daily life and social interactions. Students participate in community activities, build relationships with peers, engage in differentiated learning experiences, and generally thrive in their daily lives.
I have witnessed these principles applied in public schools. Over the past five years, I had the privilege of working as a special education professional at the Washington Manor Middle School. This public school in the bay area of California embraces innovative approaches that prioritize the well-being and inclusion of students with special needs.
In California, students with disabilities have access to a range of support options, including mainstreaming classes, resource classes, and special day classes. In a mainstream setup, students attend general education classes with the support of an instructional aide to help address their learning needs.
Resource classes provide targeted assistance, where students work with a special education teacher in subjects where they need the most support, such as math, language arts, or study skills. In special day classes, students receive specialized instruction while still participating in general education for physical education and elective courses like art, music, or computers. Students socialize and learn alongside their peers.
These programs are made possible because of government support and also of corporations that put education – especially inclusive education – as part of their social responsibility.
One such approach is providing the latest technology, a benefit of California being the base or the headquarters of major information technology firms. Thus, every student in our school has a Chromebook for use in school and at home. This has been a game-changer for students with special needs. We use text-to-speech software that reads out loud for students who struggle with reading and voice typing tools that make it easy for them to express themselves.
Students who struggle with communication may have augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, such as electronic tablets with speech applications or picture symbols to help them communicate.
Mental health and well-being of our students is factored in these programmes. The school has a learning center, and established a calming corner in classrooms. These provide a safe and relaxing environment for students who may be experiencing anxiety or emotional distress.
The special education team works together to support students. Teachers create engaging lessons that are tailored to each student’s learning style. Instructional aides help provide differentiated instruction and assist students with daily tasks. The group regularly meets to discuss individual goals and monitor progress.
Thus, I have seen how comprehensive care and support can make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs.These experiences have deepened my understanding and inspired me to advocate for inclusive education – across public and private sectors – in the Philippines.
Education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of abilities. By offering support like differentiated instruction; teamwork among service providers, families, and teachers; plus opportunities for socialization and quality education, students with special needs can thrive and reach their full potential.
Patricia Mae Paredes is the Special Education Department head at Washington Manor Middle School and was recognized as the San Lorenzo Education Association Site Educator of the Year for 2023-2024. She has also published research articles with the US National Association of Special Education Teachers.
