A LAWMAKER has filed a proposed “Magna Carta for Children with Disabilities and Their Families” establishing a comprehensive support framework for over 1.4 million Filipinos with disabilities, a significant portion of whom are children requiring early intervention and sustained support.
“The true measure of society is how it protects its most vulnerable. Often, a lifetime of care is needed from the families of children with special needs. So if we can make it easier for the parents and their families, let’s do it),” said Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda of Albay, author of House Bill 7440.
Salceda noted that while existing laws such as Republic Act 7277 (Magna Carta for Persons with Disability) and RA 11650 (Inclusive Education Act) address the rights of persons with disabilities in general, they do not specifically address the unique needs of children with disabilities and the families who serve as their primary caregivers. Maricel V. Cruz
“Parents and families of children with disabilities face unique challenges – from the high cost of therapy and assistive devices, to care that is often lifelong. It’s not just the child who needs support, but the entire family,” he explained.
