Proponent: Lorna V. Guinto
Research Agenda
Category: Special Program
Subject: Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao
Office/School: CID Schools Division Office of
Balanga City

In accordance with Republic Act 10533, Rule 1 Section 8,2, there exists a
commitment to designing comprehensive educational programs for learners with disabilities. The Department of Education, through No. 72, series 2009 (3c), emphasizes the privileges of children with disabilities for inclusive education, ensuring their right to receive a suitable education. Options under this provision include organizing children with similar disabilities into self-contained classes, either mono-grade or multi-grade, managed by specialized educators. Another option involves pulling these children out from regular classes for small group or one-on-one instruction and interventions provided by trained Special Education Teachers.

Addressing hearing impairment is an integral part of the special education
system, signifying the entitlement of deaf youth to an education equal to that of other children. The Department of Education, recognizing the importance of inclusivity, conducted nationwide training programs on sign language. Former Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC stressed the commitment to truly inclusive education, especially for those facing challenges in understanding lessons due to hearing impairment (DepEd, 2012). This training aimed to equip teachers with the competencies
needed to establish and maintain Special Education (SPED) programs.

Amidst the global pandemic, the DepEd, in a conference on June 1, 2020,
asserted that students with special needs would be included in preparations for the distance learning approach during the school year 2020-2021. Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malalan highlighted the need to be sensitive to inequalities, citing the adaptation for those using braille. However, challenges persist in learning sign language, requiring significant time and effort, particularly within the household of hearingimpaired individuals. This study focuses on the concerns of SPED teachers regarding the appropriate distance learning modality and the use of sign language as the medium
of instruction, aiming to explore the implications of Online Delivery Mode (ODL) for learners with hearing impairment at Balanga Elementary School in the City of Balanga.