DepEd vows improved support for learners with disabilities

The Department of Education (DepEd) vowed to strengthen its support for learners with disabilities (LWDs) as it pushes to introduce related groundbreaking initiatives focused on technology and expanded resources.

According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the DepEd aims to provide learners with disabilities with equal access to quality education and opportunities. The agency will also develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tool for early disability detection.

"The Department is fully committed to harnessing technology not only for instruction but also for decision-making, resource planning, and inclusive service delivery," Angara said in a press release on Tuesday.

The DepEd is also improving its Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM) and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to gain better capacity-building for educators, robust policy monitoring, and integrating assistive technology and AI into classrooms.

The move aims to create more personalized learning experiences tailored to the unique needs of LWDs, Angara said.

Further, a major technological leap is the development of Project SABAY (Screening using AI-Based Assistance for Young children) by the DepEd-Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR).

Angara said this tool aims to modernize the early identification process for children potentially at risk of disabilities, supporting the crucial Child Find System mandated by Republic Act 11650.

"Through the SABAY Project, we affirm our mission that every Filipino child—regardless of ability—deserves timely support and access to quality education," Angara said.

Project SABAY is being developed with inputs from education experts, health professionals, and special education practitioners. — VDV, GMA Integrated News