Students under Special Education (SPED) participate in the Brigada Eskwela Kick Off with theme 'Bayanihan Para Sa Matatag Na Paaralan' at NOH School for Crippled Children on Friday, August 18, 2023 in preparation for the opening of classes on August 29. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) has promised to use technology, including AI, and strengthen its support for learners with special needs.

In a statement, DepEd said this includes the creation of Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) and an AI-powered tool that would be able to detect disability.

The agency also wanted to convert Special Education (SPED) Centers into ILRCs and have them in every city or municipality through virtual or satellite centers.

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“Isinusulong natin ang paggamit ng teknolohiya hindi lamang sa pagtuturo, kundi pati sa paggawa ng desisyon, paglalaan ng resources, at pagbibigay ng serbisyong inklusibo,” said Angara.

Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM) and Alternative Learning System (ALS) will also be expanded to focus on capacity-building for teachers, robust policy monitoring, and integrating AIs in classrooms, based on the statement.

“Isinusulong naman ng DepEd-Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR) ang proyektong SABAY o Screening using AI-Based Assistance for Young children, upang gawing moderno ang pagtukoy sa mga batang posibleng may kapansanan. Layunin nitong palakasin ang Child Find System ng mga ahensya ayon sa mandato ng [Inclusive Education Act],” the statement read.

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“Pakay rin nitong magbigay ng mas maagap na interbensyon at referral, paikliin ang oras ng pagsusuri, at bawasan ang pasaning trabaho ng mga guro,” it added.

The program is being crafted in coordination with education experts, health professionals, and special education practitioners.

“Gumagawa kami ng mga paraan upang ma-automate ang ilang bahagi ng proseso ng pagsusuri, para mapabilis at mapabuti ang paggawa ng desisyon sa antas ng paaralan,” said ECAIR Managing Director Erika Legara.

“Ang layunin namin ay makalikha ng mga resulta na malinaw, kapaki-pakinabang, at talagang magagamit sa aktwal na mga sitwasyon—lalo na sa pagbibigay ng nararapat na suporta sa mga mag-aaral,” Legara added.

Teachers and school principals undergo training to address the needs of learners with disabilities, especially those who are mainstreamed into regular classrooms, while parents are oriented on the use of DepEd's learning resources, the agency earlier said.

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