JULY 16, 2011

NR # 2467

Establishment of centers for children with special needs pushed

A center for autistic and special children will soon be established in every province of the country. Rep. Gina De Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan) said House Bill 4447 mandates the creation of centers, which will give, among others, free special therapy sessions or interventions to children with autism and hearing and speech impairment. Poor families who cannot afford the time and specialized treatment for their children with autism and/or hearing and speech impairment can avail of free special therapy sessions or interventions, De Venecia, author of the bill, said. De Venecia said these Centers shall also provide free evaluation, physical and occupational therapy and socialization activities. In order to uplift the lives of these children, there will be educational assistance, parents training and community training, De Venecia said. The bill, to be known as the Empowerment of Children with Special Needs Act, shall provide comprehensive rehabilitation, social and educational services to the youth with special needs. Under the bill, each Center shall be composed of a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, social workers, special education teachers and provincial health workers, among others. A volunteer rehabilitation doctor or a rehabilitation doctor from the provincial hospital shall evaluate the beneficiaries and provide initial rehabilitation plans to guide team. Eventually, centers for children with autism and hearing and speech impairment shall be established in every congressional district, De Venecia said. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with the Department of Health, National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA), organizations specializing on children with special needs and other groups advocating the rights of persons with disabilities, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations of this Act, assist and provide necessary support services for their effective implementation. With much help, these children with special needs can live freely and independently and achieve a more meaningful, productive and satisfying life, De Venecia said. (30) jsc