The Department of Education (DepEd) advocated digital transformation and incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide inclusive learning for students with disabilities in the Philippines. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara says in a statement that this move will aid in 'empowering and supporting' students through more accessible learning materials.
"The Department is committed to utilizing technology not just for learning but also for decision-making, resource planning, and inclusive delivery of services", he asserted.
Among those are increased access to SPED facilities through the transformation of SPED Centers into Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs), and which also includes the planned establishment of virtual and satellite ILRCs.
In addition to this, enhancement of alternative delivery modes (ADM) and alternative learning system (ALS) and assistive technology and AI integration for children with disabilities is also in progress.
The DepEd-Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR) will also roll out the Screening using AI-Based Assistance for Young Children (SABAY) Project as one of the modernized and timely identification of students who are at risk of disabilities.
"With the SABAY Project, we reaffirm our mission that all Filipino children, whether able or not, are entitled to timely intervention and access to quality education. We are ensuring that students with disabilities are no longer left behind", Angara said.
As per DepEd-ECAIR, the SABAY project is in the initial stages with some sections designed to automate screening and produce outputs that are understandable and realistic in identifying necessary support for learners.
Up to now, the DepEd works hand in hand with other government agencies such as the Departments of Health, Social Welfare and Development, Public Works and Highways, Interior and Local Government, Finance, and Labor and Employment, and National Council on Disability Affairs, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Early Childhood Care and Development, Commission on Higher Education, and Professional Regulation Commission to make these plans for students with disabilities materialize.
