Teachers handling autism get scholarship

Thirty special education teachers handling children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from across the country will have the chance to complete their scholarship program and update their skills on current trends in ASD, a statement dated 14 March 2012, from the department said.

The 2012 scholarship program for special education (SPED) teachers handling children with ASD will run from April 10 to May 5, 2012 at the Philippine Normal University in Manila.  These SPED teachers have been the recipients of the 2011 scholarship program where they have organized programs and classes for children with ASD in their respective areas. They are also expected to render services for the agency for a minimum of two years after the training.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the scholarship program is in support of the department’s thrust to improve the quality of education for children with ASD.

“We want to provide our teacher-scholars with knowledge and skills on various educational programs and keep them apace with advances in research and interventions for special learners,” added Luistro.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that causes problems with social interaction and communication. The symptoms usually become evident before age three and can cause delays or problems in many different skills that develop from infancy to adulthood.

DepEd is a signatory to the United Nations-initiated Education For All (EFA) campaign which aims to ensure quality basic education accessible to all learners. DepEd is currently implementing programs that embrace all kinds of learners under its inclusive education campaign. It has also strengthened its education-outreach programs for indigenous peoples, out-of-school children, youth and adults as well as learners in difficult circumstances by offering formal and alternative learning systems.

This article first appeared at the Philippine Information Agency website.

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