(File photo) MANILA - A party-list lawmaker on Thursday said the enactment of the law mandating all schools nationwide to ensure inclusive education for learners with disabilities (LWDs) is another step forward for the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs). ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro welcomed President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's signing of Republic Act (RA) 11560, calling it another victory for LWDs and disability education advocates who underwent "several years, even decades of struggle" just to push the government for their right to education. Castro noted that an overwhelming majority of PWDs are unable to study even in public schools due to lack of teachers or learning resources and facilities that will suit their needs. "No children should be left behind and we should adjust our education system to accommodate the needs of our LWDs," Castro said. The new law, she said, would also be a continuation of the Filipino Sign La
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo) MANILA - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has signed a law mandating all schools nationwide to ensure inclusive education for learners with disabilities. Republic Act (RA) 11560, inked by Duterte on March 11, provides that no learner shall be denied admission based on their disability. The new law provides that all schools, whether public or private, shall ensure equitable access to quality education to every learner with disability. "The policy of inclusion is hereby instituted in all early and basic education schools, both public and private," the law read. The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 11560 must be included in the admission systems and policies of all schools. The IRR, according to the law, shall include the provision of assistive devices, facilities and infrastructure in the admission process, and other forms of reasonable accommodation. Under RA 11560, all learners with disabilities, whether enrolled in public