PWD - “Power Within Disability”

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 |
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Inclusive Education
PWD - “Power Within Disability”

An article written by

JAYSON A. DELA FUENTE, LPT, PhD
Educator,Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (Philippines)
Resident Expert,SEAMEO SEN
Founder/CEO/President, Polaris Global Research Organization Inc.
Editor-in-Chief, Polaris Global Journal of Scholarly Research and Trends


PWD --- these three letters convey the different physical disabilities of anyone; and the inability of those affected to relish God’s creation equally with the rest of His masterpiece. But the world failed to recognize that not all disabilities are visible. There are people who suffer from debility without any manifestation. Those who lack the courage to face the reality in life; those whose faith falters; and those who give in to the will of humanity. Notwithstanding, disabilities are considered a curse and that person with a disability is. The time has come that people either normal or with disabilities must change the cliché about PWD (Persons with Disabilities), with the conviction that it means “Power Within Disability”. Anybody with disabilities is also a human being created by God, who deserves equal rights, respect, value, and opportunity with the needs of an individual’s uniqueness. In today’s world, the person with disabilities must not be neglected. The world must support them to self-actualize and reach their goals and hopes in life. Therefore, society must stop labeling them as burdens, plagues, and problems. Instead, they must supposedly be provided with a platform in the multi-facet in life, especially in education where they can discover, harness, showcase, and optimize their full potential for holistic development to become productive citizens. Education is not a privilege it is a human right. Every individual including the person with disabilities deserves to be educated and must have equal access to quality education.


Persons, learners, students with disabilities or with special needs are gifts of God to everyone. They too deserve heaven and earth.
JAYSON A DELA FUENTE

It is imperative, therefore, that academic institutions across the globe must ensure the full implementation of inclusive education wherein learners or students with special needs are mainstream in a flexible and inclusive learning environment to learn side-by-side with their normal peers. The success of this noble goal depends solely on teachers who are the prime agents to attain inclusivity in the educational system by shaping positive values, providing knowledge, and developing the skills of exceptional learners or students to cope with the demands of the 21st century. 

The paradigm shift to a successful inclusive education in the Southeast Asian region is the ultimate vision of the Southeast Asia Minister of Education Organization for Special Educational Needs (SEAMEO SEN) where member countries contributed their share through the best practices they have may it be in teaching pedagogies, technologies, or research that can be emulated and applied to ensure of providing quality inclusive education to students with special needs.