BY: S.I. RAFFLE
THERE is a rise in autism prevalence in our country. The Autism Society of the Philippines stated that 1 out of 100 Filipinos are on the autism spectrum, translating to approximately 1,200,000. In a study, interventions remain to be challenging because of the high demand for services and uneven spatial distribution of resources.
In other countries, they create a bridge to fill in the gaps by formulating an Individualized Plan. It is a conference wherein the stakeholders meet and present the data. Each representative will provide a clear statement of the goals and benchmarks and how the services will be given. The minutes per week, data collection, direct or indirect treatment, and other pertinent information.
I am optimistic that the creation of the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children as an institution will truly serve the special needs population without restrictions and allow families regardless of economic status to avail of the services. Proponents of this center have been lauded for envisioning a center with free services assessment, diagnosis, and therapy services. However, it is now limited to the indigent population.
What exactly is the projected number of special needs children in Davao City that this institute will be catering for a week or month? This project is enormous given the 70 million pesos budget for its creation and the 1,000-square-meter space for its building.
The above statistical data is solely for one category. How about those affected by Cerebral Palsy, Rare Genetic Disorders, and Down Syndrome, which also comprise a significant number in special education schools today?
Will the projected clients for that center be 100 or 200 children? Some private centers in Davao City can accommodate that number of clients given the elaborate planning and programming. I am expecting more from this center and its leaders. Before starting this, I believe they have already anticipated the turnout and expectations and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of this project.
Limiting solely to indigent families will not be a solution, considering that the center will only accept children below 6 years old. The location also hinders families from the third district, such as Calinan, Marilog, and Toril, from attending therapy schedules.
As mentioned in the guidelines, therapy services will only be given to those who have a certificate of indigency. How about the sons and daughters of small business operators, teachers, private and government employees, and others who may have exceeded the required salary expectations to be qualified by this requirement?
The costs of developmental evaluation, therapy assessment, and monthly fees of Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists are pretty substantial for an average worker’s compensation.
A totally free service is justified by those who cannot afford it. But if you give authorization for unqualified families to avail with a fee, it can surely help in sustaining the center’s overhead expenses and utilities.
This center, in its maiden voyage, should look out of the box, consider various strategies and tactics. Look globally and learn from their experience, and act locally, giving opportunities for all families regardless of income and status.
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S.I. Raffle is a Ph.D. candidate in Special Education. He is a licensed Physical Therapist and Professional Teacher specializing in SPED. He is a former college instructor in SPED in two colleges in Davao City. Email: sirafflebox@gmail.com
