“Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat na ang panganay kong anak ay kabilang sa Learners With Disability (LWD). Kaya napakalapit sa puso ko ng pagsulong ng mga panukala na pagtibayin ang karapatan at maiangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga mahal na PWDs” Congressman Kenneth stated as he files his first two bills in Congress.
Even before the formal filing of House Bill No. 168 – Upgrading the Salary Grade of SPED Teachers, Rep. Gatchalian held a dialogue with the faculty and staff of the Valenzuela Inclusive Learning Center (ValSPED). The consultation aimed to identify current challenges and gaps in the center’s operations directly from those on the ground. The Congressman also sought their suggestions on potential measures that could help address these concerns.
Congressman Gatchalian emphasized that upgrading the salary grade of SPED teachers is only the beginning of a broader initiative to recognize not just educators, but also other essential professionals in SPED centers—such as Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, and other allied medical workers who play a critical role in the development of children with special needs. “Akala po kasi nila, SPED teacher lang ang meron sa SPED centers. Andito rin po kaming special professionals tulad ng OT, PT at Speech and Language Pathologist” said Dolly, one of the Occupational Therapists.
Following this, Rep. Gatchalian also met with parents of children enrolled at ValSPED. During the dialogue, the parents shared the realities and struggles of raising children with learning and developmental disabilities. “Mas inaalala po naming yung integration nila sa community after dito sa ValSPED. Laging nasa isip namin – paano sila kapag wala na kami?”, they stressed that care and support for their children should not end within the confines of SPED centers. Continued assistance from the community is essential to sustain the progress their children make in school.
Inspired by these insights, Congressman Gatchalian also introduced a complementary proposal—House Bill No. 167: The Sensory Rooms in Public Facilities Act. This measure seeks to mandate the establishment of sensory rooms in public spaces, providing safe and accommodating environments for individuals with special needs in various community settings.
These initiatives reflect Rep. Gatchalian’s commitment to inclusive legislation, grounded in real-life experiences and consultations with those directly impacted.
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