ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME AMONG SELECTED INSTITUTIONS

In 2011, CARAGA initiated a study on the Assessment of Needs of Children with Down Syndrome Among Selected Institutions” which aimed to assess the needs of children with disability, especially with Down Syndrome.  Specifically, it investigated the degree of manifestation of their knowledge and skills, personal hygiene and socialization. It further sought the extent of assistance of other agencies /institution in terms of educational inputs and social responsibilities and if what problems are encountered by the parents/guardians/teachers in meeting the needs of the respondents.

The study is beneficial to the parents who are in a dilemma on how to raise their children with Down syndrome productively in the society.  It would also be of great help to the agency/institution to be guided properly on what assistance do they be able to give with persons affected with Down Syndrome.  For the region, it serves as a springboard to initiate specific development programs.

The study has 25 respondents from among the four selected institutions which offered SPEdCenters  namely SPED Center of Butuan City, CASOCES SPED Center of Cabadbaran South District, Buenavista SPED Center and the lone Private SPED Center of Brave Heart at Ambago, Butuan City.

Findings showed that majority of them belong to the age bracket of 7-12 years old, mostly were girls whose mothers have greater educational attainment than their fathers but opted to do housekeeping while fathers went into self-employment.  It also showed that the respondents have above average motor skills and knowledge, personal hygiene and social behavior.  As  pointed out, the behavioral dimension and knowledge and skills were the needs most sought after by the respondents. On the extent of assistance from the educational input, teachers were found to be good but instructional materials and facilities were poor. And in terms of social responsibilities, family sector was rated good, better for community and poor for other agencies.

The study revealed that  persons with disability is capable of learning, though would take a step-by-step approach, still the capability to learn is a springboard to design a curriculum fitted for them to be able to sustain and reach higher level of understanding. The respondents did not pass through early intervention program, thus, what knowledge and skills they have gained in school at later age are what they have now.  As such, the study recommended an Early Interventional Program for Persons with Down Syndrome that may be initiated by DSWD-CARAGA.

For this recommendation, CARAGA has already prepared initial proposal for the proposed Early Intervention Program for Person with Down Syndrome which is a 5-year development plan. This will be a joint project with any Pre-School  Institution and the target beneficiaries are  Children with Down Syndrome aged 3 – 6 years old.  A Memorandum of Agreement will be made between the Region and to any Pre-School Institution.