De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde | School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS)
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), through its School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), demonstrates its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by implementing mentoring, academic guidance, capacity-building, and peer support programmes that address the needs of underrepresented groups, particularly Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
These initiatives provide accessible opportunities for academic development, personal formation, leadership, social participation, and career preparation. Through Filipino Sign Language (FSL)-accessible consultations, faculty mentoring, student check-ins, alumni-led training, family engagement, and community-building activities, the College works to reduce communication, educational, and social barriers experienced by members of the Deaf community.
The following activities illustrate how Benilde provides institutional support for underrepresented groups through academic assistance, mentoring, peer engagement, and inclusive development programmes.
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
March 4–8, 2024
Women’s Month is a celebration as a campus-wide public awareness and advocacy program designed to address issues affecting women. This initiative promotes gender equality, challenges discrimination, and empowers women to lead positive change within and beyond the community. By raising awareness around intersectional gender issues, the program fosters a more inclusive, equitable, and non-discriminatory environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
Photo: 18th Women’s Month Celebration
SDEAS Facebook: Post 1 | Post 2 | Post 3
Strengthening Family Support Through BENEX
May 18 and June 21, 2024
The Parents Formation (BENEX) program engages parents as active partners in student development by offering targeted guidance, support, and orientation sessions throughout the academic year. By building strong family-school collaboration, the initiative ensures a holistic and inclusive support network for students, empowering families to reinforce learning, personal growth, and well-being at home.
Photo: Parents Formation on BENEX
SDG Website: https://sdgs.benilde.edu.ph/hawak-kamay-sa-pag-gabay-sdeas-parents-formation/
Inclusive Student Formation Through BENEX for All
June 7, 2024
This is one of the support programmes tailored/adapted to support underrepresented student groups (e.g., Deaf students, scholars that aims to explain the Benildean Expressions anchor on the Lasallian Values and how they can apply it in their daily life.
Photo: BENEX for All Student Formation
Academic Alignment Through Program Outcomes Training
June 14, 2024
The Program Outcomes Training is an academic alignment orientation designed to familiarize students with the university’s Mission-Vision, Program Goals, and Program Outcomes. It also supports academic onboarding and student success across tracks.
Photo: rogram Outcomes Training for Student Success
Deaf Studies Internship and Community-Based Learning
September–December 2024
Benilde SDEAS offers a capstone internship course that engages Deaf students in community-based learning. Students apply their academic knowledge by partnering with Deaf-led organizations, local government units, schools, or through field research. The program builds leadership, interpersonal skills, and cultural understanding, empowering students to foster inclusion and support underrepresented groups
Deaf Studies Internship Program – Orientation, Deployment and Culminating Program
Photo: View Photo Evidence
Peer Support Through Kumustahan Sessions
September 18, 2024; January 22 and June 9, 2025 (AY 2024–2025)
The Kumustahan sessions serve as a dedicated peer support and student check-in programme tailored for Deaf students—an underrepresented group. Held regularly throughout the academic year, these sessions provide a safe, inclusive, and accessible space for students to express their personal and academic needs, process challenges, and receive targeted guidance and support.
Photo: Kumustahan 1st–3rd Term AY 24–25
SDEAS Facebook: View Post
No Student Left Behind: Inclusive Faculty Support
September 25, 2024; February 12 and June 11, 2025 (AY 2024–2025)
This training specifically equips faculty to manage and support underrepresented student groups (such as Deaf or hard-of-hearing students and scholars. This programme aims to support faculty members in terms of classroom management, behavior management, and other concerns that will equip them to manage and support their students to maximize their potential.
Photo: No Student Left Behind (NSLB) Faculty Training
SDEAS Facebook: View Post
Addressing Workplace Biases and Microaggressions
December 18, 2024
The session advances inclusion by addressing discrimination that affects persons with disabilities. It guides participants to identify and prevent microaggressions and bias. Through reflection and role-plays, learners explore strategies for equality and empathy. The workshop fosters inclusive cultures that respect diversity. It promotes fair opportunities and representation for all.
Photo: Hiring Biases and Microaggressions in the Workplace
Activity Link: Presentation
Advancing Disability Inclusion and Awareness
January 21, 2025
The workshop fosters equality by promoting awareness and respect for persons with disabilities. It challenges stigma and emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices in education and employment. Through discussions, participants gain empathy and understanding of diverse experiences. The session encourages students to become advocates for accessibility and fairness. It helps build inclusive communities that value diversity and equal participation.
Promoting Inclusive Communication Through FSL
January 24, 2025
The event is an educational and outreach workshop focused on training volunteers in Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and visual-gestural communication to promote inclusivity and support interaction with the Deaf community. This activity is designed specifically for internal students, staff, and faculty members from underrepresented groups.
Lasallian Talks: Volunteering with the Deaf – FSL & Visual-Gestural Workshop
Photo: View Photo Evidence
Empowering Deaf and Hearing Communities
April 28–May 3, 2025
Deaf and Hearing Camp 2025 is a collaborative empowerment and support program designed for Deaf volunteer students, faculty, and staff. It focuses on self-appreciation, rights awareness, personal safety, and personal growth while facilitating meaningful interaction between Deaf and hearing participants.
Deaf and Hearing Camp 2025
Photo: View Photo Evidence
Inclusive Worship Through Filipino Sign Language
May 3, 2025
The Liturgy and Sign Language Seminar-Workshop provides structured mentoring and peer support for staff and faculty participating in liturgical celebrations and religious activities. The program equips participants with skills in Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and religious interpreting to bridge communication barriers, ensuring equal access, spiritual support, and meaningful inclusion for Deaf faculty, staff, students, and community members—an underrepresented group in higher education
Photo: Liturgy and Sign Language Seminar-Workshop
SDEAS Facebook: View Facebook Group
Community Service Through NSTP Deployment
May–August 2025 (3rd Term AY 2024–2025)
This activity is a student community service initiative involving donation drives (school supplies and a water dispenser) for external partner organizations and public school SNED centers such as Baclaran Shrine and P. Gomez Elementary School
NSTP Deployment and Community Donation Drives
Photo: View Photo Evidence
Leadership Development Through Deaf Festival Training
July 5, 2025
A mentoring programme to support students from underrepresented groups through capacity-building sessions on leadership, financial management, teamwork, and project management.
Photo: 31st Deaf Festival Module Training
Deaf Alumni Mentorship Through Contemporary Dance
August 1 and 5, 2025
Provide mentoring and support by Deaf Alumni as facilitators to train and method Silent Steps of Deaf Dancers participate to learn about technique and element movement dance.Designed specifically for members of Silent Steps. Deaf performing arts group—the initiative pairs experienced Deaf alumni with current students to provide specialized training, technique refinement, and movement method guidance.
Photo: Contemporary Dance Workshop 2025
SDEAS Facebook: View Reel
Environmental Advocacy Through the Benilde Green Project
August 23, 2025
The Benilde Green Project is an environmental advocacy and community partnership initiative organized for the Benilde Season of Creation to engage SDEAS alumni and volunteers in environmental education and sustainability efforts.
The Benilde Green Project
Photo: View Photo Evidence
Deaf Volunteers Supporting Hunger Relief
August 30, 2025
KAWA Pilipinas is a community-focused hunger relief project that engages SDEAS Deaf volunteers in civic action and anti-hunger efforts to build inclusive communities.
Kawa Pilipinas Community Hunger Relief Project
Photo: View Photo Evidence
Preparing Deaf Professionals for the Workplace
October 2, 2025
The training advances equality by ensuring Deaf learners receive the same access to career preparation as others. It reduces barriers through inclusive facilitation and accessible materials. The experience promotes empowerment and confidence among marginalized groups. It creates fair pathways for professional advancement and inclusion. It strengthens the culture of equity within educational and employment systems.
Photo: Work-ready Competency Seminar-Workshop / Future-Ready Deaf Professionals
Activity Link: Presentation
Inclusive Sports Participation Through the DBST Games
March 2025
A peer support programme in sports to support students, staff, faculty, and alumni from underrepresented groups. Through accessible sports activities, teamwork, and inclusive competition, the program fosters community building, peer support, and well-being across the university community.
Photo: 2nd DBST Games – Volleyball, Basketball, Table Tennis, and Badminton
SDEAS Facebook: Photo Album | Photo 3
Developing Inclusive Sports Teams Through Orientation
AY 2024-2025
The DBST Orientation and Sports Activities program provides structured mentoring and peer support specifically tailored for Deaf and students—an underrepresented group in sports. By guiding students as they join sports teams and build their athletic skills, the initiative uses sports as a platform to foster teamwork, personal responsibility, and a strong, inclusive peer-support network across the college.
Photo: 2024–2025 DBST Orientation
Strengthening Family Relationships Through Recollection
AY 2024-2025
It is an annual event organized by the Center for Deaf Esteem and Formation (CDEAF) to provide reflection, community-building, and relational support to the parents and families of Deaf students.
Family Day and Parents’ Recollection 2025
Photo: View Photo Evidence
Promoting Deaf Awareness Through BenEx Day
June 26–28, 2025
This activity consists of an educational workshop, community extension effort, and awareness initiative such as sign language training and Deaf Awareness campaigns.
BenEx Day – Deaf Awareness and Community Engagement
Photo: View Photo Evidence
Bridging Academic Learning Gaps for Deaf College Students
AY 2024-2025
The Academic Bridging Program prepares incoming Deaf college students who have passed the admissions process by strengthening their reading, writing, computer literacy, and other essential academic and independent learning skills for successful college transition. It aims to build students’ confidence, address learning gaps, and equip them with the competencies needed to thrive in higher education. The program promotes equitable access to higher education by providing Deaf students with the support they need to overcome barriers and participate meaningfully in college learning.
Academic Bridging Program: Modules 1–10
Photo: View Photo Evidence
SDEAS Facebook: Post 1 | Post 2
