Deaf learners in the Philippines continue to face barriers due to the lack of programs and services that address their linguistic and cultural needs, such as access to Filipino Sign Language (FSL), Deaf-centered practices and sign bilingual education, and the absence of FSL linguistics evidence as basis for developing FSL learning materials. These gaps result in language deprivation, poor literacy and academic performance, low self-esteem, and limited opportunities for social and professional advancement among Deaf individuals. Over generations, these challenges have led to systemic inequality and marginalization in Deaf education and employment.
To address these barriers, Benilde established the Benilde Deaf School (BDS) and opened for the first time in 2018 as a model for Deaf-centered bilingual education. BDS is a Deaf-Centered Sign Bilingual-Bicultural school, implements evidence-based teaching practices, and serves as a research and training site to generate data on effective strategies for improving Deaf learners’ literacy, numeracy, and holistic development.
This activity is an integral part of the MLITEDCE project and was made possible through a grant from The Nippon Foundation.
