De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) demonstrates its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by providing comprehensive support services that promote accessibility, equal opportunities, and meaningful participation for persons with disabilities, particularly Deaf students. Through its School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), the College implements inclusive programs and services that address communication barriers, strengthen academic support, and ensure equitable access to education and campus life.
A key component of this commitment is the provision of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpreting services, which facilitate accessible communication and participation in academic and institutional activities. Over one school year, the College rendered a total of 1,676 hours of interpreting services, complemented by an additional 602 hours of pro bono interpreting services voluntarily provided by Benilde employees without financial compensation.
To further promote educational equity, Benilde provides financial assistance through the SDEAS Scholarship Program, which allows a maximum of two Deaf individuals from each family to avail of scholarship support. As of the First Term of Academic Year 2026–2027, a total of 113 Deaf scholars were enrolled under the program. In addition, SDEAS provides student-centered support services, including FSL tutorials and academic tutorials, to strengthen students’ communication competencies, academic performance, and overall learning experiences.
These initiatives reflect Benilde’s continuing efforts to reduce inequalities by eliminating barriers to education and fostering an accessible, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. The following activities and initiatives further demonstrate the College’s institutional commitment to providing disability support services, promoting equal access, and empowering Deaf learners and persons with disabilities.
Deaf Awareness Week at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
September 22–29, 2024
In partnership with the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, SDEAS promotes public accessibility and inclusion for the Deaf community through community outreach and awareness programs. The collaboration supports Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpretation during Sunday Eucharistic celebrations and co-organizes Deaf Awareness Week to educate the public on Deaf culture, sign language, and religious/community accessibility, providing social inclusion beyond the college campus.
Photo: Deaf Awareness Week Community Engagement
View Activity Photos; National Shrine Facebook Page
Ibong Adarna: 30th Deaf Festival Cultural Show
November 16, 2024
SDEAS hosted the Ibong Adarna cultural show as part of the 30th Deaf Festival, showcasing artistic performances by Deaf students (Silent Steps) alongside guest artists from Dulaang Tahimik ng Pilipinas and Deaf alumni. By celebrating Deaf culture and language through performing arts, the initiative promotes broad diversity awareness, fosters cross-cultural understanding between Deaf and hearing audiences, and highlights inclusive cultural engagement across the academic and broader community.
Photo: Ibong Adarna Cultural Performance
View Cultural Show Photos; 30th Deaf Festival Facebook Posts; Ibong Adarna Facebook Photo
SDEAS Arts Month 2025: Performance and Dance Competition
February 19, 2025
This activity provides access schemes to the silent step members to improve and develop their talents and performing arts skills through this activity while also growing the creativity of our Deaf learners.
Photo: Silent Steps Performance and Dance Competition
MOA Signing for Accessible Worship and Deaf Inclusion
March 20, 2025
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) established a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help to extend accessibility services to the Deaf community. Through the provision of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpretation during liturgical celebrations and pastoral programs, the college provides its expertise in Deaf education to promote accessible worship, social inclusion, and civil rights for persons with disabilities beyond campus.
MOA Signing with the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
19th Women’s Month “BB” Culminating Activity
March 21, 2025
This activity enables Silent Steps—a Deaf performing arts group—to perform during the 19th Women’s Month Culminating Activity. SDEAS offers an access scheme that promotes inclusive participation and showcases the talents of Deaf students within official college events.
Photo: Silent Steps at the Women’s Month Culminating Activity
View Women’s Month Activity Photos
Deaf Awareness Orientation and Basic FSL Workshop for CEMSS
May 16, 2025
As part of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s institutional commitment to providing inclusive access and support for Deaf students, the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), in collaboration with the Center for Emergency Management, Safety and Security (CEMSS), conducts a Deaf Awareness Orientation and Basic Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Workshop specifically for campus security officers.
This access initiative equips frontline security personnel with essential communication skills and cultural awareness to ensure barrier-free communication and accessible assistance across campus premises, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and safe physical environment for Deaf college students, enhancing emergency response protocols and campus security support for persons with disabilities.
Through continuous staff training and institutional capability-building, Benilde maintains a holistic framework of access schemes to support the full inclusion and well-being of Deaf community members on campus.
Photo: Deaf Awareness and FSL Training for Campus Security Officers
SDEAS Caravan: Inclusive Education and Community Empowerment
May 25 – June 2, 2025
As part of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s commitment to inclusive education and disability access, the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) conducts the SDEAS Caravan—a targeted university outreach initiative designed to empower persons with disabilities and build community capacity for inclusion.
Grounded in Benildean-Lasallian core values of social responsibility and service, SDEAS volunteers collaborate with external partners, including the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Dapitan and the Diocese of Dipolog, to deliver specialized access schemes such as Capacity-Building for Inclusive Classrooms: Conducting Filipino Sign Language (FSL) workshops for public school teachers in DepEd Dapitan to improve educational accessibility for Deaf learners, Targeted Community & Leadership Training: Facilitating direct empowerment programs for the Deaf community in Dipolog, focusing on leadership development, human sexuality education, and church and community involvement.
Through structured volunteerism, skill-sharing, and multi-sectoral partnerships, the SDEAS Caravan provides continuous access support to ensure Deaf individuals and partner institutions thrive in an inclusive and barrier-free environment.
Photo: SDEAS Caravan: FSL Workshops and Community Leadership Training
IALU 2025: Deaf Awareness Orientation
July 16, 2025
SDEAS conducted the IALU 2025: Deaf Awareness Orientation to promote cross-cultural learning, inclusion, and disability awareness within the international Lasallian network. Through structured orientation and dialogue, the initiative fosters an inclusive mind-set, educates participants on Deaf culture and accessible interaction, and strengthens community engagement for and with persons with disabilities.
Photo: IALU 2025 Deaf Awareness Orientation Participants
Interaktiv 1.0 2025: Deaf Awareness and Inclusive Campus Engagement
August 28–29 & September 2–3, 2025
SDEAS conducted Deaf Awareness Orientations and integrated performances to foster inclusivity, cultural connection, and meaningful engagement among Deaf and hearing students. By raising awareness of Deaf culture and creating platforms for artistic and social expression, the initiative promotes cross-cultural understanding, breaks down social barriers, and builds an inclusive campus environment for Deaf students.
Photo: Interaktiv 1.0: Deaf Awareness and Cultural Performances
View Interaktiv 1.0 Photos; SDEAS Facebook Post; Additional Facebook Video; Additional Facebook Post
Accessible FSL and English Bilingual Admissions Guide
AY 2024–2025
To ensure full accessibility for prospective Deaf students, all admissions information and step-by-step application procedures are presented bilingually in Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and written English, supported by clear visual graphics.
Deaf staff members assist prospective Deaf students through the admissions process, as Deaf-to-Deaf interaction facilitates clear communication.
Bilingual Admissions Information and Deaf-to-Deaf Assistance
View Accessible Admissions Guide Photos
Filipino and Japanese Friendship Games: Mentoring and Peer Support
AY 2024–2025
This activity is designed to support Deaf students through inclusive co-curricular programs. By providing Deaf learners with dedicated opportunities to engage in sports, cultural exchange, and international friendship games, the SDEAS ensures that students have equal access to essential developmental experiences such as learning traditional games, building teamwork, and fostering mutual respect within an accessible and supportive college environment.
Photo: Japanese and Filipino Friendship Day Games
Benilde Basketball Try-out: Inclusive Sports Participation
AY 2024–2025
Encouraged two Deaf students to join the CSB Varsity Basketball Team tryout and interact with hearing students which provide access schemes in learning basketball skills, followed the coaches’ instructions, and gained experience practicing alongside hearing student-athletes.
Photo: Deaf Students Participating in the Benilde Basketball Tryout
