SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Reasonable Accommodation and Accessibility Support
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde demonstrates its commitment to reducing inequalities by implementing reasonable accommodation strategies and providing dedicated financial and institutional support to ensure equitable access to education for Deaf students and persons with disabilities.
Through the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), Benilde provides Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpreting services to facilitate accessibility and meaningful participation in academic and institutional activities. Over a one-year period, the College provided 1,676 hours of paid interpreting services, complemented by 602 hours of pro bono interpreting services rendered by Benilde employees without financial compensation.
To further promote equitable educational opportunities, Benilde offers the SDEAS Scholarship Program, which allows a maximum of two Deaf individuals per family to receive scholarship assistance. As of the 1st Term of AY 2026–2027, a total of 113 Deaf scholars were enrolled under the program.
In addition, the College maintains a dedicated Inclusion Fund to support the accessibility needs of Deaf students and associates, including sign language interpreting, note-taking assistance, and other reasonable accommodations. These institutional mechanisms demonstrate Benilde’s continuing commitment to providing financial resources and accessible support services that address barriers to participation and promote an inclusive learning environment.
The following activities and initiatives highlight Benilde’s implementation of reasonable accommodation strategies, accessibility services, scholarship assistance, and institutional support mechanisms that contribute to the achievement of SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Inclusive Counseling Support for Deaf Students
AY 2024-2025
Psychological counseling is provided to Deaf students by counselors fluent in Filipino Sign Language (FSL). To ensure well-coordinated and holistic support, the SDEAS collaborates closely with BWC-Deaf Unit to support Deaf students’ mental health needs.
Inclusive Mental Health and Counseling Support
Inclusive Learning Management System for Deaf Students
AY 2024-2025
With Applied Deaf Studies program’s initiative, Harmonizing FSL/English bilingual courses, including sign language videos on Benilde BigSky, Learning Management System makes instructional content, navigation, and other learning materials accessible to Deaf students while fostering a sense of belonging as Deaf culture.
Photo: Accessible Bilingual Learning Through Benilde BigSky
View Photo – Inclusive Learning Management System
Bridging the Gap: Inclusive Scholarships for Deaf Scholars
1st Term AY 2026-2027
Guided by the Benildean mission of inclusion, a majority of BAPDST students from families with limited economic means receive full or partial SDEAS scholarships. This support ensures they can graduate while empowering them to fully engage in Benilde’s learning opportunities.
Total Enrolled: 113 as of 1st Term AY 2026-2027.
- NEW (ID126): 29
- Active(ID125-below): 84
Photo: Scholarship Opportunities and Educational Access for Deaf Students
View Photo – Inclusive Scholarships for Deaf Scholars
Paid Interpreting Service
AY 2024-2025
All institutional activities, and activities involving Deaf persons require interpreters. The college through SDEAS has Interpreting Services that employ freelance interpreters to provide quality interpreting for Deaf access.
Total Interpreting Hours rendered by freelance interpreters for 1 year: 1,676 hours
Professional Filipino Sign Language Interpreting Services, Interpreting Policy
Free Interpreting Service
AY 2024-2025
This service offers free interpreting service to accommodate or to include the Deaf population in CSB during institutional activities. By providing free sign language interpretation during college-wide activities, the SDEAS ensures that Deaf students and staff have full access to campus events.
Total Free Interpreting Hours rendered by SDEAS associates for 1 year: 602 hours
Photo: Volunteer Sign Language Interpreting for Inclusive Campus Activities
View Photos – Free Interpreting Service; Interpreting Policy
Student Support
AY 2024-2025
Through the Student Support Program, SDEAS provides financial aid, allowances, project assistance, and internet connectivity resources to ensure that Deaf students can continuously access their education and thrive academically.
Photo: Student Assistance and Educational Support for Deaf Learners
