Section 13Sec./Art. 13

Inter-Agency Coordinating Council for Learners with Disabilities. -For purposes of policy integration, harmonization, and coordination of functions, there is hereby created an Inter-Agency Coordinating Council for Learners with Disabilities (IACC).

The IACC shall be composed of the following officials or their duly authorized representatives, up to the level of Assistant Secretary or its equivalent:

(a) DepEd Secretary, as Chairperson;

(b) DOH Secretary, as Co-Chairperson;

(c) DSWD Secretary, as Co-Chairperson;

(d) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary;

(e) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary;

(f) Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary; and

(g) National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Executive Director.

The IACC may call upon other implementing national government agencies as may be necessary.

The IACC shall perform the following functions:

(a) Ensure that all government and private organizations involved are effectively implementing the provisions of this Act by conducting a quarterly on the performance of their respective roles and responsibilities;

(b) Ensure the formulation of a national policy on inclusive education;

(c) Ensure the preparation and regularly review a multi-year roadmap, supported by annual work and financial plans, for the effective implementation of this Act;

(d) Develop policy guidelines and effective mechanism to ensure the implementation and enforcement of existing laws for learners with disabilities that contribute to their educational, physical, and psychosocial well-being;

(e) Create appropriate and coordinated programs in health and related physiological health services, multidisciplinary domains, transportation and access for learners with disabilities;

(f) Act as catalyst of change and source of information for the benefit of all learners;

(g) Constitute and authorize groups of experts on the education of learners with disabilities to conduct an annual audit to determine the compliance of the ILRCs on their operations; and

(h) Coordinate with the Bureau of Learning Delivery (BLD) and the LGUs to ensure the establishment of ILRCs.

The Council shall regularly convene at least once every quarter. The Council Chairperson may call a special meeting whenever necessary:Provided,That members are notified in writing at least three (3) days prior to the said meeting.