Section 2Sec./Art. 2

Declaration of Policy. -It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. It shall recognize , protect, and promote the rights of all learners with disabilities, including those belonging to ethnic, religious, or linguistic minorities or persons of indigenous origin, to education compulsory and accessible to them by ensuring that no learner with disability is deprived of the right of access to an inclusive, equitable, and quality education, and promote lifelong learning opportunities for them.

The whole-of-community approach shall be adopted for the inclusion of learners with disabilities in the general education system and the community to facilitate collaborative action in and by the school community, the academe, and other stakeholders; public or private, to foster the involvement and participation of every sector, especially the organizations of persons with disabilities, the learners with disabilities, and their parents, guardians, and other membes of their families.

Towards this end, the State shall encourage learning institutions, including higher learning institutions and technical and vocational institutions, to take into consideration the diverse needs of learners with disabilities with respect to the use of school facilities, class schedules and physical education requirements, and promote and support their provision of services that will facilitate the learning process of learners with disabilities. The State shall further recognize the right of learners with disabilities to the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health, and ensure that no learner with disability is deprived of protection and the right of access to such health care and rehabilitation services.

The State likewise recognizes the vital role of learners with disabilities in society as an integral part of national development strategies. It shall accordingly guarantee their social protection, and facilitate their active participation and inclusion in public, civic, and State affairs.