Section 7Sec./Art. 7

Functions of the ILRC. -The ILRC shall deliver free support and related services towards the fulfillment of the goals of inclusive education. It shall:

(a) implement the CFS to ensure that all learners with disabilities who are not receiving early and basic education services are identified, located, and evaluated, and facilitate their inclusion into the general education system;

(b) utilize the expertise of a multi-disciplinary team to conduct educational assessments and diagnoses of learners with disabilities, to identify specific developmental areas of concern and determine appropriate services and placement options for the preparation of their IEPs;

(c) spearhead the preparation, implementation, and review of the IEP;

(d) provide appropriate support and related services, including school-based trainings to learners with disabilities and their diverse needs for their inclusion in the general education system;

(e) produce and ensure the availability of appropriate teaching and instructional materials for learners with disabilities;

(f) provide and facilitate consultative mechanism, counseling, technical assistance, and training to general basic education teachers, administrators, CDC child development workers and teachers, non-teaching personnel, parents, care providers, guardians, or other family members on the the education of learners with disabilities;

(g) establish a referral system that shall provide and organize multidisciplinary services needed by learners with disabilities and their families to mobilize community resources;

(h) monitor and ensure that learners with disabilities within the city or municipality or school district receive the appropriate services needed, including, but not limited to, FSL interpreting;

(i) deliver such services under the ILRC's alternative educational programs, early intervention program, and transition program among others;

Alternative Educational Programsrefer to the programs provided to learners with disabilities who are not able to attend school due to the severity of their disabilities or other circumstances, or both. The range of alternative educational programs or placements may include, but not limited to, home-based, hospital-based or community-based instruction.

Early Intervention Programrefers to any form of educational program, therapy, treatment, nutritional intervention or family support designed to reduce the effects of disabilities or prevent the occurrence of learning and development problems, or both, later in the life of the children from birth to five (5) years presumed to be at risk for such problems.

Transition Programrefers to a coordinated set of courses and activities for learners with disabilities that is:

(1) designated within an outcome-oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities that include post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, supported employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation; and

(2) based upon the individual learner's needs, taking into account the learner's preferences and interests; and includes instruction, related services, and community experiences.

(j) initiate the implementation of research-based innovative approaches, and adopt or replicate best practices in providing educational or support and related services to learners with disabilities;

(k) orient the LGUs served by the ILRCs on the diverse needs and potentials of learners with disabilities;

(l) familiarize the ILRC and its personnel with the city or municipality they serve, and the diverse needs and potentials of learners with disabilities;

(m) provide access to auxiliary aids and services that are non-educational, but which enhance the education process for the learners with disabilities. These shall include, but not limited to:

(1) Language and speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical and physiotherapy, among other modes of treatment, through a multidisciplinary team;

(2) Quality reading and writing materials, especially Braille materials for learners with visual impairments, or other effective methods of delivering communication materials;

(3) Acquisition and adaptation of equipment or devices;

(4) Provision of consultation for creating appropriate and reasonable accommodation in the classroom, among others;

(5) Provision of qualified sign language interpreters for deaf learners;

(6) Assistance and monitoring in the transfer, or admission of eligible learners with disabilities to post-secondary or tertiary educational institutions; and

(7) Other similar services and actions or all types of aids and services that facilitate the learning process of learners with disabilities; and

(n) perform other functions as may be necessary in providing and facilitating the provision of support and related services to learners with disabilities.

The ILRC may also provide the same services to all other learners, including learnerd with disabilities under the ALS Program, as identified by school officials and teachers, parents, guardians, or the learners themselves.