ILLC: Enabling special children to be extraordinary

MANILA, Philippines – Opening its doors to youth with developmental conditions in July 2003, the Independent Living Learning Centre (ILLC) is located in Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong and has branches in Cebu, and soon-to-open in Davao City. ILLC aims to attain the optimum quality of life of its students and maximize their learning potential to become independent, integrated and contributing members of society. ILLC espouses an interdisciplinary program anchored on developmental principles, a performance-based practice as well as a client and family-centered approach enveloped in a fun learning environment. 

“The school believes in a team approach; one wherein doctors, teachers, therapists, caregivers and the family are working harmoniously towards the development of the student,” says Professor Archie David, ILLC’s executive director.

Psychosocial, speech and language, cognitive, fine and gross motor skills may be enhanced through the Early Intervention Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies offered within the school. ILLC has more than 15 licensed occupational, physical and speech therapists from prestigious universities in the country. Peer Group sessions are also conducted to establish support systems and foster interaction among youth with special needs. 

For students who wish to have an intensified program, Special Education (SPED) tutorials and classes are available as well. ILLC currently has 10 SPED classes. Trained and highly competent Special Education teachers handle the classes with five or at most 10 students per class. Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) are carefully and specifically prepared by a multidisciplinary team of teachers and therapists to support the academic and adaptive needs of individuals with special needs. At the start of every school year, the ILLC team conducts an assessment of the baseline skills each student possesses. From hence, the team would develop an age and developmentally appropriate IEP for every student.

In ILLC, students come first above everything else. Students are highly encouraged to explore their potential and enjoy in the moment. The school has special activities and programs to celebrate as a community and to showcase the students’ talents especially in the realm of singing, acting and dancing. In addition to their academic and non-academic subjects, ILLC provides the students with educational trips, sports tournaments as well as outreach activities through the REACH Foundation or the Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Adults and Children with Handicap, the outreach arm of the ILLC to help the students become well-rounded citizens. For special learners residing in far areas, ILLC develops home programs that their families can help implement.

Children and the youth with special needs need not be limited to a very strict lifestyle. With proper guidance, education, love and support from their family, teachers and friends, they too, can be contributing members of society. This is the mission of the ILLC — to prepare your child for life. 

For more information about ILLC, visit it online at www.illcphilippines.com or call (02) 7217405 or (02) 7263560.