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To my future students, I am more than just a teacher; I am a guide, a collaborator, and a fellow learner on this exciting journey of discovery.  I believe in fostering a classroom where every voice is heard and valued, where differences are celebrated, and where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential.My role goes beyond simply delivering information. I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where you feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions (even the "silly" ones!), and sharing your unique perspectives.  I'm committed to understanding your individual learning styles and tailoring my teaching to meet your diverse needs.  This might mean providing different learning materials, offering flexible assignments, or simply adjusting my teaching approach to better connect with you.I see myself as a mentor, someone who is invested in your success, both inside and outside the classroom.  I'm here to listen, to offer guidance, and to celebrate your accomplishments.  I'm excited to embark on this learning journey with you, and I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you.

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I created this word cloud to visually represent the core principles of inclusive education.  I chose a footprint shape because I wanted to emphasize the lasting impact and lasting impression that inclusive practices have on individuals and society – a footprint leaves a mark.  The larger words, like "Acceptance," "Belonging," "Respect," "Support," "Empowerment," "Collaboration," "Opportunity," and "Participation," are at the heart of what inclusive education is all about. They represent the fundamental values and beliefs that guide this approach.  The smaller words surrounding them, such as "Accessibility" and "Understanding," highlight the practical actions and considerations needed to create truly inclusive learning environments.  I aimed for a design that effectively communicates the multifaceted nature of inclusive education, showing how these various elements intertwine to create a supportive and equitable learning experience for every student. The color variation contributes to the overall visual impact, reflecting the multifaceted nature of inclusivity itself. The footprint shape serves as a powerful symbol, signifying the enduring and transformative effects of inclusive educational practices on individuals and the broader community.  It's a visual reminder that these principles and actions leave a lasting mark. 🐾💜🤍

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Beyond Limits: Honoring PWD Contributions

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Haben Girma is a disability rights advocate and the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School. Born on July 29, 1988, in Oakland, California, she is the daughter of Eritrean immigrants. At the age of 2, she was diagnosed with a rare condition called Usher syndrome, which resulted in both deafness and progressive blindness. Despite these challenges, Girma has collected numerous accolades throughout her academic and professional career.

After completing her undergraduate studies at Bates College, she pursued her law degree at Harvard, where her experiences navigating a world that wasn’t designed for people with disabilities inspired her to advocate for greater accessibility and inclusion. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to promote human rights for individuals with disabilities through her public speaking, writing, and consulting. In 2015, she was awarded the White House Champion of Change for her work with the disability community.

My Insights and Discoveries of Haben Girma as he transformed her challenges into opportunities for advocacy and change. Her work transcends personal experience; she emphasizes the importance of accessibility and inclusion for everyone. Through her talks and workshops, she highlights how society often overlooks the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals with disabilities. One of the key takeaways from her advocacy is the message that it’s not the disability that holds individuals back but rather the barriers imposed by society—both physical and attitudinal. Girma's story exemplifies the idea of resilience and determination. She is a role model for many, showcasing that with the right support and mindset, people with disabilities can achieve significant milestones and lead impactful lives.

Haben aims to reshape societal views of disability and encourages a world that embraces differences, highlighting the innovations and perspectives that individuals like her can bring to various fields—including law, technology, and education.

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Our PWD, Our Pride (Featuring Local Personality with Special Needs)

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Our PWD, Our Pride (Featuring Local Personality with Special Needs)

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Our PWD, Our Pride (Featuring Local Personality with Special Needs)

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Arce, Ana Kristina M.

DLS-CSB B.A. Applied Deaf Studies 2009

2015 DLSAA Lasallian Achievement Awardee

Deaf Education - "for her inspiring international achievements as a Deaf student, and for sharing her knowledge to the country's Deaf communities, amplifying the need to improve on existing means of communication through education"

Arce is the youngest recipient of the Lasallian Achievement award and has made strides in her career to become an internationally recognized expert in her field. She was the first Filipino to be awarded the World Deaf Leadership Scholarship at the Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. in 2012. This institute is the world leader in liberal education and career development for students who are Deaf and hearing impaired. It was here that Arce built her educational foundations and graduated with a master's degree in Deaf Studies with a concentration in Cultural Studies. She quickly went on to apply her knowledge and expertise in the professional world. Driven by her desire to help those in need, Arce is presently teaching Deaf undergraduate students. Using her specialized bilingual method, Arce seeks to empower hearing impaired individuals who face the challenge of acquiring basic literacy skills early on in their lives. She strives to help them develop their reading and writing abilities in order to prepare them for college and beyond. Moreover, Arce aims to educate parents of Deaf children and special education teachers in the use of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as part of her holistic approach to Deaf awareness. The impact Arce has made in the lives of her students is immeasurable and will benefit them for decades to come.

My Insights and Discoveries is that Ana Kristina Arce's achievements are particularly noteworthy because she is the youngest recipient of the Lasallian Achievement Award. This recognition highlights her dedication and impact on the deaf community.  Her success in receiving the World Deaf Leadership Scholarship at Gallaudet University, a prestigious institution for deaf education, further underscores her commitment and expertise in the field.  Her work amplifying the need to improve communication for deaf communities through education showcases her leadership and advocacy.  It's inspiring to see her overcome challenges and become an internationally recognized expert.

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The Story of the Distorted Human Figure ( DAKMAT )

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The Story of the Distorted Human Figure ( DAKMAT )

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Feelings:

• I feel inspired by David's resilience and his ability to turn a negative label into a source of strength and purpose. His story evokes empathy and admiration for his journey.

Learnings:

• I learned that even the most difficult beginnings can lead to remarkable achievements. David's story highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the power of transforming adversity into advocacy.

• I also learned the profound impact of perspective. What others see as a flaw can become a unique strength when embraced and redefined.

Discoveries:

• I discovered a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the importance of creating inclusive environments.

• I realized that true beauty lies not in physical appearance but in the strength of character and the ability to make a positive impact on the world.

DAKMAT'S MEMBERS:

HANNAH MAE PORFECIO

AIRENE CANE

MARK BUNOAN

ANALEAH HERMOSO

NADINE DIZON

JULLIANE LABISIS