09/02/2026
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: DepEd Issues Advisory on the 2026 National Intellectual Disability Week
The Department of Education (DepEd), through the Bureau of Learning Delivery, encourages all public and private schools nationwide to actively participate in the observance of the 2026 National Intellectual Disability Week, in line with Proclamation No. 1385.
The celebration aims to promote awareness, appreciation, and inclusive education by highlighting the abilities, contributions, and strengths of learners with intellectual disabilities. Schools are encouraged to conduct age-appropriate, school-based activities that foster meaningful participation, understanding, and community engagement.
The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) supports this initiative and looks forward to strengthened collaboration with DepEd and education stakeholders in advancing inclusive, accessible, and rights-based learning environments for all learners.
In view of the 2026 National Intellectual Disability Week Celebration with the theme “Ginintuang Ani ng Pag-ibig Tungo sa Matagumpay at Tunay na Inklusyon ,” scheduled on February 14–20, 2026, and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1385 (s. 1975) declaring the third week of February of every year as National Intellectual Disability Week, the Department of Education (DepEd) encourages all schools, particularly those implementing the Special Needs Education (SNEd) program, to undertake appropriate school-based activities in support of the celebration.
The celebration aims to promote awareness and appreciation of the abilities, contributions, and strengths of children and youth with intellectual disabilities; foster positive engagement and learning spaces; and cultivate inclusive education practices that support meaningful participation in the school and community.
Suggested school-based activities may include:
a. Inviting the public to visit schools and classes or other educational service providers for children and youth with intellectual disabilities;
b. Holding cultural shows, sports fests, photo and work exhibits, advocacy campaigns in radio and television shows, and other activities featuring success stories;
c. Showcasing the potential capabilities of children and youth with intellectual disabilities;
d. Conducting dialogues with parents, service providers, and stakeholders on the theme of the Celebration;
e. Discussing effective practices and systems of approach to better improve inclusion of children and youth with intellectual disabilities in the classroom, school, and community during meetings in regular classes or school programs; and
f. Organizing day camp to provide opportunities for children and youth with disabilities to experience play while having fun and to highlight the Celebration of the National Intellectual Disability Week.
These activities are intended for learners with and without disabilities, teachers, school personnel, parents, caregivers, and community stakeholders supportive of inclusive education.
In compliance with DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2005 titled “Instituting Measures to Increase Engaged Time-on-Task and Ensuring Compliance Therewith,” all activities shall be conducted without causing any disruption to regular classes, ensuring that teaching and learning activities are carried out uninterruptedly throughout the celebration week.
