Strengthening Inclusive Education for Blind, Deaf and Deafblind Children

G A B A Y (Guide)

G A B A Y (Guide)

Our Goal

The USAID-funded GABAY project, implemented by Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI), is dedicated to strengthening inclusive education in the Philippines to ensure all children, regardless of their sensory or other learning needs, have equitable access to quality education and opportunities for literacy development, fostering a more inclusive society where every child can reach their full potential.

Our Mission Statement

To empower children with disabilities in the Philippines by increasing access to quality inclusive education, building the capacity of educators and communities, and fostering supportive policy environments, enabling every child to develop essential literacy skills and participate fully in society.

Empowering Education Together

We support educational initiatives to enhance learning opportunities for underserved communities and students.

Intermediate Result 1
a group of people wearing masks on a video conference
a group of people wearing masks on a video conference

Intermediate Result 1 of the GABAY project aimed to increase the enrollment of Blind, Deaf, and Deafblind children by strengthening their identification and referral into the formal education system. This was achieved through building capacity among health workers to conduct screenings, carrying out community-based vision and hearing screenings, and facilitating referrals to appropriate health services for diagnosis and to DepEd schools for educational placement. This strategic approach resulted in a significant increase in the enrollment of these learners.

a collage of a collage of pictures of people in masks
a collage of a collage of pictures of people in masks
Intermediate Result 2

Intermediate Result 2 of the GABAY project focused on improving the reading performance of Blind and Deaf learners by building educator and support capacity and providing accessible learning resources. Activities included training teachers on specialized strategies (like FSL and Braille), developing and distributing adapted learning materials and assistive technologies, establishing Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs), and conducting reading assessments to measure progress. These efforts aimed to equip learners and educators for enhanced reading outcomes.

Intermediate Result 3 of the GABAY project aimed to enhance local government and community attention to the needs of children with sensorial disabilities. This was achieved by engaging local government units (LGUs), disability organizations, civil society groups, and parents in targeted awareness training and advocacy initiatives. These efforts fostered local ownership, influenced policy, and supported resource allocation for inclusive programs and services within their communities.

Intermediate Result 3

Education Support

The GABAY project is committed to providing comprehensive education support for children with disabilities, encompassing targeted capacity building for educators and parents, the development and dissemination of accessible learning resources and assistive technologies, and fostering collaborative partnerships with schools and communities to create inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive academically and socially.

Community Impact

Empowering learners through innovative educational programs and resources.

Empowering Lives

From awareness to action: Unlocking the potential of children with disabilities through inclusive education