For a student with special needs like John Denrick Lim, disability was not a hindrance to being an achiever. Although he belongs to the vulnerable group who may appear to some as less than the average students, he has excelled beyond expectations and capped the school year with flying colors. 

Eleven-year old Denrick was clinically diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at age three. But his mother, Dencie Lim, was hopeful that his predicament would not stop him from shining academically. 

Her son was enrolled in speech and occupational therapy sessions at the Valenzuela Special Education Center (ValSped), but was also immersed in a regular section of second graders at Malinta Elementary School. His impairment, however, did not stop him from excelling in his class. 

In the coming School Year 2018-2019, he is about to jump four grade levels ahead as he is expected to enrol as a sixth grader from second grade after passing the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) last January. 

PEPT, the website of the Department of Education (DepEd) says, is under the Accrediation and Equivalency (A & E) Program as mandated by Executive Order No. 733, Series of 1981, otherwise known as, “Linking Formal and Non-Formal Education snd Training Systems through an Expanded Accreditation and Equivalency Program”. 

It aims to to validate and accredit knowledge and skills in academic areas gained through informal and non-formal means for re-entry into formal school. Among varied takers, the test is administered to learners who need grade level standard assessment, which is Denrick’s case. 

“He excels not only in Mathematics, but also in language courses. He also excels in Filipino and he wants to become a journalist someday. His therapy sessions are proven to be helpful with regards to his socialization skills. We are proud of him.” Denrick’s mother exclaimed in Filipino. 

ValSped Center Coordinator, Dr. Teresita Pangan said that Denrick is an example of a student who excels in one’s own field despite having special needs. She added that the Center strives to provide its students with services that will be beneficial for their growth and development. 

Just recently, the Center has added new innovative and progressive facilities – the aqua therapy pool and gross motor development area. They are now being used for the treatment of children with special needs in terms of relaxation, fitness and physical rehabilitation. 

Opened last January 2016, ValSped focuses on intervention programs that will hone their skills to prepare them for mainstream classes [and the society as a whole], which is the local administration’s ultimate goal of providing “inclusive” public education system under the acclaimed Education 360 Degrees Investment Program. The Center is offering occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy (language enrichment) sessions, among others. 

To inquire about ValSped’s services, they can be reached at telephone number 432- 5228 or visit the center at MacArthur Highway (across Mercury Drugs) in Barangay Malinta.