Sneak peek: Education policy lab on inclusive education

On 19 Nov 2025, the Ateneo Research Institute for the Futures of Education (RIFE), in collaboration with IDinsight, held its first Education Policy Design Lab.

Using a participatory approach called Service Design, our lab engaged ecosystem stakeholders to share their stories and map their service experiences.

Placing parents (with their children in mind) at the center, reflections were exchanged between them and their support networks including special needs teachers and administrators, ILRC representatives, CSO & NGO representatives, developmental experts and DepEd policymakers.

The lab achieved 3 key goals :

1. informing those “on the ground” on the current state of Inclusive Education in the Philippines through IDInsight’s research report
2. facilitating a shared understanding of individual experiences through storytelling around seeking education support for children with disabilities
3. probing the step by step journey of parents vis-a-vis a the efforts made by ecosystem supporter to identify gaps and opportunities in service access and delivery

The workshop highlighted the divergent experiences between parents with children in public and private schools.

While by and large, support for learners with disabilities are generally lacking in the Philippines, those who are under-resourced experience the heaviest burdens: costly assessments, limited access to basic services, and a system that too often excludes them from the conversation. The session revealed critical gaps in inclusive education, and underscored why parent voices must be included in any solution moving forward.

Watch this space for more of our detailed findings and service ideas for innovating policy implementation for Inclusive Education.

If you are affected by this education issue on the ground and would like to share your insights and ideas, message us on fb.com/AteneoRIFE, or email us at rife@ateneo.edu

For further information on the status of the implementation of the Inclusive Education Act, read more on this study by IDinsight, in partnership with EDCOM2.