Davao City, Philippines – The Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children (DCSNICC) has extended support to 536 children with special needs since its soft opening on March 21, according to the City Government of Davao.
In an update during Madayaw Live on Friday, DCSNICC Center Manager Melody Pardillo said the center continues to provide vital intervention and special education services, aiming to meet the diverse needs of children with disabilities in the city.
“This center was established to support the holistic development of children with special needs. We are offering tailored programs that support their growth and learning,” Pardillo said.
Located at the ALS (Alternative Learning System) Compound in Barangay 4-A, beside People’s Park, the facility features specialized areas such as a sensory gym-equipped occupational therapy department, physical therapy and hearing evaluation sections, as well as a speech and language therapy unit.
Other features of the center include a playground, early intervention and transition program areas, a mess hall for parents, and an aquatherapy area designed to enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
City Councilor Petit Principe, who authored City Ordinance No. 0230-20 Series of 2020 that led to the creation of the center, said the facility serves as a one-stop-shop for children with a broad range of disabilities.
These include Intellectual Disability, Global Developmental Delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Speech or Language Impairment, Specific Learning Disorder, Physical Disability, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Sensory Delays, and cognitive delays.
Principe emphasized that the center’s services are currently focused on assisting indigent families whose children require special care and interventions.
She encouraged interested parents and guardians to visit the center or coordinate with their barangay social workers or the nearest City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) district office for more information.