DEAF STUDIES
The legacy of Saint Benilde Romançon echoes through our empowerment of Deaf learners to become productive members of the society.
In 1991, Benilde started offering Bookkeeping/Accounting courses to the Hearing Impaired. Core faculty members of the program underwent proper sign language training.
The Filipino Sign Language Learning Program (FSLLP) originated from the Sign Language Learning Module (SLLM) back in 1993 as a training program for the Hearing teachers. Lessons in the sign language courses are prepared and conducted by Deaf instructors.
The Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies (BAPDST) has been a program offering in Benilde since 1995.
BAPDST offers specializations in Business Outsourcing and Services Management, Entrepreneurship, Visual Media Arts.
In 2000, the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) was established as a result of the former School of Social Studies' move to focus on producing Deaf leader-advocates with competitive skills.
SDEAS started its partnership with National Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology in 2003 to implement PEN-International, a worldwide university network funded by the Nippon Foundation of Japan.
The College houses Silent Steps, a Deaf dance company composed of Deaf students. Silent Steps debuted their performance in 2004 at the inter-school dance competition Maximum Groovity.
SDEAS promotes interactive learning through technology the use of its two centers PEN Multimedia Learning Center, opened in 2003, and the PEN Learning Center inaugurated in 2006.
The SDEAS Center for Education Access and Development (CEAD) spearheads the institutional advocacy, research, training and policy creation and changes for the benefit of the Deaf members of the College.
In 2010, the Benildean Deaf Association (BDA) was established. BDA is the official student organization for the Deaf students in the College.
Benilde, along with the other Deaf schools and organizations, took part in the promotion and use of interpreter inset in the 2010 State of the Nation (SONA) of the President of the Philippines.
In 2012, BAPDST magna laude Ana Kristina Arce was the first Filipino to be awarded the World Deaf Leadership Scholarship at the Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. She was accepted into the University's Master of Arts in Deaf Studies and finished her theses in 2014 with the George V. Veditz Award. Ms. Arce is now a full-time faculty in Benilde and the chairperson of BAPDST.
Republic Act 11106 or the Filipino Sign Language Law was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. RA 11106 declares the Filipino Sign Language as the National Sign Language of the Filipino Deaf and the official Sign Language of Government in all transactions involving the Deaf, and mandating FSL as the sign language to be used in schools, broadcast media, and workplaces.
Benilde Deaf School BDS welcomed first batch of junior high graduates in 2022. BDS graduates were then assimilated into Senior High School under the General Academic Strand (GAS) alongside Hearing students. BDS opened its doors to Deaf Junior High School students in 2018.
CEAD Deaf Heritage and Filipino Sign Language Studies Unit Head Raphael Domingo, PhD is the first ever Deaf Filipino doctorate degree-holder. Rafa finished their Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies at Benilde SDEAS in 2010 and their Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics at Gallaudet University in 2022.
Benilde started offering Bachelor in Sign Language Interpretation in the Academic Year 2022-2023.
can you inspire change?
The School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) strives to become a leading learner-centered educational institution in Deaf Education that promotes equal access to opportunities and addresses the diverse needs of its students and professionals. It develops the students to become leader-advocates who are capable and committed to making positive contributions in their communities, and the nation at large.
SDEAS ensures that Deaf Heritage is preserved and Deaf culture is valued and nurtured.
Benilde Center for Admissions
2544 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila, Philippines 1004
admissions@benilde.edu.ph
Facebook: DLS-CSB Admissions Center
For admissions-related inquiries, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or Viber us: 09177726466 (Ms. Claire) / 09175526466 (Ms. Lhor)
For other concerns, check out our office directory or submit a ticket at Benilde Hub for Info.
