Mission and Vision

IDEA envisions a society in which the Deaf in the Philippines enjoy social and economic equality, exchanging isolation for community, servitude for self-reliance. Our mission is to foster self-reliance by providing academic, vocational, physical, spiritual, and economic opportunities for deaf children, adults, and families.

IDEA USA currently works exclusively in the Philippines but is open to opportunities to reach out to newly emerging deaf communities in developing countries.

IDEA USA is funded through donations, contributions, and grants. Its ability to expand is limited only by funding and personnel.

Providing Deaf Education:

IDEA is a USA non-profit foundation that is working to educate impoverished and neglected deaf children and blind children in the Philippines. More than 360 deaf children and blind children are able to attend IDEA supported special education classes on the islands of Bohol and Leyte. This is mainly made possible through a sponsorship program by which American or European families and individuals financially support the schooling of a student assigned to them. (learn more about the sponsorship program)

Employment and Training:

IDEA was established in 1985. Many of the children that were in the early education programs are now adults and have families of their own. The adult Deaf need jobs so IDEA operates various businesses which provide employment to over 120 deaf men and women. These businesses also offer vocational training for deaf young people. (learn more about the income generating and employment projects)

Family Help:

It can be tough for deaf married couples to just learn how to set up a home, rent an apartment, pay bills, etc. etc. Imagine how much more difficult it is for new deaf parents to learn how to take care of mostly hearing babies and raise their children. IDEA provides much needed counseling and training.

Education for Visually Impaired Children

IDEA is also assisting the Department of Education on the island of Bohol, Philippines in education of blind children. These students live in group homes and attend special classes on government elementary school campuses.

Much More

IDEA is a holistic ministry to the Deaf in the Philippines. The “Deaf Culture” on Bohol and Leyte is only about 25 years old. There are so many areas of assistance from Spiritual Development to hygiene . . . from financial budgeting to teaching the ABCs. We hope you will take time to learn more about us. You can download the 30 minute video documentary about IDEA by clicking on this link.

Students from Ormoc, Leyte not pictured

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