Stimulation Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) in Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur Philippines: An Impact Study

Abstract

The Stimulation Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) is where the Breaking
Barriers for Children (BBC) project provides free comprehensive rehabilitation, pre-school
education, and stimulation activities to its beneficiaries. This study was conducted during the
Calendar Year 2014 to 2015 to determine the impact of the STAC in Santo Domingo, Ilocos
Sur from Calendar Years 2008-2014. It utilized ten implementers and 123 mothers/caregivers
of children with special needs. The study employed the descriptive correlational method of
research. The main instrument is a questionnaire augmented with documentary analysis. The
statistical tools used to treat and interpret the data gathered were the frequency and
percentage, mean and trend analysis. The study revealed the following: 1) Out of the 123
numbers of intake, seven transferred to another place, nine died and 59 had improved
condition; 2) Of the 59 who had improved condition, a substantial percentage suffered from
physical disability especially cerebral palsy who can now walk without assistance, do
functional activities like rolling, creeping, head and trunk control, crawling, reaching,
grasping and releasing and the least suffered from cognitive disabilities specifically down
syndrome who can now copy words and phrases and needs minimal assistance in functional
independence measure like eating, bathing, drawing and toileting; 3) All the children with
special needs regardless of condition are continuously receiving the services of the STAC.
The SPED teacher takes care of all those who can walk without assistance