11 1 be designed to meet the unique educational needs of a 2 learner with disability who shall receive appropriate 3 services, have real opportunities for equality, and fully 4 participate in the general education system and the 5 community. It shall likewise aim at developing the 6 learner’s strengths and talents to achieve the greatest 7 possible self-sufficiency and independent living. 8 (l) Learners with Disabilities refer to learners in the 9 general early and basic education system, who require 10 additional support and adaptive pedagogic methods due to 11 their long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory 12 impairments, which in interaction with various barriers 13 may hinder their full and effective participation in society 14 on an equal basis with others. They are placed in the age- 15 appropriate grade levels by the multidisciplinary team 16 based on the latter’s assessments and diagnoses of the 17 learners. For purposes of this Act, chronological age may 18 be used to determine the appropriate placement or 19 activities. Mental age may be used in determining the