SM Cares recently held its eighth annual “Customer with Disabilities Sensitivity Training”, which aims to educate frontline staff in malls on how to care for people with disabilities (PWDs). The event is part of SM’s efforts to ensure disability-friendly spaces in its malls and developments.
The two-part virtual training, held on May 20 and May 27, successfully attracted more than 16,000 participants from security personnel, maintenance personnel, car park employees, etc., as well as more than 600 SM employees at various levels. Informative discussions were led by five longtime SM Cares partners in their PWD advocacy.
On the first day, Mona Veluz of the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) gave a presentation on understanding people with autism through behavior, while Agnes Lapena of the Down Syndrome Society of the Philippines (DSAPI) talked about the basics people need to know Learn about Down syndrome.
On Day 2, Ralph Torralba of the Philippine Hearing Impairment Association talked about understanding the deaf and hard of hearing; Lita Evangelista of Tahanang Walang Hagdan talked about caring for the disabled, especially those with orthopedic disabilities; and Arch. Jimmy Silva of the United Architects Association of the Philippines discusses the ground rules for helping the blind and visually impaired.
“We know that getting to know our clients with disabilities is an ongoing learning experience, which is why we have been running this training course for eight years. It provides our employees with timely and necessary knowledge to enable them to make things safer for people with disabilities space, while serving them better,” said Engr’s Senior Vice President of Mall Operations and Program Director of the SM Cares Program. Side Mateo.
“The annual sensitivity training for people with diverse needs exemplifies what our founder, the late Henry Sy Sr. always reminded us: malasakit, or mindfulness. It is this fundamental human trait that drives We go above and beyond to ensure that our disabled customers are valued and cared for when they visit our malls,” said Almus Alabe, Senior Associate Vice President, Customer Relations Services, SM Supermalls.
Annual sensitivity training is just one of many initiatives that SM Cares aligns with its disability advocacy. Other events include the annual Angel Walk in partnership with ASP each January to celebrate National Autism Awareness Week; the annual Happy Walk in partnership with DSAPI each February to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month; Annual The Emergency Preparedness Forum aims to educate people with disabilities and older adults about what to do in an emergency.
Through these initiatives, SM Cares supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “SDG 10: Reducing Inequalities”.
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility of SM Supermalls, providing programs that support the community, promote social inclusion and care for the environment. Its advocacy includes environmental programs, disability programs, programs for women and nursing mothers, programs for children and teens, programs for seniors, and the creation of a bike-friendly SM Mall.
To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
