Wednesday, July 25, 2007 Group lauds mall for caring for PWDs
IN line with the celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, the Handicaps Anchored in Christ Inc. (Haci) gave a lecture on how to handle and treat persons with disability (PWDs).
The event’s theme is “Kapag may access, may success” and was attended by the SM City Cebu management, security and service personnel.
Haci demonstrated to the participants how to handle persons in a wheelchair,especially in going up and down the mall’s ramp, boarding a taxi or public utility vehicles.
Assistance
Adela Kono, Haci vice president, also asked the public, especially the security officers of establishments, to understand the needs and rights of PWDs and offer assistance, if necessary.
She reiterated that PWDs are not sick people nor do they have contagious diseases.
According to the latest statistics gathered by the group, 10 percent to 15 percent of the total population of the country are PWDs.
Geraldine P. Ruiz, president of Haci, believes that helping PWDs can help boost tourism.
Ruiz commended SM City Cebu because the staff who man the elevator usually call the attention of those who do not give way to persons in wheelchairs.
Prioritize
They also prioritize those in wheelchairs in the elevator.
The group also noticed that some establishments do not have wheelchair ramps and personnel are not courteous enough to help them.
“Please prepare alternatives to help a disabled person, if there is no wheelchair ramp,” Ruiz said.
The group also guested during the Kapamilya Media Forum of radio station dyAB Abante Bisaya.
They informed the public that part of the amendment of Republic Act 9442 is changing the term “disabled or physically handicapped person” into PWDs.
Haci pledged its support to SM City Cebu’s programs to provide better quality service to their sector.
“We are willing to work with you for you to provide quality service to the sector,” Ruiz said.
