Persons with Disabilities
The Program on Persons with Disabilities promotes a barrier-free and disability inclusive environment for PWDs in our malls. It has instituted key programs to address the needs of customers with special needs, which earned its reputation for being the most PWD friendly establishment across the country. Some of our projects include the regular sensitivity training and orientation of mall front liners and tenants, the annual Angels Walk for Autism, Happy Walk for Down Syndrome, Emergency Preparedness Forum for PWDs, Movies for the Blind and Deaf, and other special celebrations.
Our partners include the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD), Autism Society Philippines (ASP), Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI), Deaf Blind Support Philippines (DBSP), Miss Possibilities Foundation (MPF), Hard of Hearing Philippines, Best Buddies Philippines, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Special Achievers, Alyansa ng may Kapansanang Pinoy (AKAP Pinoy), and the Philippine Society for Rare Disorders (PSOD), amongst others.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
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Sensitivity Training and Regular Orientation for Mall Front Liners
All mall security and maintenance personnel, together with its tenants are regularly given orientations and sensitivity trainings on how to handle customers with special needs. These are conducted by our PWD partners, and are held twice a year, across all SM Malls.
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Angels Wallk for Autism
In partnership with Autism Society Philippines (ASP), Angels Walk held every January is in celebration of the National Autism Consciousness Week. The event advocates awareness, acceptance and inclusion for all persons with autism.
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Happy Walk for Down Syndrome
In partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI), Happy Walk is held every February in celebration of the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. The event advocates the awareness, acceptance and inclusion for all persons with Down syndrome.
To date, both events have gathered more than 75,000 participants who advocate for social inclusion and acceptance.
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Emergency Preparedness Forum for PWDs and Senior Citizens
The Philippines is the 3rd most vulnerable country to calamities and disasters. It is incumbent upon us to make sure that the sectors of society whom we serve and are at most risk, are educated and prepared for emergencies.
The Emergency Preparedness Forum is held annually across select SM Malls to educate and train PWDs and Senior Citizens on emergency preparedness
