From Autism Society of the Philippines!
In July 2004, Phil Daily Inquirer columnist Conrado Banal III wrote
in his "Breaktime" column about how a then-17yo person with autism
(PWA) was "mishandled" by SM Megamall's security guards.
SM, thru then-VP now President of Operations Ms Annie Garcia,
immediately acknowledged their " responsbility in extending full
assistance" to ALL their customers, and assured the training of their
guards about autism "to better appreciate" their customers.
But SM did not just conduct one training session on autism for their
guards. They started a series of orientation on almost all
disabilities, beginning with their mall managers from SM branches
nationwide. And then orientation in different branches followed.
These were attended by a total of more than one thousand guards,
janitors, and tenants.
Last May 22, SM started again another series of the same orientation
program in Mega Trade Hall. At least 300 security guards, janitors,
and mall managers listened to speakers from ASP, Downs Syndrome
Association of the Phils (DSAPI), and the National Council for the
Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP). More branches will hold the
same program in time for the celebration of the Disability Month in
July.
Asst. VP for Operations Liza Silerio told the participants the
incident of the 17yo PWA. She said that what touched the management
most about the incident is the mother's unconditional love for her
special son. With limited resources, she did not stop searching
until she found, after 15 hours, her son who ran out of the mall.
We can only agree with Ms Annie Garcia when she said that the success
of SM's 28 branches is not because of beautiful buildings and modern
facilities. It is because of people who truly care.
ASP National President Dang Koe explained what is autism, its
symptoms (with examples in mall settings) and how to handle special
situations involving PWAs. She ended her talk by reiterating that
while our PWAs do not need special ramps, parking spaces and rest
rooms, a little love and understanding from the guards, the janitors
and everyone can change a PWA's life forever.
More power to SM. Truly, you've got it all for us...and you
serve 'em all for us...including our children with autiSM. |
