Throughout the month of July, over 200 tenant, security, and manpower agency personnel in SM Supermalls in Davao underwent special trainings on handling customers with special needs.

These small group classes are part of SM's efforts to equip workers with skills and knowledge that promote inclusivity in the mall.

Speakers from the Autism Society of the Philippines, Down Sydrome Association of the Philippines, and the United Architects of the Philippines Committee on Accessibility shared their expertise to the mall frontliners through an online discussion.

The mall workers learned about autism, down syndrome, sensitive language, and best practices on handling persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“SM’s program on persons with disabilities promotes a barrier-free and disability inclusive environment in the mall,” said Engr. Jonathan Nick Santos, SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager. “We empower our frontliners with skills and knowledge that allow them to understand the community and to serve customers better. Our workers are regularly given trainings twice per year by our PWD partners.”

The mall chain has instituted key programs to address the needs of customers with special needs, which earned SM a reputation for being the most PWD friendly establishment across the country.

Apart from this regular sensitivity training and orientation of mall front liners and tenants, recurring activities throughout the year include the annual Angels Walk for Autism and Emergency Preparedness Forum for PWDs.