DSWD 7: AVRC Trains PWDs for Employment

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas through the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC) conducted recently its very first Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Sensitivity Training and Simulation Activity for partner employers.

The training was also attended by other potential employers and AVRC II advisory council members.

“This kind of activity will give the partner employers increased awareness on the values and behavioural norms of PWDs,” DSWD-7 Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat said.

Jabagat also encouraged entrepreneurs and business owners to hire PWDs as employees and said that even if they have impairment, they still have the same capacity as that of normal persons and they can still use whatever skills and knowledge they have in order to live and survive.

The activity was participated in by fifty four (54) representatives who are employers from Dunkin Donuts, Ruiz Cosmetics Surgery Center Inc., ePerformax Contact Centers & BPO, Teleperformance (Aegis), Makimsa Apparel, YMCA, Negrense Marine Integrated Services, Inc., Salon de Rose, Patrice Salon, Wellmade Motors & Development Corporation, St. Mark Hotel, Signa Modena, Cebu Downtown Lions Club, Don Bosco Technology Center, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Cebu City’s Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP) and other civic organizations.

Resource speakers were from AVRC II, Resources for the Blind, Inc. and Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme, Inc. The speakers discussed the dynamics of different PWDs who are deaf, visually-impaired and orthopedically-impaired.

The orientation was followed by a simulation activity by the participants. They were blindfolded while taking their meals, moving around the place and communicating only through sign language.

During the activity group assessment, some employers shared that their PWD workers had set an example to others for their dedication and hard work in their job.

Participants from the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry planned to have a tie–up project with AVRC II and they also expressed willingness to conduct trainings for PWDs who are interested to work in BPO. (Kerwin Macopia/DSWD7)

Photo above: Participants listens intently to the resource speaker as they prepare for the Simulation Activity. (Image Credit: DSWD7)