GVSP launches Barrier-Free Tourism Workshop

The Gualandi Volunteers Service Programme, Inc. (GVSP) in partnership with The Parklane Hotel organized a one day training workshop for at least 50 front liner employees on Deaf Culture Sensitivity and Basic Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and Courtesies to Persons with Disabilities (PWD). The aim of this activity is to improve the sensitivity of the service providers particularly in the customer service sector and within the workplace to ensure a Barrier-Free and a PWD-friendly environment for the deaf and persons with disabilities.

GVSP, together with its deaf volunteers trained from the Cebu Association of the Deaf (CAD), trained the employees to be more sensitive in providing reasonable accommodation towards PWDs and taught them about the culture of the deaf and basic communication skills particularly in Filipino sign language.

This activity came first of the series of workshops that GVSP will be organizing in partnership with the management of Parklane Hotels to further improve their services towards PWDs. This is also in preparation of the incoming free Medical-Surgical and Dental mission for PWDs which will be organized by Parklane Hotel this coming July 6, 2013 in celebration of the National Disability Week 2013.

GVSP is inviting all hospitality business establishments and hotel companies to open its doors and collaborate with GVSP in developing a PWD friendly environment  within their  workplace  and in the improvement of the quality of customer care towards PWDs and in the creation of a PWD inclusive society.

GVSP will be endorsing a master list of hospitality business establishments who have been trained and recognized as PWD-inclusive establishment after undergoing the series of trainings conducted by GVSP to its international, national  and local partner organizations and agencies. A recognition committee will soon be organized to award PWD friendly establishments in the next coming months. This is an advocacy program to strengthen the promotion of Barrier Free Tourism in coordination with various PWD Federations around the world.

For inquiries, contact GVSP through Mr. John Paul E. Maunes, The Executive Director at gvspvolunteers@gmail.com, telefax: 032 260 4043 or at 0905 254 7074. Visit GVSP at 7 Sanchez compound, J.Panis st. Banilad, Cebu city, Philippines.