In keeping with SM’s tradition of strengthening its commitment to customer service, particularly in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, the SM Marketmall - Dasmariñas , Cavite, conducted the seminar entitled “Caring for Special Customers” on 27 February 2016 at 7:00 AM at the second floor parking of the SM Marketmall Dasmariñas. For ten years now, SM Supermalls and its branches all over the country have conducted PWD sensitivity trainings to their employees twice a year with an eye to continuously ensuring a truly PWD-friendly and service Mall. Attending this seminar were 40 SM affiliates, security and janitorial personnel, tenants and vendors of SM Marketmall Dasmariñas.
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| Ms. Janette Peña with son Muneer |
Speaking on behalf of the autism community was Jan Peña, ASP Board Trustee and ASP Dasmariñas Chapter President, together with Muneer Peña, her 20 year-old son with autism. Tita Jan enlightened the audience on the nature of autism as a developmental condition and its recognizable signs among mall goers who have autism. The audience showed heightened interest as Tita Jan Peña flashed pictures that showed what an SM employee can do in special situations involving a customer with autism, such as responding to a lost child with autism, to hyperactive and aggressive behavior, or tantrums, and the language one can use to get across an autistic child in need of help inside a mall. Best is to regard customers with autism with an understanding “SM-ile”, a comforting nod, and a happy, helping gesture at all times.
ASP is endlessly thankful to SM Cares for its immeasurable contributions to the advocacy for persons with disabilities. Because the PWD sensitivity program has positively transformed the heart of SM into a loving and caring environment for PWD’s, SM has truly become a second home to many families living with autism.
About the contributor: Mary Janette Infantado-Peña is a former President and Executive Director of the National Autism Society Philippines. She is also a former President of the Autism Society Philippines Bacoor and Dasmariñas Chapters (Cavite). Ms. Janette is a Graduate of AB Psychology from the University of the Phil, Dil. QC. She worked as a Teacher, Trainer and Supervisor in multi-instructional settings. Ms. Janette is a very active autism advocate, being a mother of a 22-year old young man with autism (Muneer). In 2015, her family was conferred the prestigious 2015 Jollibee Family Values Award for its exceptional contribution to the empowerment of Filipinos with Autism.
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