GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) held a second run of the Deaf Culture Sensitivity Training for a “Barrier-Free MCIA (Mactan-Cebu International Airport)” last June 27.
The training sought to provide information and awareness on Deaf Culture Sensitivity for a better understanding of and improving the attitude towards the Deaf and hard of hearing passengers and other passengers with physical disabilities.
GMCAC once again partnered with the Deaf Association of Lapu-Lapu City (DALLC) along with the Lapu-Lapu City Federation of People with Disabilities for the workshop led by DALLC president Christopher Kit Amomonpon.
Some 25 representatives and training officers of airlines check-in staff, ground handlers, terminal duty officers, customer service representatives, security, airport government agencies, and other customer-facing offices gathered for the one-day event.
Among those discussed were ways of identifying and differentiating the facts and misconceptions about deafness and deaf culture; increasing awareness and promote sensitivity to the challenges and specific needs of passengers with disabilities; and taught airport stakeholders with basic sign language and other communication means
“I am delighted to again be a part of the workshop because it has greatly improve the relationship between airport staff and the Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. After the first workshop in March, we have noted an improvement on how our airport staff communicate with the Deaf people,” Amomonpon said.
GMCAC Head of Corporate Affairs Estee Plunket said the training seeks to improve the customer service capabilities of airport front liners towards the Deaf and hard of hearing passengers including passengers with physical disabilities.
Plunket said GMCAC is targeting to give the same Deaf Culture Sensitivity Training to airport stakeholders on a quarterly basis.
MCIA is envisioned to become the world’s friendliest airport gateway that demonstrates the warmth and hospitality of the Cebuano people. /PR
