The Ayala Way Vol. 5 No. 51
Towards Inclusivity With Disability Sensitivity Training
(Center) Globe Lead Expert for UI Cristina Guanzon found that her deafness is not a barrier in the workplace; (left and right) Globe's inclusivity initiatives are featured in @ProjectInclusionPH and @PBDNph on Facebook and Philippine Business and Disability Network's LinkedIn page.
Through our disability sensitivity training program and partnership with PBDN, we are actively breaking down barriers so every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to our collective success. This is just the beginning of our journey towards building a truly inclusive workplace culture.
RENATO JIAO
Globe Chief HR Officer
When Cristina Guanzon joined Globe in March, she found no trouble collaborating and blending in. Living with deafness, Guanzon is able to easily communicate with her peers.
“One of the first things my colleagues asked was how to sign some phrases and that I share my world through sign language classes. I appreciate my colleagues making an effort to sign simple greetings of 'Good morning' and 'Thank you' after meetings,” shared Guanzon, a lead expert for user interface in the Product Engineering and Digital Growth team. “They also willingly adjusted their communication methods. [...] Their patience and understanding touched me profoundly, reinforcing my gratitude for their acceptance."
Such employee feedback reflects Globe’s efforts towards inclusivity and its commitment to creating a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Recently, Globe held its first disability sensitivity training to give participants a better understanding about disability, how to tackle communications about disability, and ways to properly interact with persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the workplace. The activity, held with key individuals and groups within the organization and with support from the Philippine Business and Disability Network (PBDN), emphasized workplace accessibility for PWDs.
Guanzon said the training allowed her colleagues to “empathize with and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities," adding, "It makes me feel hopeful that people and the world can be more inclusive. It reminds me that we hold the power to create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued."
About the author
Knowledge Management (1)
AC Knowledge Management is responsible for enterprise content management, archives management, and the development of knowledge products and services in Ayala. KM produces books on corporate history and business developments and publishes the groupwide internal communications channel, The Ayala Way.