Autism group calls for more disability sensitivity training following Cebu resort fiasco
The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) sees the need for companies and establishments to conduct necessary training to guide their staff in dealing and servicing people with disabilities.
The statement came in light of the controversy involving Plantation Bay Resort & Spa in Cebu.
In its call to action letter addressed to the public, the ASP said that the unfortunate event highlights the importance of conducting related workshops to avoid a repeat of the incident.
“This sad event is an opportunity for disability sensitivity training; and a review of the resort's policies and procedures for compliance to RA 7277, the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability,” wrote the ASP.
“Beyond the public relations mess that this is (driven by an ill-crafted response), the noble men and women who serve to please their customers at the Plantation Bay Resort And Spa in Cebu can do better.
“Even the best-intentioned organizations can always use additional knowledge and improvements in areas they are not properly trained in. The Department of Tourism, the National Council on Disability Affairs and the Autism Society Philippines can help facilitate education in 'invisible' and often misunderstood disabilities.”
Root of the controversy
The controversy started after an unfavorable review of Plantation Bay Resort & Spa appeared on the travel website, TripAdvisor.
Mai Pages wrote that she was repeatedly approached by lifeguards on duty due to her son's constant squealing while in the pool.
Mai said she explained to the lifeguards that her son has autism.
"No luxury of this proportion can make this experience okay because that is not what we need. We need a friendly and empathetic environment for kids and families with special needs,” she wrote.
“It's not right [to] stop him from doing what makes him happy,” Pages told GMA News Online on Tuesday, December 8.
“His squeals naman na irritating na matatakot ka, 'yung the ones in the movie na autistic child na nagme-melt down, 'di ganoon, eh. It was a happy kind of reaction from a happy child with disability.”
The resort's response through shareholder Manny Gonzales accused Mai of lying.
“Uncontrolled shouting is not a symptom of autism,” said the reply posted on TripAdvisor.
He went on to say that Mai “is most likely deliberately lying, or has been given an incorrect diagnosis of autism when what the child more likely has is a lack of discipline due to simple parental neglect.”
Gonzales further added, “Every customer should be respected, not just one parent and one child. Most of our guests fully understand and agree with this idea: it is not a resort for noise-makers, regardless of their reason.
“To demand that all the customers just shut up while one child screams his head off? That's not our idea of fairness.”
The response drew the ire of the public, with some calling for a boycott of the resort.
The backlash prompted Gonzales to issue an apology on December 8 on social media for offending parents with autistic children.
“I was wrong to question the mother's motives, and deeply regret leaving the impression that we are not supportive of the community of parents with children who have special needs.”
He reiterated the resort's safety policy for the benefit of all the guests.
“As a result of that policy, in almost 25 years we never had a child die here. A mother's pride is important, but more important are the lives of the children who come here.
“Regardless, I handled this case poorly, and apologize to all the parties who felt offended by my reply.”
A long way to go
The ASP posted a statement on social media following Gonzales' apology.
“Apology is a significant first step. Sadly, the company has a long way to go,” the statement reads.
“Plantation Bay Resort & Spa stands firm on their belief that there is NO ROOM for reasonable accommodation for the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities -- even equating it with parental “pride”. All this, as the nation commemorates National Human Rights Consciousness Week.
“We hope the company acknowledges the need for rights-based disability sensitivity training and a review of its policies and processes against the Magna Carta of Persons with Disabilities.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism has said that it will investigate the incident to see if there's a need to impose “proper administrative sanctions” against the resort.
The ASP also issued a reminder to parents or guardians who might encounter a similar experience in the future.
“For parents who find themselves in this situation, know that the law is on your side. Escalating the matter to top management is the best way to amicably resolve your issues and to teach the organization what accommodations are needed by guests who manifest their disability uniquely.
“Very often, top management responds with kindness and compassion.
“If the issue is not resolved, you may file a civil case in court or with the Commission on Human Rights for violations of the RA 7277, the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability.
“Please take note of names, places, events, dates, times and screenshots, to complete documentation of the incident. You may also fill out the form below to reach out to the Autism Society Philippines.”
You can also check ASP's website for more information or contact the group for questions and assistance (+63917 556 2075, autismphils@gmail.com)