SM Cares recently launched its first-ever immersive exhibition aimed at raising awareness among the blind. The Blackout Zone is designed to create a welcoming and caring environment for persons with disabilities, including the blind and visually impaired, in all its developments. It was launched on October 6 at SM Southmall in Las Pinas City.
World Sight Day Celebration
On October 13 we will be celebrating World Sight Day, which focuses on global attention on vision impairment, including blindness. With SM Cares, and through your help, we want to create a different kind of exhibit called the Blackout Zone. Through this, we will be able to experience the daily challenges of our fellow Filipinos who are visually impaired. This will allow us to broaden our knowledge on how we can help create an inclusive environment for them,”
Engr. Bien C. Mateo, senior vice president of SM Supermalls and program director of SM Cares Committee on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
People who supported the Blackout Zone Launch
- Mr. Mateo Lee –deputy director of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)
- Ar. Jaime Silva- chairperson of the Committee on Accessibility, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)
- Ms. Aggie Angeles- country outreach coordinator if Benetech Bookshare and member of the Philippine Blind Union
- Mr. Ronnel del Rio – from the Chamber of Blind Masseurs
- Mr. Art Letim– from CMB Global and a former member of the Philippine Blind Union
- Ms. Mayette Regala– from the Resources for the Blind, Inc.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BLACKOUT ZONE
- It is open until October 16, except October 10, at the 3rd level of SM Southmall for free.
- Inside the Blackout Zone, participants take on different challenges in total darkness that unleash the power of their senses like tying a shoe, creating a sandwich, making their own coffee, and watching movies.
- Its goal is for the general public to develop a sense of care and affection for the blind and to realize that in the world of the blind, things are possible.
Other initiatives in line with the Blackout Zone
- The annual Angels walk in partnership with ASP, held every January in celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week
- The annual Happy Walk in partnership with DSAPI, held every Februaru in celebration of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month
- The annual Sensitivity Training for Customers with Different Needs, which educates mall staff and security personnel on how to care for PWDs
- The annual Emergency Preparedness Forum which educates PWDs and senior citizens on what to do during emergencies
About SM Cares
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include programs for the environment, women and breastfeeding mothers, children and youth, senior citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.
To learn more about these programs, visit www,supermalls.com/smcares.
