APPROXIMATELY 500 persons with disabilities, from various PWD organizations had a chance to see and hear motivational speaker Nicholas James “Nick” Vujicic during his recent visit to the country, thanks to SM Supermalls’ SM Cares Program.

SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility (CSR)arm of retail giant SM Supermalls, welcomed PWDs to a free talk by Vujicic at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City. His Philippines visit is part of his Unstoppable Dream conference tour.

PWDs, along with their respective families, came as representatives of such groups as the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Autism Society of the Philippines and Autism Hearts Foundation, among others.

“I am a mother of a PWD and it is good to know people from the private sector are really going out of their way to welcome them,” said Agnes Lapena of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines.

Lapena pointed out that while certain issues surrounding employment and acceptability among PWDs continue to exist, support from the private sector goes a long way. “It is very heartwarming that companies like SM give PWDs opportunities and the chance to prove themselves as productive members of society,” she said. “SM is truly doing so well in promoting the welfare of PWDs.”

The speaker, Vujicic, is an Australian preacher born with a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs called tetra Amelia syndrome. He tours the world giving motivational speeches on his personal experiences, especially about life with a disability.

“This is a small gift to our beloved PWDs that we hope can inspire and strengthen them in their day-to-day struggles in life,” said SM Cares Program on Disability Affairs Head Bien C. Mateo. “We want them to know that they are welcome here and they can consider SM as their second home.”

SM Cares’s program on disability is a CSR program that hosts and provides venue for PWD events and activities.

SM malls are also designed to be PWD-friendly with ramps, parking slots, Braille signages arid wheelchair areas, among other features, to ensure the comfort and safety of PWDs.