Cebu BPO firm takes in PWDs in its workforce

Accenture Philippines launches a program that would enable persons with disabilities to work with equal grounds alongside other employees through workstations that cater to special needs. The accessibility suites even include special computers, gadgets, and even furniture that would aid PWDs in their daily work. (INQUIRER PHOTO/DALE ISRAEL)

CEBU CITY –– A business process outsourcing firm in Cebu is coming up with an “inclusive policy” that would allow persons with disabilities (PWD) to join their workforce–the first one to do so among the hundreds of outsourcing firms at the Cebu IT Park.

At the Cebu center of Accenture Philippines, a “suite of accessibility solutions” has been launched last week that would enable PWDs to work alongside other employees through workstations that cater to special needs.

The accessibility suites include special computers, gadgets, and even furniture that would aid PWDs in their daily work.

For example, a special computer tool and software, Dhavani, will allow the hearing-impaired to read auto subtitles in videos and translate voice responses into typed text and vice versa during video conference calls.

For those with hearing impairment, a variety of special headphone connects sound directly into the ear bone so the person can hear the conversation.

INQUIRER PHOTO/DALE ISRAEL

A special keyboard with a stickered Braille system is also installed at the workstation. An electronic magnifier and non-visual desktop access, voice control technologies, blind stick, Braille blocks, and panels are also available at the BPO center.

Automated wheelchairs and smart lights with sliding doors are also in place at the workplace for the use of PWDs. The facility is also offering adjustable tables and chairs for comfortable working conditions.

In a press conference, Accenture country manager Lito Tayag said that while the government is asking for one percent of their workforce to be PWDs, their office is now at 4 percent and the number is growing.

“As a people-driven company, we take pride in developing and pioneering initiatives for persons with disabilities in the Philippines, which underscore our unwavering commitment in advancing inclusion and diversity and the welfare of our people,” Tayag said.

After the accessibility suites were developed and implemented in Accenture’s Mandaluyong and Cebu offices, the system has been replicated in their branches in Malaysia, Japan, India, and China.

Edited by LZB