The Cultural Center of the Philippines has announced that it strengthened its efforts to serve Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and make arts and culture more accessible to them through the CCP PWD-Exchange Program.
The program complies with Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 or the Accessibility Law and the Magna Carta for the Disabled under R.A. 7277 – laws which protect the rights and privileges of PWDs, guarantee equal opportunity and ensure a barrier-free environment for PWDs.
In 2012, the CCP PWD-Exchange Program implemented the construction of areas for PWDs in wheelchairs in the CCP venues, namely the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo and Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino. Additionally, accessibility ramps leading to the theaters and rest rooms were constructed.
PWD areas at the CCP are offered to persons in wheelchairs – especially those who cannot physically transfer or move from their wheelchairs to regular seats – and their companions.
All PWDs are entitled to 20 percent discount on CCP shows.
Several activities were also held under the program in 2012. These include a meeting with the different PWD sectors; free accommodation of PWD guests to the PPO Concert on March 16, 2012, during which blind and vision-impaired guests were provided with program notes in Braille and large print; a free lecture on Filipino Sign language for the CCP ushering staff and employees. Also, the preparation of the CCP PWD Accommodation Policy and Guidelines was undertaken.
The CCP PWD program began in 2000 with the installation of wooden handrails in corridors, wheelchair ramps in selected places and the wheelchair lift at the Little Theater entrance.
For more information about the CCP PWD program, please call CCP Venue Operations Division at (+632) 8321125 local 1412 to 1413.
