Rights every working PWD should know about

In today’s society, inclusivity and diversity are essential, especially in the workplace. 

PWD stands for Persons with Disabilities, they are a group that needs extra attention and support in the workforce. Understanding and advocating for their rights are vital for creating a more inclusive and fair society. 

Many companies in the Philippines have since started accepting PWD workers, making it a game-changer in the industry. Not only are they treating them equally, but they also still cater to their special needs. They make job positions accessible to PWDs, allowing for more room in the industry. We’ll explore more about the rights of PWD workers in the Philippines and emphasize the importance of an accessible and supportive work environment for them.

In recent studies, less than 1 out of 5 Filipino workers are PWDs. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) back in 2022, there are 76 million Filipino workers but only 1.9 million are those with disabilities. These workers are experiencing difficulties in going to and from work due to inaccessibility of public transportation vehicles, lack of accessibility in proper education and skills training, and of course, there will always be discrimination experienced by these workers. In  Republic Act 7277 commonly known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Person, all the rights and privileges of PWD workers are listed here. 

1. TOPICS

   Equal Employment Opportunities

PWD workers have the right to equal employment opportunities, and employers are prohibited from discriminating against them during the hiring process. Section 5 states that no disabled persons shall be denied access to opportunities for suitable employment. This means that employers cannot reject a job applicant solely on the basis of their disability. Instead, they should focus on the applicant’s skills, qualifications, and ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

2. Reasonable Accommodations

In Section 6, it states that reasonable accommodations are adjustments made in the workplace to ensure that PWD workers can perform their duties effectively. This may include providing accessible workstations, adaptive technologies, flexible work hours, or any other modifications that enable them to carry out their tasks. Employers are obligated by law to provide these accommodations, as long as they do not impose undue hardship on the company.

3. Training and Career Development

Section 9 and 10 discusses that employers should provide equal opportunities for training and career development to PWD workers. Investing in their skills and professional growth will not only benefit them individually but also contribute to a more diverse and competent workforce.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development or DSWD has listed on their website the rights of PWDs and possible centers they can get help from. 

4. Fair Treatment and Accessibility

PWD workers have the right to fair treatment and accessibility within the workplace. This includes physical accessibility, such as ramps and elevators for wheelchair users, and ensuring that information and communication are available in formats that are accessible to all, such as braille, sign language interpreters, or audio descriptions.

5. Protection Against Harassment and Retaliation

PWD workers are entitled to a safe and respectful work environment. They should not face harassment or discrimination based on their disability. Employers must take appropriate actions to prevent and address such incidents. Additionally, PWD workers have the right to protection against retaliation if they report any discriminatory practices or participate in related investigations.

6. Social Security and Benefits

PWD workers are entitled to social security and benefits, just like any other worker. These benefits may include health insurance, disability benefits, and retirement plans. Ensuring that PWD workers have access to these benefits helps promote their financial stability and overall well-being.

Promoting and upholding the rights of PWD workers in the Philippines is not only a legal obligation but also morally right. Creating an inclusive and supportive work environment benefits both PWD workers and employers. By acknowledging and respecting their rights, we can create a society that values diversity and ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in the workforce. Let us continue to advocate for the rights of PWD workers and build a more equitable future for all.

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Kalibrr is a recruitment technology company that aims to transform how candidates find jobs and how companies hire talent. Placing the candidate experience at the center of everything it does, we continue to attract the best talent from all over, with more than 6 million professionals and counting. Kalibrr ultimately connects these talents to companies in search of their next generation of leaders.

The only end-to-end recruitment solutions provider in Southeast Asia, Kalibrr is headquartered in Makati, Philippines, with offices in San Francisco, California, and Jakarta, Indonesia. Established in 2012, it has served over 18,000 clients and is backed by some of the world’s most powerful start-up incubators and venture capitalists. These include Y Combinator, Omidyar Network, Patamar Capital, Wavemaker Partners, and Kickstart Ventures.

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