An initiative to promote inclusivity and improve access to hospitality services for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has been launched in Arua City.
The initiative is being promoted by Cock Star Club, a local organisation of persons living with disabilities, and focuses on equipping workers in the hotels and places of entertainment with practical skills to better serve persons with disabilities.
In partnership with Bamboo Village Arua, Cock Star Club rolled out the initiative on Tuesday afternoon, starting with capacity building for staff at Bamboo Village. According to the management, the training will be extended to other hotels across Arua City.
Mercy Monica Ocotoko, a person living with visual impairment and the Coordinator of Cock Star Club, noted that many persons with disabilities shy away from hotels, restaurants, and entertainment places due to staff’s limited knowledge on how to serve them.
She expressed hope that the training would help to break these barriers and enable PWDs to access services with confidence.
The training focuses on communication skills, understanding different forms of disabilities, and guidelines aimed at preventing stigma while promoting inclusive service delivery.
The General Supervisor at Bamboo Village Arua, Lawrence Ainembabazi, described the initiative as an opportunity to enhance staff knowledge and promote inclusive customer care, especially for persons with disabilities.
One of the participants, Lydia Aseru, acknowledged the existing knowledge gap among hospitality workers in serving persons with disabilities. She called on service providers to desist from stigma and embrace inclusivity regardless of a person’s status.
Cock Star Club Arua plans to expand the training to other hotels and restaurants in the city, including hospitality students, especially during school holidays.
Records from the Arua City Union of Persons with Disabilities indicate that there are about 4,700 persons with disabilities living in Arua City.
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