Discrimination and Coping Strategies of Baguio's Visually Impaired Massage Therapists

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Jasmine Irish M. Lorenzo, University of the CordillerasFollow
Glyna Nicole B. Petrola, University of the CordillerasFollow
Jake H. Felicano, University of the CordillerasFollow
Niqolai Antoniette J. Gasic, University of the CordillerasFollow
Trixia Mhey S. Casauay, University of the CordillerasFollow
Ashley T. Guanzon, University of the CordillerasFollow
Mark Adam A. Banugan, University of the CordillerasFollow
Christian L. Palpal, University of the CordillerasFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

School Name

University of the Cordilleras

Track or Strand

Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Mayomis, Mateo A. and Ymson-Alawas, Joanna Marie V.

Start Date

23-6-2025 1:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2025 3:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Y501

Abstract/Executive Summary

The rise of inclusive employment and open mindedness brought opportunities to earn a living for the visually impaired workers. However, progress comes with challenges and discrimination, which are things that no disabled worker can escape from. This paper explores the experience of visually impaired massage therapists against discrimination and how they form coping strategies to deal with it. By conducting in-depth interviews and analyzing their answers through phenomenological research design and selected 12 participants from different massage centers in Baguio City by utilizing the method of purposive sampling. The paper delves into the roles of discrimination and the challenges it poses as a mode of shared experience in the workforce between each massage center. Findings highlight that their coping mechanisms to deal with rude remarks such as questioning their skills and credibility as massage therapists are dealt with through suggesting better services, staying strong and silent, and finding solace through religion. Moreover, these findings underscores the importance of fostering a more inclusive and respectful workplace, by implicating policies for the safety of the employees. The study concludes with the need to raise awareness and foster an inclusive work environment to ensure that they are respected and protected in their workplace.

Keywords

Visually Impaired, Discrimination, Blind Massage Therapists, Coping Strategies

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Family, Relations, and Social Structure (FRS)

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes