The Rehabilitation Advisory Committee (“RAC”) under the Labour and Welfare Bureau formulated “Persons with Disabilities and Rehabilitation Programme Plan” in 2020, in which one of the strategic directions is to promote a barrier-free environment, transportation and information communication for people with disabilities, so that they can fully participate in the society.
The Joint Council established the “Working Group on Accessibility” (“the Working Group”) in 2023, which aims at exploring accessibility facilities and services in Hong Kong, collaborating with various stakeholders to build an accessible society and promoting awareness of the sector and the public on the importance of accessibility. In addition, the Working Group will also review government policies on accessibility or respond to sudden societal incidents as they arise. The members of the Working Group include representatives with visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical handicap and intellectually disability. Meetings are held regularly to discuss the relate topics and issues.
In 1984, the Buildings Department introduced the “Design Manual: Access for Disabled People” (later renamed as “Design Manual: Barrier Free Access,” collectively referred to as the “Design Manual”), which mandated private buildings to provide appropriate access and facilities for people with mobility impairments. The “Design Manual” was subsequently revised in 1997 and 2008. The Joint Council actively coordinated with persons with disabilities and rehabilitation organizations during the two revision exercises as to provide specific views on the “Design Manual.” In 2024, the Buildings Department reviews the “Design Manual” again. The Joint Council will continue connecting with representatives from different disability sectors to express their views and concerns.
The List of Hong Kong Sign Language Interpreters (“the List”) is jointly established by the Joint Council, HKCSS and RAC. It sets out individuals who can provide sign language interpretation services in Hong Kong, so that the public (individuals or institutions) can choose sign language interpreters according to their needs. The establishment of the List can further promote the learning and application of sign language, and contribute to the professional development of sign language interpretation in the long term.
The List provides information on the professional qualifications, work experience and contact methods of the sign language interpreters. Sign language interpreters in Hong Kong who meet the specified criteria can apply for adding their personal information in the List.
<Only available in Chinese>
<Only available in Chinese>