To promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in society, the United Nations declared 3rd December as “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” (“IDPD”) in 1992 and encouraged all member countries to echo. Since 1993, the Joint Council has taken the lead in actively participating in IDPD and collaborating with related government departments, district organizations, rehabilitation agencies, self-help groups and schools to organize large-scale celebration projects and district promotional campaigns. These efforts are dedicated to advocating for the integration of persons with disabilities into society and promoting the spirit of “A Society for All”.
The logo of International Day of Disabled Persons represents both abled and disabled persons in the society. Each piece of puzzle symbolizes that every individual possesses unique abilities and is equally valuable. It is hoped that every person can respect the difference of others, join in hand to make a better world.
Throughout the years, the IDPD has been celebrated with various central and district events in diverse and creative ways to advocate for the spirit of “A Society for All”.
Since the first year of IDPD celebration, the Ocean Park Hong Kong (“Ocean Park”) has actively supported this significant event. Every year, Ocean Park has provided free admission tickets for people with disabilities and their caregivers in “Ocean Park Fun Day” which benefits a total of over 200,000 people. In order to allow more flexibility for participants, Ocean Park changed the activity into “Ocean Park Fun Month” so that people with disabilities and their caregivers can visit in any single day within a month for free.
Since 2022, Hong Kong Disneyland has participated in IDPD by offering free admission tickets to people with disabilities and their caregivers to enjoy the park facilities for free in any single day within a designated period. In the same year, the Joint Council collaborated with Hong Kong Disneyland to organize the central celebration ceremony for IDPD.
Since the first year of IDPD celebration, the Joint Council has solicited support from various transport operators to organize “Free Ride Day” for providing persons with disabilities and their accompanying persons free rides. Those transport operators include MTR, KMB, Citybus, Long Win Bus, New Lantao Bus, Yellow Bus, Star Ferry, HK and Kowloon Ferry, Sun Ferry, Park Island Transport, the Tram and the Peak Tram.
Since 2004, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”) has participated in IDPD by offering people with disabilities and their accompanying persons free admissions to heated swimming facilities and museum amenities on “Free Ride Day”.
Since 2012, Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department has offered people with disabilities and their carers free admission to Hong Kong Wetland Park.