119.
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A 1.rge proportion of the adult disabled can live independently and are being encouraged to do so.. Those who are in accommodation which is so unsuitable that it might have serious detrimental effects on the individual or on ther members of his family may be eligible for public housing under the Compassionate Rehousing Scheme of the Housing Authority. Whenever possible, the Housing Authority modifies flats, provides easier access and special toilet facilities and allocates accommodation near the place of work. For the disabled who cannot look after temselves, residential care is provided in the form of long stay nursing homes, half-way houses and hostels. The aim is to enable these residents to live in a setting as similar as possible to a normal home environment.
120.
The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation operates a special transport service for the disabled. This will receive a Government subvention from April 1980. Special facilities on public buses and trams are planned.
121.
The Public Works Department has published a voluntary "Code of Practice on Access for Handicapped Persons to Buildings" which specifies standards for steps, kerbs, ramps, signs and toilet facilities. It is being adopted in all new Government building projects whenever possible and modifications to some existing buildings are being mude. The private sector is also being encouraged to adopt the
code.
122. Sport and recreation services are of particular importance to the disabled, and the Government provides assistance to voluntary agencies which provide such services. The emphasis is on integration of the able-bodied and the disabled through participation in leisure activities. The Physically Handicapped and Able Bodies Association has over 800 members participating in five centres and seven other clubs, the Sports Association for the Physically Handicapped has 400 members and the Sports Association for the Mentally Handicapped has 1,000 participants in its activities.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
123. As special education provision is expanded, it will be possible to place disabled people in better jobs in which their potential will be more adequately realised.
The objective in vocational training is to integrate as many disabled people as possible within ordinary technical institutes, apprenticeships and other training schemes. For the severely disabled, special vocational training centres will be provided. The first of these centres will open in Kwun Tong in September 1980.