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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
The Urban Council manages different kinds of recreational facilities. Up to the end of last year, we have 14 swimming pool complexes, 37 indoor game halls, & track and field grounds, 1 holiday resort village and lots of parks and other kinds of venues. The design of most venues are mainly for the majority of people belonging to different age groups. The needs of the disabled in respect of parking, the design of entrances and exits, railings, indication signs, toilets and other suitable facilities have been somewhat neglected. Among the 14 swimming pool complexes under the management of the Urban Council there is not one pool specially for the disabled. On the contrary, in other resorts managed by voluntary agencies, special swimming pools and recreational facilities are provided.
Although the Council conducted some improvement works geared at disabled people at the swimming pool complexes in Morrison Hill, Kowloon Park and Lai Chi Kok last year, the facilities so installed are mostly offered to those that lease or are granted use of our venues in the name of organizations. As for disabled individuals, there is not yet wide publicity to remind them of their rights.
Also, in small indoor venues of the Council, no special recreational facilities such as small table tennis tables or special equipment have been provided specially for the disabled.
Other than the principle of equality for all, I think we should help disabled persons integrate into society and overcome the limits of their disabilities. This way, they can develop their potentials and build their own independent living. This will be an important value for the advancement of our society as a whole.
I am therefore most supportive of the spirit and content of Mr. Li's motion today. I think this Council should review our venues and facilities as soon as possible to see if they can meet the standards of those for use by disabled persons. We can work on a full survey jointly with voluntary disabled groups or associations. We should also make reference to facilities provided in foreign countries and make their modes the blueprint for improvement. Whenever facilities not up to standard are discovered, cases should be followed up by relevant Select Committees of the Council and a timetable for improvement should be drawn up. The aim will be to offer the same kind of service qualities and the same chances of use of our facilities to both disabled and able-bodied persons. Thank you.
MS. ADA WONG YING-KAY (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I am very supportive of Mr. Li's motion. I would like to add two points here. First of all, I hope that all facilities and venues of the Urban Council not only comply with standards, but also cater for use by the disabled with dignity. In fact, I have already submitted a paper on Rehabilitation Power to the Capital Works Select Committee and the Department has agreed to conduct an overall review.
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