9.
Turning to the Disability Discrimination Ordinance which was passed in July, Mr Strachan said it provided a legal means for people with a disability, as well as for their families and carers, a comprehensive system of redress in areas of life in which they might face discrimination, harassment or vilification.
"These areas include employment; education; transport; access to buildings and services; and participation in partnerships, professional organisations, clubs and sports.
"Our aim in drawing up the legislation was to strike a balance between the interests of people with disability and the community as a whole," he said.
Mr Strachan said the provisions of the Ordinance would be enforced by the courts and the Equal Opportunities Commission which would be set up in early 1996.
"The Equal Opportunities Commission will propose Codes of Practice for each sector so that all parties involved will have practical guidelines to follow regarding how they are expected to behave," he said.
"In drawing up these codes, the Commission will consult groups representing people with a disability and the sector concerned."
Apart from the legislative measures, Mr Strachan said the Government released in June the White Paper on Rehabilitation which was a policy document setting out a comprehensive picture of current services and the future direction for the development of rehabilitation policy.
"We believe that this two-pronged approach of developing legislation and policy for people with a disability is vitally important in promoting rights and well- being," he added.
End/Friday, September 1, 1995
Page 10Page 11