Chapter 6
SOCIAL REHABILITATION SERVICES
Introduction
Present services
Specific objectives for future development
Housing and residential
services
6.1 Rehabilitation aims to restore a disabled person to his fullest physical, mental and social capabilities. Its major components: identification, assessment, medical rehabil- itation, education, training and social rehabilitation, require different techniques and facili- ties. But all are indispensable if the disabled is to be fully integrated into the community.
6.2 A variety of social rehabilitation services are already provided by the Government and the voluntary sector. These include counselling, job placement, sheltered work, residen- tial care and recreational facilities. In addition, over 70,000 persons are receiving disability and infirmity allowances.
6.3 In the coming decade, the following broad objectives will be adopted, for the development of welfare and other services for the disabled:--
(a) the disabled will be helped to find suitable accommodation;
(b) the disabled will be assisted in finding gainful employment so that they can lead
a useful working life;
(c) the disabled will be helped to enjoy their leisure time; and
(d) special services will be provided to help the disabled overcome the additional pro-
blems they face in the home, at school, at work or in public places.
6.4 A large proportion of the adult disabled population can live independently. They will be encouraged to do so and Government will help them to find suitable accom- modation, if there is a clear housing need. Proper housing for the disabled is one of the most important factors in successful rehabilitation and the Housing Authority has made special arrangements for them in public housing estates. Ideally, homes for the disabled should be located near their places of work, shopping centres, social and recreational facilities and should be accessible by public transport. However, it must be recognised that there are practical difficulties in meeting all individual needs. Disabled persons who are in accommodation which is so unsuitable that it might have serious detrimental effects on the individual or on other members of the families may be eligible for direct public housing under the Authority's special quota known as the Compassionate Rehousing Scheme. Wherever possible, the Authority modifies flats, provides easier access and special toilet facilities, allocates accommodation near to the place of work and, in the case of the physically disabled, provides accommodation on floors with a lift stop.
6.5 The Authority already provides accommodation for the Social Welfare Depart- ment and voluntary organisations for the running of services for persons with a disability. This will continue to be the Authority's policy. Accommodation will be reserved in new estates for organisations providing these services.
6.6 Whilst disability in itself should not be considered a basis for placement in an institution, residential care must be provided for those disabled persons who are unable to look after themselves and to function independently. Different types of residential facilities, such as transit centres, hostels for the young disabled and residential institutions for ex-mental patients will be provided to cater for the needs of the different groups of dis- abled persons. The aim will be to provide services which will enable the residents to live as far as possible as if they were in a normal home environment. By the end of 1985-86, the number of places available at such centres will be increased from the present number of 1,260 to a minimum of 3,400. It is possible that, with the establishment of additional assessment and registration services as envisaged in Chapter 3, a larger number of disabled persons needing residential services may be identified and the demand for such services will therefore be reviewed annually.
Employment for the disabled
6.7
Most disabled persons have more abilities than disabilities. With suitable training and education, many of them will be able to secure and maintain remunerative employment
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