TNAG-0788-FCO40-992-Development-of-social-policy-in-Hong-Kong-proposed-contribut-1978 — Page 312

BACKGROUND NOTE

1. Many of the elements of an effective rehabilitation service already exist in Hong Kong. However, until July 1976 when a Programme Plan for Rehabilitation Service was published, no attempt had been made to co-ordinate them. This Plan was produced in

consultation both with the Government Departments concerned with

rehabilitation and with outside bodies. In October 1976 a Green Paper was produced on rehabilitation. Subsequently, a White Paper, incorporating improvements suggested by the public, was published in October 1977. This White Paper forms the basis of Hong Kong's proposed improvements in the rehabilitation service in the next eight years.

2. A Rehabilitation Development Co-ordinating Committee will be established to provide overall direction at policy-making level, while the Social Services Branch will co-ordinate the rehabilitation service at working level. The White Paper divides rehabilitation into four categories:

(a)

Prevention and Early Diagnosis

The principal preventive measures will be a programme of health education, an extension of immunization and innoculation and a campaign to reduce accidents at work, at home and on the road, together with increased efforts to provide early diagnosis. Additionally, a Central Registry for the Disabled will be established to provide the statistical information which is essential for efficient forward-planning.

(b) Education and Training

It is intended to increase greatly the number of special education places for the disabled (from 12,165 in 1977 to 50,800 in 1985/86). In particular, the new improvements in educational services for the disabled will be directed towards the mentally retarded and twoards pre-vocational and vocational training.