TNAG-0968-FCO40-1187-Development-of-social-policy-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 28

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E. REHABILITATION SERVICES

Introduction

101.

Rehabilitation services in Hong Kong began in 1863 when the first home for the blind was built. There- after progress was very slow. The most significant develop- ment has occurred since 1950. By the early 1970s, a basic infrastructure of rehabilitation was available in Hong Kong. However, there was little co-ordination of policies and very little impetus to provide a multi-disciplinary approach..

102.

In 1974, Government began preparation of a 10-year rehabilitation programme plan to be reviewed and rolled forward annually. It was completed in mid-1976 and was followed by a Green Paper which was published for public comment. White Faper was published in October 1977.

103.

The most fundamental change in the provision of rehabilitation services during the 1970s was the establishment of machinery to plan and co-ordinate services. The overall policy objective in the White Paper is:

104.

"to provide such comprehensive rehabilitation services as are necess ry to enable disabled persons to develop their physical, mental and social capabilities to the fullest extent which their disabilities permit."

As the White Paper covers a wide range of services provided by various Government departments and voluntary agencies, the Government believes that co-ordin‹tion of rehabilitation services must be improved both at policy- making and at working levels. At the policy making level the Rehabilitation Development Co-ordinating Committee has been established, with the following terms of reference:

to advise on the development and phased implementation of rehabilitation services in Hong Kong;

(a)

(b)

to advise on the principles of subvention applicable to such services;

(c) to co-ordinate rehabilitation services in Government departments and voluntary

(a)

(e)

organis tions and to ensure that available resources are put to the best use;

to advise on the respective roles of Government, voluntary organisations and other bodies providing rehabilitation services; and

to make recommendations on the training of rehabilitation workers.