ENG-2008 — Page 257

Social Welfare 201

rehabilitation policies and services in Hong Kong. Sub-committees were set up to look into specific areas of concern, such as access, employment and public education.

The RAC and its sub-committees are chaired by non-officials, and all their members are appointed in their personal capacities by the Chief Executive. To ensure that the interests of persons with disabilities are represented, the membership of the RAC includes persons with different disabilities, parents of persons with disabilities, representatives of self-help organisations for persons with disabilities and NGOs providing rehabilitation services, as well as academics, community and business. leaders, professionals and other persons who have a keen interest in the well-being of persons with disabilities. Representatives of relevant government bureaux and departments also serve as ex-officio members to provide the necessary support to the RAC and follow up on issues it raises.

Through its sub-committee on public education, the RAC co-ordinates the implementation of various public education programmes on rehabilitation. In 2008, 45 public education programmes were organised by various government and non- governmental organisations under the theme 'working towards an inclusive and barrier-free society for persons with disabilities'. Territory-wide publicity activities. were also launched to support World Mental Health Day and the International Day of Disabled Persons.

In 2008, the RAC also reached out to different sectors including the 18 District. Councils, the business sector, and the welfare sector to promote the Rehabilitation Programme Plan (RPP), particularly on the employment of persons with disabilities, and to solicit support for tripartite partnership in taking forward the recommendations set out in the RPP.

With the application of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Hong Kong since August 31, 2008, the RAC has also taken on the new role of assisting the Government in promoting and monitoring the implementation of the convention in Hong Kong.

Websites

Labour and Welfare Bureau: www.lwb.gov.hk

Social Welfare Department: www.swd.gov.hk

Community Investment and Inclusion Fund: www.ciif.gov.hk

Elderly Commission: www.elderlycommission.gov.hk

Women's Commission: www.women.gov.hk