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Social Welfare 221

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 2011, 46 public education programmes were organised by various government and NGOs under the theme 'All-round promotion of the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and cross sectoral collaboration towards building an equal and inclusive society'. Territory-wide publicity activities were also launched to support World Mental Health Day and the International Day of Disabled Persons.

Since 2008, the RAC has reached out to different sectors, including the 18 District Councils, the business and the welfare sectors to promote the working capabilities of persons with disabilities and the employment support services provided by Government departments and rehabilitation organisations for persons with disabilities as well as to solicit support for tripartite partnerships. These efforts. received positive responses from the welfare organisations, the District Councils and the business sector.

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.

Community Care Fund

The Community Care Fund (CCF) provides assistance to people facing economic difficulties, especially those who fall outside the social safety net or who are within the safety net but have special circumstances that are not covered. The CCF would take forward measures on a pilot basis to help the Government identify programmes that could be considered for incorporation into the Government's regular assistance and service.

The Chief Executive has appointed a Steering Committee to oversee and co-ordinate the CCF's work. An Executive Committee and four subcommittees (Education, Home Affairs, Medical and Welfare) have also been set up under the