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EOC and RTHK co-host event to champion equal opportunities for PWDs
Can people with visual impairment cook on their own? What do raincoats for people on a wheelchair look like? How can homes be better designed to meet the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs)?
These are some of the fascinating questions answered at a public education event on 13 October 2019, jointly organised by the EOC and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) to promote inclusion of PWDs. Featuring experience-sharing sessions by PWDs and performances by local singers, it marked the highlight of the EOC’s yearlong campaign, “Embracing Social Inclusion Project”, which seeks to raise awareness of disability rights and accessibility issues through radio dramas, segments and interviews broadcast across three programmes on RTHK Radio 1, namely “Care for Disabled”, “Yes We Can” and “Happy Daily”.
“The Disability Discrimination Ordinance has been in place in Hong Kong for more than 20 years. Although the protection of the rights of PWDs has improved, they still face different problems in all aspects of life. In particular, structural and attitudinal barriers often restrict PWDs from getting gainful employment on an equal basis with others,” said EOC Chairperson, Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin in his welcome address. “Ensuring equal employment opportunities for PWDs requires a comprehensive approach involving employers to recognise the benefits of inclusive policies and a barrier-free workplace, and to take the lead in dismantling myths and misconceptions around PWDs.”
Mr Chu was joined at the event by other officiating guests, including The Hon Patrick NIP Tak-kuen, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs; Ms CHAN Man-kuen, Deputy Director of Broadcasting (Programmes) of RTHK; Mr Benny CHEUNG Wai-leung, Chairman of The Hong Kong Joint Council for People with Disabilities; and Ms Shirley LOO, EOC Member and Convenor of the EOC’s Community Participation and Publicity Committee. Representatives of the project’s 22 supporting organisations, along with other rehabilitation groups and EOC Members, also showed up to celebrate the message of inclusion.
