Two recent incidents of wheelchair users in Hong Kong being denied entry into restaurants – one of them involving a Paralympian – have shone a spotlight on the challenges people with disabilities face in accessing essential services. The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is deeply concerned.

We recognise the importance of educating the service sector. We are communicating with representatives of the catering industry to explore ways to help enhance workers’ understanding of the Disability Discrimination Ordinance and improve their knowledge about best practices for providing services to people with disabilities.

At the same time, however, improving accessibility is not the sole responsibility of any particular group or sector in the community. We all need to work together to remove the barriers to social participation for people with disabilities or special needs as improving accessibility of our city will ultimately benefit us all.

In 2020, there were over 534,000 people with disabilities in Hong Kong, representing around 7.1 per cent of the total population. In just over 20 years, it is projected that one in three residents in the city will be aged 65 or above. The demand for barrier-free facilities and services will grow amid population ageing. These numbers send a clear message to businesses: improving accessibility is not just a necessity but also a strategy to tap into the growing silver market.

Over the years, the EOC has used a multipronged approach that combines law enforcement, policy advocacy, research and public education to tackle disability discrimination and improve public understanding of ways to create an inclusive environment for people with disabilities.

Earlier this month, the EOC held an award ceremony for the Universal Design Award Scheme 2024/25 to recognise businesses and organisations that have made outstanding contributions in creating accessible environments and services by practising the principles of universal design. In total, 270 premises spanning a wide range of sectors, including 69 shopping malls, 62 restaurants and 92 office buildings and office spaces, were honoured, showing that there is a growing recognition in the community of the importance of ensuring accessibility for all.

We hope the examples and best practices from the awarded premises will encourage more stakeholders and organisations to join us in creating a truly accessible city for all. Taking active steps to create accessible environments and services would empower our city to meet the ageing population challenge ahead, provide high quality living for all and achieve sustainable development in the long run.

Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau
Chairperson
Equal Opportunities Commission

The article was published in SCMP on 23 November 2024.