On 25 June 2023, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Queensway launched its community development project “Wheel be your friend” and released the findings of a survey related to Hong Kong’s barrier-free facilities.

Based on data collected from over 200 wheelchair users, carers and citizens, the survey found that over 55% of the sampled wheelchair users considered there are inadequate barrier-free facilities in the city, and over 91% of them felt that local frontline shop staff lacked understanding of how to properly serve wheelchair users.

The research team inspected 660 shops in Kwun Tong District and found that only 10.8% of the shops provided barrier-free design, and more than half of the shops had designs that were difficult for wheelchair users to enter. The team called for shop owners to install barrier-free facilities and provide training to their staff to foster inclusion.

With the EOC acting as a supporting organisation, the JCI Queensway’s “Wheel be your friend” initiative aims to explore ways to create an inclusive environment for wheelchair users. Speaking at the press conference as the officiating guest, EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin said the Disability Discrimination Ordinance ensures people with disabilities can have equal rights in acquiring goods and services, using facilities, as well as accessing to premises. Shop owners are encouraged to take the necessary steps, which can be as simple as putting a ramp, to assist wheelchair users.

Mr Chu also called on different stakeholders to learn and promote the concept of universal design, thereby creating a barrier-free environment that not only caters to the needs of wheelchair users, but also benefits the wider community, including the elderly and parents with toddlers.

• Read the Facebook post of JCI Queensway (in Chinese only)