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EOC recognises premises with outstanding universal design features
On 1 November 2024, the EOC held an award presentation ceremony for the inaugural Universal Design Award Scheme, presenting 281 awards to premises that have made significant contributions in implementing universal design. Mr Erick TSANG Kwok-wai, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the HKSAR Government, was the Guest of Honour of the ceremony, and Dr James WONG Kong-tin, Chairperson of the Property Management Services Authority, delivered the closing speech. Approximately 300 guests attended the event, including EOC Members and representatives from supporting organisations and awarded premises.
In her opening remarks, EOC Chairperson Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau said, “Hong Kong’s society is in urgent need of accessible and inclusive environment and facilities to address the rapidly ageing population and increasing number of individuals with chronic illnesses and caregivers, and to create a supportive environment for raising children so as to encourage childbirth. We need to start preparing for the future by creating built environments and providing facilities and services that can support people with different abilities and at different life stages, ensuring that everyone enjoys equal opportunities to participate in society.”
The Scheme includes five categories, including shopping malls and retail spaces, office buildings and office spaces, restaurants, recreational and cultural sites, and revitalised sites. The Scheme attracted applications from 270 premises. Following a review by a judging panel of experts from various sectors and EOC Members, 11 premises received Special Recognition Awards, 120 premises received Gold Awards, 133 premises received Silver Awards, 13 received Bronze, and 4 received merit awards.
The Special Recognition Award highlights premises that exemplify outstanding universal design provisions and services. Notable measures include: providing supportive services in shopping malls for individuals with diverse needs; installing Angel Boxes to facilitate the quick return of individuals with dementia who are lost; offering flexible and adjustable equipment in offices; providing recreational facilities for people with different abilities; offering charging stations for electric wheelchairs and providing foldable nursing beds in accessible restrooms for adult diaper changing; and introducing all-gender toilets, tactile maps and digital maps with accessible modes in revitalised sites.
In addition, the EOC introduced the Universal Accessibility Pledge to further encourage premises that encounter hardships in retrofitting existing facilities to meet accessibility standards. The pledge received a total of 107 applications covering 290 premises.
