EOC Chairperson Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau recently gave an interview to Rehab Express Magazine, a bimonthly publication from MentalCare Connect, a subsidiary of the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong.

In the interview, she discussed the EOC’s efforts to combat discrimination through handling complaints and conciliation. She also emphasised the EOC’s dedication to promoting the concept of “universal design”, which aims to enable equal participation in society for individuals with diverse needs.

“Installing automatic doors in shopping malls benefits not only people with disabilities, but also the elderly and those carrying heavy luggage,” she explained, “While the term ‘barrier-free’ has become synonymous with providing accommodation for people with disabilities, ‘universal design’ represents a more inclusive approach. After all, we may all need to use some of these facilities at different stages of our lives.”

Regarding the EOC’s approach to creating societal change, Ms Lam noted that education is often more effective than enforcement in shifting public mindset. She pointed to the successes of the Racially Friendly Campus Recognition Scheme and the Racial Diversity and Inclusion Charter for Employers as prime examples of this approach.

• Read the magazine (in Chinese only)