On 1 August 2025, the EOC hosted a sharing session titled Application of Universal Design in the Retail Environment to showcase exemplary universal design practices in the retail environment. The session featured representatives from five awarded premises of the inaugural Universal Design Award Scheme (UDAS). During the panel discussion, they emphasised that venue operators should put themselves in people's shoes. Improving accessibility starts with adopting practices that enhance convenience for stakeholders with diverse needs, including adding seats in public areas, offering free stroller and wheelchair rental services, providing charging stations for electric wheelchairs, and establishing private nursing rooms. They also noted that even minor adjustments to facilities, such as adjusting the heights of electronic displays, installing automatic doors, and placing accessible parking spaces near entrances, can make a significant difference in enhancing accessibility.

Following the event, EOC Chairperson Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau published an article in HK01 highlighting the key insights from the speakers. “The UDAS awardees’ experience shows that an accessible environment not only brings convenience and benefits to facility and service users or company employees, but it also benefits venue operators. For example, it can promote an inclusive corporate culture, make better use of and optimise existing facilities, enhance customer satisfaction and shopping experiences, and create more value for businesses and operators. Additionally, it can broaden the customer base, increase foot traffic, and expand business opportunities, creating a win-win situation,” she wrote.

The EOC will launch UDAS 2026/27 in the 4th quarter of 2025. Interested parties can join the UDAS Network to receive the latest news and updates.

• Join the UDAS Network
• Read the HK01 article (Chinese only)