Accessibility
While in Hong Kong, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what they find in the United States. Hong Kong law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other state services, and the government generally enforces these provisions. The law mandates access to buildings, information, and communications for persons with disabilities The Social Welfare Department is primarily responsible for coordinating and funding public assistance programs to persons with disabilities. The Hong Kong Tourism Board publishes “ Accessible Hong Kong ” a guide for visitors with disabilities and the Transport Department publishes A Guide to Public Transport for People with Disabilities. In addition, the Hong Kong government created Cyberable, a barrier free portal website, to provide one-stop information for persons with various disabilities.
Despite efforts to improve accessibility, Hong Kong continues to be challenging for those with physical disabilities. It has many stairs, inclines, and steep, uneven walkways, and it is not designed for anyone who uses a walker, cane, or wheelchair.