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新聞稿 2024 年 10 月 28 日
總編輯／港聞版編輯／副刊版編輯／健康版編輯
通用設計促進社會共融
香港復康會召集全城參加「無障行者 2024」——「無障城市追擊『搜』」
網上版：https://www.public.seedland.hk/press/HKSR/2410-Universal_Design/
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根據聯合國《殘疾人權利公約》第 2 條，「通用設計」是指盡最大可能讓所有人使用、無需作出調整或特別設計的產品、環境、方案和服務設計，在城市規劃及公共建設中融合通用設計概念，對建設傷健共融的社會起着重要作用。創於 1959 年、以提倡全人健康、社會參與以及共融有利的環境作為使命的香港復康會將於本年 12 月 15 日舉行年度重點社區教育及籌款活動「『無障行者 2024』——無障城市追擊『搜』」，透過別開生面的城市定向體驗賽及嘉年華，讓社會大眾親身體驗殘疾人士及長期病患者的生活挑戰，進一步了解通用設計的概念和重要性，為建立關愛和共融的社會作出貢獻。
通用設計七大原則
通用設計是指設計本身已照顧所有社群需要，無須再為個別群體特別設計或作出調整，盡可能讓不同能力、年齡、性別、身體狀況或活動能力的使用者均可暢通無阻地使用設施。通用設計突破「暢通無阻通道」或「殘疾人士通道」的概念框架，讓所有使用者以相同或盡可能相同的方式平等地使用公共資源，兼顧實用性及使用者感受，避免分隔或污名化任何使用者，讓他們享有平等保障，進一步推動傷健共融。
從20世紀80年代起大力提倡「通用設計」的建築師 Ronald Mace 與其工作小組制定了符合通用設計的七大原則：
- 公平使用：不同能力的使用者均可平等地有效使用。
- 簡易使用：不同知識水平、專注力、語言能力或過往經驗的使用者均可輕鬆理解及使用。
- 彈性／靈活使用：使用者可以因應其個人喜好、習慣和能力，選擇最適合自己的方法去使用。
- 明顯／可感知的資訊：擁有不同感官能力的使用者，在任何環境下均可接收必要訊息。
- 容錯性：減少意外發生的機會，以及減低出錯帶來的不良後果。
- 省力操作：允許使用者以最少的力度順暢地使用設施。
- 空間運用得宜：設計的尺寸與空間適合不同身型、身體姿態或移動能力的使用者接觸和使用。
隨着社會大眾不斷增加對共融環境及可持續發展的關注，促使通用設計的概念也逐漸受到重視，加上香港長者人口數字呈現上升趨勢，讓社會對通用設計的需求進一步增加。屋宇署於 2008 年推出《設計手冊：暢通無阻的通道 2008》，為非住宅用處所的建築物提供無障礙設計指引。政府在 2024 年初聘請顧問團隊檢討手冊內容，並將通用設計的理念納入其中。
康復諮詢委員會委員蘇永通先生：通用設計為所有人而設
香港特別行政區政府勞工及福利局轄下之康復諮詢委員會委員蘇永通先生早前到訪中環多個景點，尋找城市中通用設計的例子。
位於中環海濱的香港摩天輪，其車廂可同時容納輪椅和乘客，方便輪椅人士和親友同時登上，享受從高處欣賞維多利亞港景色的體驗。
中環碼頭的香港海事博物館共有三層，設有空間寬敞的升降機，內設扶手、點字按鈕、樓層的螢幕顯示及聲訊提示等，加上館內的斜道設計，方便輪椅使用者、行動不便者、推嬰兒車的人士，以至一般路人都能前往不同地方。然而，博物館主要出入口均使用有自動關閉裝置的推拉門，令使用者需要使用更大力氣或由他人幫忙才可開啟，而且大門關閉速度頗快，對輪椅使用者、行動緩慢或體弱者較易構成危險。
擁有 80 年歷史的中環街市為三級歷史建築物，現已活化成為結合餐飲、購物和活動的社區空間。當中通用設計的例子包括安裝自動滑門，大大減輕使用者的操作力度，降低了安全隱患。此外，樓高三層的中環街市亦增設了電梯，購物樓層亦十分寬敞，方便輪椅使用者及行動不便人士閒逛。地下亦設有多間餐廳，座位均可輕便移動，方便輪椅人士用餐。
蘇永通先生分享出行感受以及對通用設計的見解：「這次在中環遊走的經歷正好反映到通用設計的重要性。上落樓層往往對行動不便者構成障礙，我特別欣賞暢通易達升降機的設計，與專為輪椅使用者而設、普遍需要他人協助使用的樓梯升降台相比，它較符合公平使用原則，不會為使用者帶來標籤成份。另一方面，大門設計亦是無障礙通行的重要一環。推拉門由於需要更多力氣開啟，對輪椅使用者、行動緩慢或體弱者而言較難使用甚至構成危險，未符合省力操作及高容錯性的原則；自動滑門則可減輕使用者的操作力度，亦較為安全。事實上，通用設計是為所有人而設，力求讓不同行動能力及需要的人士都能安全、輕鬆及無標籤地公平使用公共設施。長遠而言，設計者在不同建設項目中充份運用通用設計原則，可有效促進傷健共融。」
「無障行者2024」——無障城市追擊「搜」
作為香港復康會年度重點社區教育及籌款活動，本年度之「『無障行者2024』——無障城市追擊『搜』」以通用設計為主題，將於12月15日（星期日）取址中環愛丁堡廣場舉行，分為無障城市追擊「搜」城市定向體驗賽及嘉年華兩部分，讓大眾親身體驗殘疾人士及長期病患者的生活挑戰，從而建立關愛共融的社會，並進一步介紹通用設計和無障礙設計之間的區別，展示通用設計如何讓所有人都能安全、獨立和有尊嚴地生活。
活動亦歡迎各界人士捐款支持，共襄盛舉。籌得的善款將用作支持香港復康會的服務，讓更多殘疾人士及長期病患者享用優質復康服務及重投社區，活出有尊嚴、有價值的豐盛人生。
日期：2024 年 12 月 15 日（星期日）
時間：上午 9:00 至下午 5:00
地點：中環愛丁堡廣場
活動詳情：https://bit.ly/3YAjBez
報名參加：https://bit.ly/3BRfGBe
關於香港復康會（HKSR）
香港復康會於 1959 年成立，致力為殘疾人士、長期病患者及長者提供全面及個人化的復康及健康管理服務，由跨專業團隊幫助病友及有需要人士重拾健康、重投職場及社會，活得更有尊嚴。該會一直在本港及內地推動多項創新社區復康服務，設有 29 個服務點，每年服務人次超過 130 萬，改變無數生命，亦透過研究及倡議工作，推動共融關愛社會。旗下復康巴士為香港最大無障礙運輸車隊。
媒體查詢、安排訪問或索取照片，歡迎致電 9779 2407 或電郵至 benni@seedland.hk 與 Mr. Benni Ho 聯絡。
發稿：香港復康會
代行：Seedland International Limited
電話：3583 3100
傳真：3583 1331
網站：www.seedland.hk
電郵：info@seedland.hk
For immediate release 28th October 2024
Aiming to promote universal design that facilitates social inclusion, the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation calls upon public support for Barrier Busters 2024 – Barrier-free City Explorer
Online Version: https://www.public.seedland.hk/press/HKSR/2410-Universal_Design/
Press Release and Photos: Click Here
According to Article 2 of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of United Nations, “universal design” means the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design. Incorporating the concept of universal design into city planning and infrastructure plays a vital role in building a barrier-free and inclusive community. Established in 1959, the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR) has been dedicated to promoting innovation in rehabilitation, advocating for holistic well-being, and fostering an inclusive and enabling society. With the goal of promoting the concept and importance of universal design, HKSR will host the “Barrier Busters 2024 – Barrier-free City Explorer” on 15th December 2024. Featuring a city-orienteering challenge and a carnival, the annual educational and fundraising event aims to offer participants a chance to experience the challenges encountered by persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses, inviting the public to create a caring, barrier-free and inclusive community together.
The seven key principles of universal design
Universal design refers to a design usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design, enabling users of different abilities, ages, genders, physical conditions or mobility levels access to the facilities as much as possible. Unlike disabled access or barrier-free access design, universal design puts both practicality and user experience into consideration with an emphasis on empowering all users to access public resources equally or as equally as possible, avoiding segregation or stigmatisation of any user, thus promoting an inclusive community for individuals with and without disabilities.
An active advocate since the 1980s, architect Ronald Mace and his working group have established seven key principles embodying the concept of universal design
- Equal use: The design can be used by persons with different abilities and benefits them equally.
- Easy and intuitive use: The use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s knowledge, ability to concentrate, language skills or past experience.
- Flexibility in use: The design takes into account a wide range of individual preferences, habits and abilities, allowing users to use it in the way that suits them the most.
- Perceptible information: The design effectively communicates necessary information to the user, regardless of environmental conditions or sensory abilities.
- Error tolerance: The design minimises hazards and the negative consequences of accidental or unintentional actions.
- Low physical effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
- Size and space for access and use: Appropriate size and space are provided for access, reach, manipulation and use regardless of the user’s body shape, posture or mobility.
Universal design has gained more attention due to the growing demand for inclusive environments and sustainable development, with the increase in the elderly population further leading to an escalating need for universal design. In 2008, the Buildings Department introduced the “Design Manual: Barrier-free Access 2008”, providing accessibility design guidelines for non-residential buildings. In early 2024, the government has employed consultants to review the content and incorporate the principles of universal design.
Mr. Steve So, a member of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee: Universal design is for everyone
During his recent visit to different locations in Central, Mr. Steve So, a member of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee under the Labour and Welfare Bureau, had the chance of exploring different examples of universal design in the city.
Located at the waterfront, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel offers spacious cabins accessible for both wheelchair users and their companions to board together to enjoy the stunning Victoria Harbour view in mid-air.
Consisting of three levels, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum at Central Pier features spacious elevators equipped with handrails, braille buttons, floor displays, and audio cues, alongside wheelchair ramps to enhance accessibility for wheelchair users, individuals with limited mobility, parents with strollers and the general public to access different levels. However, the hinged doors at the main entrances are equipped with automatic door closer, requiring users to open them with greater efforts or with the help of others. Since the doors close quickly, they pose potential risks for wheelchair users as well as individuals with lower mobility and weaker strength.
A Grade 3 Historic Building with 80 years of history, the Central Market has been revitalised into a community space offering dining, shopping and event options, featuring different examples of universal design. Automatic sliding doors significantly reduce the effort required to use them and minimise safety hazards. Elevators provide accessibility to the three levels of the building, while spacious shopping floors offer a barrier-free environment for wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility. Restaurants on the ground floor provide movable seating to create a convenient dining experience for wheelchair users.
“The exploration in Central highlights the importance of universal design,” Mr. Steve So shares his insights on universal design and remarks, “Persons with limited mobility often find it difficult for them to move between floors. I particularly appreciate accessible elevators which embody the principle of equal use. Stairlifts specifically designed for wheelchair users, on the other hand, usually require assistance of others and may lead to labelling. The design of entrance doors is also crucial for barrier-free access. Automatic sliding doors significantly reduce the effort needed by users and are generally safer to use, adhering to the principles of low physical effort and error tolerance, while hinged doors require greater effort to open and pose a potential danger to wheelchair users, persons with lower mobility or those who are physically weak. Universal design is for everyone, ensuring persons with different levels of mobility and needs can use public facilities safely, easily and without being stigmatised. In general, applying universal design principles across infrastructure projects can enhance social inclusiveness in the community in long term.”
Barrier Busters 2024 – Barrier-free City Explorer
“Barrier Busters 2024 – Barrier-free City Explorer”, the signature educational and fundraising event of HKSR, will be held on 15th December (Sunday) at Edinburgh Place, Central. Themed around universal design, the event comprises of two parts: a city-orienteering challenge and a full-day carnival, offering participants a chance to experience the challenges encountered by persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses, demonstrating the differences between universal design and barrier-free design, and showcasing how universal design enables all individuals to live safely, independently and with dignity, exemplifying the goal of building a caring and inclusive community.
Members of the public are cordially invited to show their support by making donations to raise funds for various rehabilitation services of HKSR, empowering persons with disabilities, chronic illnesses and the elderly to live with dignity.
Date: 15th December 2024 (Sunday)
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Venue: Edinburgh Place, Central
Event details: https://bit.ly/3YAjBez
Registration: https://bit.ly/3BRfGBe
About The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR)
Established in 1959, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services and health management services to individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses and the elderly, assisting those in need to regain health, reintegrate into the job market and society, and enjoy a fulfilling life with dignity. With a team of multi-disciplinary professionals and 29 service units in Hong Kong and Mainland China, HKSR offers various innovative community rehabilitation services, with an annual attendance exceeding 1.3 million. Through research and advocacy efforts, it also works towards promoting a caring and inclusive society. Its “Rehabus” service currently operates the largest fleet of accessible buses in Hong Kong.
For enquiries, arrangement of interviews or photos, please contact Mr. Benni Ho at 9779 2407 or email to benni@seedland.hk.
Distributed by Seedland International Limited on behalf of The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation
Tel: 3583 3100
Fax: 3583 1331
Website: www.seedland.hk
Email: info@seedland.hk