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新聞稿                                                                                                    2024 年 11 月 21 日
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香港復康會樂見香港房屋局及房委會推出幸福設計指引
有助建設無障礙環境   期盼進一步加強通用設計之應用

網上版：https://public.seedland.hk/press/HKSR/2411-Housing/
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優質的居住環境有助提升整體社會生活質素，而面對香港長者人口數字呈現上升趨勢，在公共建設中融合通用設計概念顯得更為重要，務求打破「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。於 2024 年 9 月，香港特別行政區政府房屋局與香港房屋委員會（房委會）推出「幸福設計指引」，當中涵蓋實踐通用設計原則的部分，包括設置流動服務區、針對不同能力及年齡層的康體共樂空間，以及在電梯內設置長者友善的倚靠長椅等，在環境及設施通用性上促進傷健共融。

服務香港 65 年的香港復康會對於「幸福設計指引」的推出表示歡迎，除了期待政府能儘快推出根據指引興建的全新公共屋邨項目或改建現有屋邨，同時亦希望從不同角度提供更多建議，進一步推動社會共融。

「幸福設計指引」及現有公共屋邨無障礙設施
「幸福設計指引」旨在透過改進公營房屋的公共空間設計來提高居民的幸福感受，涵蓋八個幸福概念，其中「跨代共融」以創建多元共融環境，促進跨越年齡、文化背景、傷健共融的鄰里連結為目的，而「樂齡安居」則主要指設計年齡友善環境，尤其顧及長者居家安老的需要，呼應香港復康會積極提倡關愛共融的理念。

事實上，政府自 2001 年起已在 150 多個公共屋邨內為長者及殘疾人士加建斜道、樓梯扶手、引路徑及升降機層數報訊系統等多項無障礙設施，並於 2008 年起在興建公共屋邨時全面採用通用設計概念，透過增加大廈入口及單位門口闊度等措施，滿足出入不便的居民需要。隨着「幸福設計指引」的推出，相信未來新建及翻新的公營房屋將進一步設置更多符合通用設計的配套措施。

建議加強現有無障礙設施之管理
然而，現有的無障礙設施在保養和管理方面仍有改善空間。根據 2023 年審計署的報告，部分公共屋邨的無障礙設施未有跟從《設計手冊：暢通無阻的通道 2008》標準，例如斜道兩旁並未設置欄杆、樓梯缺乏顏色對比的級面突緣等，亦有升降機層數報訊系統及多功能感應地圖因保養不善而出現故障等，對視力不佳的長者及殘疾人士的出入構成阻礙或危險。

另一方面，香港復康會亦發現不少殘疾人士及長期病患者不認識負責定期檢查屋邨內無障礙設施及處理無障礙事宜的無障礙經理及主任，亦有人士反映較難聯絡他們。香港復康會建議可透過加強宣傳，促進無障礙經理及主任與居民之間的溝通，讓他們可充份了解設施的使用情況及適時進行維修保養，並讓有需要人士更容易向他們求助或反映意見。

將幸福設計擴展至更全面的應用範圍
針對「幸福設計指引」，香港復康會亦建議可進一步加強通用設計的應用部分。以居民經常到訪的屋邨商場為例，指引目前並未對輪椅使用者十分關注的地舖出入口及食肆無障礙設計問題提供具體指引。目前，不少舊公共屋邨的地舖設有台階，並且沒有斜道，令輪椅使用者難以進入店內，即使是已翻新過的坪石邨亦出現相同情況。此外，由於許多食肆門口和通道狹窄並設置了固定座椅，限制了輪椅使用者的餐廳選擇。香港復康會建議政府在「幸福設計指引」中進一步納入平等機會委員會於 2023 年推出的《餐飲服務通用設計實用指南》建議，包括增設斜道、提供充足空間及較低的服務櫃台等，方便輪椅使用者享用餐廳服務。

香港復康會行政總裁梁佩如博士：通用設計是建設幸福環境的關鍵

香港復康會行政總裁梁佩如博士表示：「香港正面對人口老化的問題，為市民建造一個融合通用設計的無障礙環境，方便不同行動能力及需要的人士暢通及平等地出行越來越重要。要締造更舒適便利的公共屋邨環境，需要妥善的監管和保養無障礙設施，以及提供有效的反映溝通渠道。同時，屋邨商場等公共設施並非只為公屋住戶而設，更是所有市民都會使用的公共空間。我們希望政府在執行『幸福設計指引』時在公共空間規劃中進一步引入通用設計概念，促進傷健共融。此外，我們亦鼓勵私人屋苑和樓宇參考『幸福設計指引』來改善居住空間，為全港市民建設更幸福的宜居環境。」

率先預覽「無障行者 2024」——無障城市追擊「搜」城市定向體驗賽

為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，以通用設計為主題之「『無障行者 2024』——無障城市追擊『搜』」將於 12 月 15 日（星期日）取址中環愛丁堡廣場舉行。

當日活動分為無障城市追擊「搜」城市定向體驗賽及嘉年華兩部分，其中重點項目「無障城市追擊『搜』」城市定向體驗賽分為「公開組」、「企業組」、「學校組」及「親子組」組別，每隊由二至四人組成的參賽隊伍需於限定時間內自行策劃路線，並尋找位於城中不同地區的任務點，完成一系列與通用設計和無障礙設計概念相關的任務以獲得分數，在玩樂中了解和學習殘疾人士面對的挑戰，以及創建無障礙環境和通用設計的重要性。活動設有破障慈善愛心獎（累計籌款額最高的隊伍）及無障城市追擊「搜」獎項（累計比賽分數最高的隊伍），各組別設有冠、亞、季軍。活動現正接受報名，同時歡迎公眾捐款贊助學生或少數族裔組隊參與體驗賽。

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

完成「無障城市追擊『搜』」城市定向體驗賽的參加者可獲精美獎牌一個。

嘉年華亦設有由不同病人自助組織舉辦的「破障共融攤位」，讓公眾加深對不同疾病的認識，參加攤位的小遊戲更可換領豐富禮品。

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 170 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                                                           21st November 2024

The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation welcomes the launch of Well-being Design Guide by the Housing Bureau and the Hong Kong Housing Authority, and aspires the application of universal design to build a caring and inclusive community

Online Version: https://public.seedland.hk/press/HKSR/2411-Housing/
Press Release and Photos: Click Here

With the increase in the elderly population leading to an escalating need for universal design, applying universal design across infrastructure projects are essential to enhancing quality of life for the whole society. 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. In September 2024, the Housing Bureau and the Hong Kong Housing Authority announced the launch of the “Well-being Design Guide”, outlining design recommendations that embody the principles of universal design, including setting up areas for mobile services, creating inclusive recreational facilities for people of different mobilities and ages, and installing leaning benches in lifts.

Empowering lives with dignity for 65 years, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR) welcomes the launch of the “Well-being Design Guide” and looks forward to the implementation of the guide in new public housing estates and the improvement works of existing estates. Additionally, the HKSR provides a variety of suggestions with an aim to promote social inclusion.

“Well-being Design Guide” and barrier-free access design in public housing estates
Covering eight well-being concepts, the “Well-being Design Guide” serves as a design reference for public housing estates to enhance the sense of well-being of residents. In particular, the HKSR’s vision of building an inclusive society is also reflected in the concept of “Intergenerational & Inclusive Living”, which aims to create an inclusive environment to enhance social connections between different ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds, as well as “Age-friendliness” which aims to design an age-friendly environment, particularly for the elderly.

Since 2001, the government has been providing barrier-free facilities in over 150 public housing estates, such as ramps, stair railings, tactile guide paths and audio cues in lifts to enhance accessibility for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. In 2008, universal design concepts were taken into consideration in the construction of public housing estates, addressing the needs of residents with mobility difficulties through measures like widening entrances and doorways. With the introduction of the “Well-being Design Guide”, the HKSR anticipates an increased incorporation of universal design in new public housing estates and the improvement works of existing estates.

Improvement in management of current barrier-free facilities
However, there is room for improvement in the maintenance and management of existing barrier-free facilities. According to a report by the Audit Commission in 2023, some of the barrier-free facilities in public housing estates failed to comply with the guidelines set out by the “Design Manual: Barrier-free Access 2008”. In some cases, no kerbs or rails were provided on both sides of a ramp, and the nosing of some staircases was not painted in a contrasting colour. Deficiencies in facilities such as audio cues in lifts and multi-sensory maps have been reported. These issues pose challenges or even dangers to the elderly who are visually impaired and persons with disabilities.

HKSR also notices that many individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses are unaware of Access Co-ordinators and Access Officers or face difficulties in reaching out to them. By raising awareness about their roles, which involve inspecting barrier-free facilities regularly and addressing accessibility concerns in public housing estates, and by improving communication between these officers and residents, they can monitor the conditions of facilities for timely maintenance and address inquiries and feedback related to accessibility issues.

Enhancing the application of “Well-being Design Guide”
To further enhance the application of the “Well-being Design Guide”, HKSR suggests that the guide should broaden its scope to encompass more aspects related to universal design, such as addressing accessibility in shopping malls within public housing estates that are frequently visited by residents. The guide lacks specific guidance on accessibility issues that are of concern to many wheelchair users, which include the absence of ramps at shop entrances in older public housing estates, a problem still evident in the renovated Ping Shek Estate, as well as restaurants with narrow entrances, passages, and fixed seating arrangements that are not wheelchair-friendly. HKSR recommends incorporating measures from the “How to Support Persons with Disabilities Practical Guide on Universal Design for Catering Services”, released by the Equal Opportunities Commission in 2023, into the “Well-being Design Guide”. These measures include providing ramps, sufficient space, and lower service counters for wheelchair users.

Dr. Pamela Leung, CEO of HKSR: Universal design is key to well-being design

“With the increase in the elderly population, universal design has become increasingly important in building an inclusive community, enabling individuals with different mobility levels and physical conditions to access infrastructure facilities as equal as possible,” Dr. Pamela Leung, CEO of HKSR remarks. “Creating a comfortable and convenient environment in public housing estates requires the proper maintenance of barrier-free facilities and the establishment of effective communication channels. This applies to public facilities like shopping malls as well, which are not solely for public housing residents but are also available to the general public. We hope that through the introduction of the ‘Well-being Design Guide’, the government will further integrate universal design principles into public space planning to foster social inclusion. We also encourage private housing estates and buildings to enhance the living environment in Hong Kong by referring to the ‘Well-being Design Guide’.”

A glimpse at the city-orienteering challenge of “Barrier Busters 2024 – Barrier-free City Explorer”

To offer the public a chance to experience the challenges encountered by individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses and to foster an inclusive and enabling society, HKSR will organise the “Barrier Busters 2024 – Barrier-free City Explorer”, on 15th December (Sunday) at Edinburgh Place, Central.

Themed around universal design, the event comprises two parts: a city-orienteering challenge and a full-day carnival. As the highlight of the event, the city-orienteering challenge invites the public to form a team of two to four people to join the challenge in the categories of “Public Team”, “Corporate Team”, “School Team”, or “Parent-child Team”. Each team is required to plan their route within a specified time limit and search for checkpoints located in different districts to complete the assigned game tasks related to universal design and barrier-free design, earning the highest scores to win. Participants will learn about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, as well as the importance of building a barrier-free and inclusive community. The city-orienteering challenge features a champion, a first runner-up, and a second runner-up for both the Barrier Busters Charity Award (for the team with the highest cumulative donation) and the Team Award (for the team with the highest cumulative game points) in each category. Members of the public are also cordially invited to sponsor teams for students and minority groups to participate in this meaningful event.

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

Participants who complete the city-orienteering challenge will receive a beautiful medal.

The carnival also features Education and Exhibition Booths organized by different patient self-help organizations, allowing the public to gain a deeper understanding of various illnesses. Participants of the mini-games at the booths will also receive different prizes.

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 1.7 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