Press Releases
Integration of people with disabilities to help build a harmonious society (with photo)
The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, today (December 4)
officiated at the opening ceremony of the Annual Performance of the Jockey Club
Arts for the Disabled Scheme (JCADS) and the International Day of Disabled
Persons (IDDP) 2005.
The event was co-organised by the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau and the Joint
Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled, and the Hong Kong Council of
Social Service; sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It was a
major publicity programme of the JCADS this year and also an activity to
celebrate the IDDP 2005.
Dr Chow said the event aimed to drive home the message of the integration of
people with disabilities and able-bodied people through the exchange and sharing
of arts.
"The JCADS is a pilot project for enhancing the development of people with
disabilities in the arts and cultural fields. The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Charities Trust has donated $27.71 million for implementation of the pilot
project. The JCADS has provided basic arts and cultural training to more than
4,000 students in special schools and some 800 people with disabilities," he
said.
Dr Chow also said: "I am glad to see people from all walks of life actively
taking part in and supporting activities in celebration of the IDDP. In the
future, I hope we can continue to join hands to build up a harmonious society."
The Chairman of the Joint Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled and
IDDP Preparatory Committee, Mr Cheung Kin-fai, said with the ceaseless efforts
of the rehabilitation sector, the achievement of the people with disabilities in
the arts field was encouraging. He said inclusive arts demonstrated the spirit
and courage of people with disabilities to challenge their limits.
"I look forward to seeing more active participation by people with disabilities
in all kinds of cultural activities to broaden their horizons and lead a fuller
life," Mr Cheung said.
Performers in the Annual Performance of JCADS comprised trainees of the scheme
and other disabled peoples' art groups. The 18 District Councils also mobilised
people with disabilities and their able-bodied counterparts from the 18
Districts to join the performance, as well as organised interactive art booths
to celebrate the IDDP.
Ends/Sunday, December 4, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:00
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(Photo)