***************************************************
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, saw at close quarters the environment and operations of two rehabilitation centres during a visit this (August 19) afternoon.
Mr Cheung first visited Harmony Manor of the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council in Sha Tin. The centre, which came into operation in March this year, provides one-stop integrated rehabilitation services for the mentally handicapped and physically handicapped to enhance their independence and potential.
Mr Cheung toured the hostels, integrated employment centre and clubhouse where he chatted with residents to gain a better understanding of the living environment and support services.
He said, ¡§The Government attaches great importance to the well-being of people with disabilities. Substantial resources have been allocated to improve the services provided to them.
¡§There are some 11,000 residential care places for people with disabilities. An additional 671 residential care places and 480 day care places are coming on stream this financial year.¡¨
Mr Cheung then called on the Wing Lung Bank Golden Jubilee Sheltered Workshop and Hostel of the Social Welfare Department, where 140 sheltered workshop places and 100 hostel places for mentally handicapped adults have been provided since 1992.
Mr Cheung encouraged the residents to make full use of the training opportunities to develop their living and working skills so as to prepare themselves for potential advancement to open employment.
Ends/Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:20
NNNN
