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The Government announced today (April 1) the appointment of Access Co-ordinators in individual bureaux and departments to co-ordinate accessibility issues within the bureau or department and to facilitate Government-wide collaborative efforts in enhancing the accessibility of Government premises and facilities.
Individual bureaux, departments and the Housing Authority have also appointed an Access Officer for each venue under their management to improve day-to-day management, raise venue staff's awareness of accessibility issues, and follow up the needs of persons with disabilities on barrier-free facilities effectively.
An Access Officer will be responsible for the following tasks -
(a) conduct regular audit checks and take timely follow up action as required to ensure the provision of suitable barrier-free facilities without undue alterations or obstructions to the barrier-free access;
(b) offer assistance to persons with disabilities in accessing the venue and using the services and facilities therein;
(c) serve as the first point of contact on accessibility issues at the venue;
(d) make recommendations to the departmental Access Co-ordinator on improvements to barrier-free access and assistance rendered to persons with disabilities at the venue;
(e) make available information to persons with disabilities about the accessibility of the venue, e.g. on website and/or displaying suitable notices at the venue;
(f) review operational practice and procedure periodically for emergency evacuation of persons with disabilities from the venue under his/her management;
(g) handle public enquiries and complaints regarding accessibility issues for the venue; and
(h) provide suitable guidance to venue staff and raise their awareness of accessibility issues.
A set of contact lists of all Access Co-ordinators and Access Officers appointed by individual bureaux and departments has been uploaded to the Labour and Welfare Bureau's website (www.lwb.gov.hk).
Contact information on Access Co-ordinators and Access Officers of individual bureax and departments is also available on their websites or displayed at the venues.
Ends/Friday, April 1, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:58
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