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Following is a question by the Hon Ip Kwok-him and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):
Question:
Some concern groups have pointed out that although the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) claims that about 70% of its 680 outdoor children's playgrounds are installed with inclusive play equipment for enjoyment of children with or without disabilities (inclusive playgrounds), most items of the equipment therein are in fact not "inclusive" at all. For instance, only ordinary slides and spring riders but not any play equipment suitable for children with disabilities are installed at the Sai On Lane Children's Playground in the Western District. Moreover, metal poles have been installed at one of the entrances to the Li Sing Street Playground in the Western District, thus refusing access by wheelchair users. Some parents of autistic children living in Yuen Long have also pointed out that they cannot find a single merry-go-round after visiting all the children's playgrounds provided by LCSD in Yuen Long. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the criteria based on which the authorities determine whether or not a children's playground is inclusive; whether they will consider reviewing such criteria and formulating afresh the definition of inclusive playgrounds;
(2) whether it will comprehensively review and upgrade the equipment in the existing inclusive playgrounds; and
(3) of the distribution of inclusive playgrounds at present; whether the authorities will consider providing such kind of playgrounds in every district?
Reply:
President,
(1) Barrier-free access is provided in the parks and children's playgrounds under the management of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) to help children with disabilities enjoy the facilities. Diverse types of play equipment are installed at the venues, including tactile play panels and movable parts in different shapes suitable for visually-impaired children, movable parts that produce sounds when knocked, as well as transfer platforms or ramps that help children using wheelchairs to use facilities such as sway boats and swings and allow them to join other children in playing with these facilities. The facilities promote not only the all-round development of children, but also the acquisition of different skills, such as how to communicate and cooperate with other children. The play equipment allows for activities that provide stimulation that can help to enhance children's intellectual and physical development.
(2) To enable children with or without disabilities to have fun and grow up in a harmonious and happy environment, LCSD will continue to introduce more inclusive play equipment when providing new facilities or replacing existing facilities in children's playgrounds, taking into account the physical environment (e.g., topographic features and site area) and the conditions of existing facilities of individual playgrounds in various districts. To better meet users' needs, LCSD will also consult the District Councils concerned when replacing facilities at existing venues or planning for new playgrounds. In 2013 and 2014, additional inclusive play equipment has been or will be installed at Hong Ning Road Park in Kwun Tong, Ap Lei Chau Park in the Southern District and Tsuen Wan Tin Hau Temple Garden.
(3) Inclusive play equipment is available at the outdoor children's playgrounds under the management of the LCSD in all districts for the enjoyment of children with or without disabilities. Currently, about 700 outdoor children's playgrounds under the management of LCSD offer more than 800 sets of children's play equipment, about 70% of which have inclusive play elements.
Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:00
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