A local concern group for the rights of the disabled – Macau Special Olympics – Monday slammed the government for its perceived failure to assist the city’s disabled in integrating into society as many disabled residents were still unable to use most public facilities.
Siu Yu Hong, a social worker who heads the group, made the appeal on the sidelines of a press conference, to announce a series of activities aimed at assisting the disabled to integrate into the community. The press conference was held in the association’s premises in Iao Hon.
Asked by reporters whether the disabled were able to integrate into the community, Siu said that he had not seen any major changes made by the government to assist the disabled.
“Many of the disabled are unable to use public facilities or areas such as outdoor football pitches or basketball courts, … as the facilities are not wheelchair-friendly, and often the pitches and the courts are being used by able-bodied people who may not want to play with wheelchair-bound athletes,” Siu was quoted by The Macau Post Daily as saying, adding that the visually impaired where unable to use the reading rooms in public libraries as they lacked any facilities to assist them.
“The government should consider reserving one or two hours for the disabled to use some public facilities such as basketball courts or football pitches,” Siu said.
He also urged different government entities including the Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT), Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) and Health Bureau (SSM) to work together to provide a better environment for the disabled.
“The government only knows how to produce slogans on how to assist the disabled in integrating into the community,” Siu said.(macaunews)
