The government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is
committed to helping persons with disabilities to develop their
artistic potential, an official said in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Speaking at the Jockey Club Arts for the Disabled Scheme annual
performance, Hong Kong Secretary for Labor and Welfare Matthew
Cheung Kin-chun said the HKSAR government is seeking more
performance opportunities through the provision of a barrier-free
environment.
"Involving persons with disabilities in arts and cultural
activities is an effective way to help them integrate into
society," Cheung said.
The scheme is a pilot project for nurturing persons with
disabilities in the arts and cultural fields. It offers them basic
artistic training and provides performance and exhibition
opportunities to develop their talent and creativity. Their
involvement also enriches the cultural life of Hong Kong.
"The annual performance gives the trainees an opportunity to
showcase their skills, demonstrating how persons with disabilities
in different age groups and with different talents can overcome
their physical constraints to perform in various programs. It is
also a chance for us to appreciate the meaning of an inclusive
society while we enjoy the performance tonight," said Cheung.
The theme of the performance this year, "One World, One Dream,"
underlines the notion that different races share the same passion
and dream in the world of arts.
The Arts for the Disabled Scheme, subsidized by the Hong Kong
Jockey Club Charities Trust and administered by the Labor and
Welfare Bureau, has offered arts training programs to more than
6,000 students in special schools and more than 1,000 persons with
disabilities each year since its inception in 2003.
(Xinhua News Agency January 27, 2008)