Continuing Community Support
Highlights of the Year 2023-24
Continuing Community Support
Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities
Non-profit NGOs or groups with relevant experience are subsidised to organise various time-defined arts programmes or activities for PWDs. This initiative seeks to enhance their arts knowledge, foster their interest in the arts, explore their potential, and nurture those with great artistic potential to strive for excellence and develop careers in the arts. In 2023-24, about $18.2 million was granted to 33 service units for carrying out 35 arts projects.
The Hong Kong Paralympians Fund
To foster the development of sports for athletes with disabilities and support their pursuit of sporting excellence in international events, a total of $6.24 million was approved in 2023-24. Of this amount, $3.23 million was allocated to sports organisations to support the development of priority sports for PWDs (including athletics, bowling, lawn bowls, gymnastics, skating, archery, shooting, swimming, rowing and sailing) and to cover related administrative expenses. Additionally, $2.49 million was allocated to athletes with disabilities to recognise their efforts in achieving distinguished results in international competitions.
Special Needs Trust
With the Director of Social Welfare Incorporated as the trustee, the Special Needs Trust (SNT) provides reliable and affordable trust services for managing the assets of deceased parents. Regular disbursements will be made to the carers of their children with special needs, who may be individuals or organisations, in accordance with the parents’ wishes. This ensures that their assets will be used to meet the long-term daily needs of their children after their passing. As at 31 March 2024, a total of 18 SNT accounts have been set up.
Professional Outreaching Teams for Private Residential Care Homes for Persons with Disabilities
The multi-disciplinary outreaching teams, comprising social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and others, provide professional support services for around 4 000 residents of private RCHDs.
The 11th Batch of Financial Support Scheme for Self-help Organisations of Persons with Disabilities/chronic Illnesses (2022-24)
In 2023-24, more than $20 million was allocated to fund the development of 97 self-help organisations of persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses, with a view to fostering the spirit of self-help among PWDs/patients and their carers.
Respite Services for Persons with Disabilities
The number of residential respite places for PWDs was increased by 35 in 2023-24. From October 2023 onwards, 20 private RCHDs participating in the Bought Place Scheme are required to provide day respite services for PWDs. As at the end of March 2024, there were 231 day respite and 428 residential respite places available.
Archive