簡介
Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15
Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.
(Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)
最新
Mabel Lo, Executive Director, TREATS
Can you imagine that a young person who is blind and with mild mental challenge can sail by himself?
In 2019, we welcomed our first sailing team member with visual impairment, a teenager named Ben. Despite his inability to see, he participated in our Inclusive Sailing Project and Inclusive Sailing Race alongside our volunteers. Ben truly enjoyed sailing. He put in great effort to memorize all the sailing instructions. He shared that he could sense the wind direction and feel the vibrations of the dinghy on his face, allowing him to fully immerse himself in the experience.
Impressively, Ben was awarded our scholarship, which granted him the opportunity to learn advanced sailing skills. During the advanced sailing training, the coach sent me a video of Ben sailing the dinghy independently, without needing a buddy. When I watched the video, tears welled up in my eyes. It was a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy sports with equal opportunities.
TREATS, established in 1979, is a registered charity and non-governmental organization in Hong Kong dedicated to providing equal opportunities for underprivileged children with diverse abilities to participate in the community and realize their potential. We are pioneers in advocating for children's social inclusion in Hong Kong. Through TREATS’ social inclusion programs, we aim to instill values of acceptance, equality, and diversity in the next generation, helping to change perceptions and end discrimination. We believe that children and youth of all abilities and backgrounds can join hands, learn to appreciate diversity, and unlock their full potential.
TREATS has conducted various surveys over the past 10 years to explore the social inclusion and community participation levels of children with disabilities. These studies consistently found that the community participation and social inclusion levels of children with disabilities were unsatisfactory. Regarding leisure participation, the surveys revealed that most community activities were not suitable for children with disabilities. Their choices were limited, and coaches often lacked the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach children with disabilities. In terms of social inclusion, the surveys indicated that children with disabilities lacked a social support network and friends. They often found it difficult to seek assistance in the community. Children with disabilities and their parents faced varying levels of exclusion and discrimination within the community.
There are numerous factors that can contribute to the community disengagement of children with disabilities. However, according to surveys conducted by TREATS, one key issue that has consistently hindered their community engagement over the past few years is a prevalent lack of awareness, misunderstanding, and prejudice among the general public towards children with disabilities.
Crucially, there have been limited opportunities for the public to have first-hand interactions and contact with children with disabilities. Such direct exposure and engagement would significantly enhance public understanding and acceptance of this marginalized group.
The persistent misunderstandings and prejudices held by many in the community have, in turn, directly contributed to wider discrimination and social exclusion faced by children with disabilities. Addressing these deeply rooted biases and fostering greater inclusion are essential for ensuring these children can equally participate and belong within their local communities.
Social inclusion programs offer a powerful approach to facilitating community engagement for children with disabilities.
Firstly, these programs provide opportunities for children with disabilities to develop essential skills such as self-confidence, resilience, problem-solving, communication, and social skills. This empowerment enables them to reach their full potential and actively participate in their communities.
Secondly, these programs maximize equal social participation by ensuring that children with disabilities have equal access to leisure and recreational activities. This not only strengthens their community connections but also cultivates a sense of belonging and self-worth.
Thirdly, these programs drive positive social change by creating platforms for direct contact and interaction between the public and children with disabilities. These positive experiences enhance public understanding, reduce prejudice and discrimination, and ultimately promote greater acceptance of children with disabilities within the community.
To conclude, it is crucial to continue advocating for greater awareness, understanding, and acceptance of diversity and end discrimination. By working together, we can build a Hong Kong where all children, regardless of their background and abilities, have the opportunity to thrive and actively participate in their communities.
I would like to dedicate the song 'We're All in This Together' to you.
重溫
Mabel Lo, Executive Director, TREATS
Can you imagine that a young person who is blind and with mild mental challenge can sail by himself?
In 2019, we welcomed our first sailing team member with visual impairment, a teenager named Ben. Despite his inability to see, he participated in our Inclusive Sailing Project and Inclusive Sailing Race alongside our volunteers. Ben truly enjoyed sailing. He put in great effort to memorize all the sailing instructions. He shared that he could sense the wind direction and feel the vibrations of the dinghy on his face, allowing him to fully immerse himself in the experience.
Impressively, Ben was awarded our scholarship, which granted him the opportunity to learn advanced sailing skills. During the advanced sailing training, the coach sent me a video of Ben sailing the dinghy independently, without needing a buddy. When I watched the video, tears welled up in my eyes. It was a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy sports with equal opportunities.
TREATS, established in 1979, is a registered charity and non-governmental organization in Hong Kong dedicated to providing equal opportunities for underprivileged children with diverse abilities to participate in the community and realize their potential. We are pioneers in advocating for children's social inclusion in Hong Kong. Through TREATS’ social inclusion programs, we aim to instill values of acceptance, equality, and diversity in the next generation, helping to change perceptions and end discrimination. We believe that children and youth of all abilities and backgrounds can join hands, learn to appreciate diversity, and unlock their full potential.
TREATS has conducted various surveys over the past 10 years to explore the social inclusion and community participation levels of children with disabilities. These studies consistently found that the community participation and social inclusion levels of children with disabilities were unsatisfactory. Regarding leisure participation, the surveys revealed that most community activities were not suitable for children with disabilities. Their choices were limited, and coaches often lacked the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach children with disabilities. In terms of social inclusion, the surveys indicated that children with disabilities lacked a social support network and friends. They often found it difficult to seek assistance in the community. Children with disabilities and their parents faced varying levels of exclusion and discrimination within the community.
There are numerous factors that can contribute to the community disengagement of children with disabilities. However, according to surveys conducted by TREATS, one key issue that has consistently hindered their community engagement over the past few years is a prevalent lack of awareness, misunderstanding, and prejudice among the general public towards children with disabilities.
Crucially, there have been limited opportunities for the public to have first-hand interactions and contact with children with disabilities. Such direct exposure and engagement would significantly enhance public understanding and acceptance of this marginalized group.
The persistent misunderstandings and prejudices held by many in the community have, in turn, directly contributed to wider discrimination and social exclusion faced by children with disabilities. Addressing these deeply rooted biases and fostering greater inclusion are essential for ensuring these children can equally participate and belong within their local communities.
Social inclusion programs offer a powerful approach to facilitating community engagement for children with disabilities.
Firstly, these programs provide opportunities for children with disabilities to develop essential skills such as self-confidence, resilience, problem-solving, communication, and social skills. This empowerment enables them to reach their full potential and actively participate in their communities.
Secondly, these programs maximize equal social participation by ensuring that children with disabilities have equal access to leisure and recreational activities. This not only strengthens their community connections but also cultivates a sense of belonging and self-worth.
Thirdly, these programs drive positive social change by creating platforms for direct contact and interaction between the public and children with disabilities. These positive experiences enhance public understanding, reduce prejudice and discrimination, and ultimately promote greater acceptance of children with disabilities within the community.
To conclude, it is crucial to continue advocating for greater awareness, understanding, and acceptance of diversity and end discrimination. By working together, we can build a Hong Kong where all children, regardless of their background and abilities, have the opportunity to thrive and actively participate in their communities.
I would like to dedicate the song 'We're All in This Together' to you.
