Promotes Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination through "Deafblind on the Move" Mobile Truck Outreach Event

With funding support from the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Resource Centre for the Deafblind held the "Deafblind On the Move" Mobile Truck Outreach Event from November 28 to December 1 this year to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The truck traveled to Tai Wai, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui, reached over 7,500 individuals. The Centre’s social media platforms gained more than 500 new likes / followers. Visitors had the opportunity to experience simulations of visual impairments, learn about the definition of deafblindness and Tactile Sign Language. Deafblind baristas and balloon artists interacted with the public, serving coffee and distributing balloon creations each day. This promotional campaign effectively raised public awareness of the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, fostering a collaborative effort to build an inclusive and barrier-free society.

The Resource Centre for the Deafblind, under The Hong Kong Society for the Blind, was established in 2006 as the only non-profit organization in Hong Kong dedicated to serving the deafblind community. The Centre focuses on providing communication training and support services, including the introduction and development of Chinese Tactile Sign Language (Hong Kong), to help deafblind individuals integrate into society and enhance their quality of life.

Deafblindness refers to the simultaneous impairment of both vision and hearing, with causes ranging from congenital factors such as genetic conditions and premature birth to acquired factors such as illness and age-related sensory decline. This condition significantly affects communication, mobility, and access to information. It is estimated that there are around 1,000 deafblind individuals in Hong Kong. Due to severe impairments in both sight and hearing, many individuals cannot communicate or read through spoken or written language. "Tactile Sign Language" has emerged as a vital means of communication, enabling deafblind individuals to overcome barriers and reconnect with the world. Since its development in 1993, Chinese Tactile Sign Language (Hong Kong) has been based on Hong Kong Sign Language, with adjustments made to some signs and movements for better clarity. Currently, it encompasses nearly 1,000 vocabulary items, phrases, and conversational combinations.