Inclusive Exchange Activities for the Visually Impaired

Shantou Visit Strengthens Professional Collaboration

 
In May, the Chief Executive, Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Manager of the General Eye and Low Vision Centre visited Shantou for a professional exchange. The delegation participated in a series of meetings and guided tours organized by the Shantou International Eye Centre.

A key highlight of the visit was a sharing session with the Centre’s professional team, during which our representatives delivered a lecture on the development of services for individuals with visual impairments and related clinical practices. The session was well received and sparked meaningful dialogue.

The meeting which was held at the Centre’s new East Coast Campus, focused on the theme “Training of Low Vision Professionals and Development of Low Vision Clinics.” It was attended by their senior leaders and department heads from various units, including the Optometry and Eye Health Management Department, Vision Training and Low Vision Clinic, and the Public Eye Health Division. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on service models, resource planning, and future collaboration.

Attending European Conference in Italy for Supporting Children and Youth with Visual Impairments

 
The 10th European Conference, organized by the International Council for Education and Rehabilitation of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) and the Robert Hollman Foundation, was held from 15-17 May 2025, at Padua Town Hall and the University of Padua in Italy. The theme of the conference this year was: “Supporting Children and Youth with Visual Impairments: What Can We Do? What Could Be Done?”

Ms. Shirley Tsang, Director of Rehabilitation Services, leading Ms. Viola Fok, Manager of the Information Accessibility Centre, and Mr. Edwin Chui, Optometrist of the General Eye and Low Vision Centre, to attend this highly representative international conference. They joined hundreds of professionals from around the world to exchange knowledge and experiences, focusing on how interdisciplinary collaboration and professional support can improve the quality of life for children and youth with visual impairments.

Ms. Tsang was honored to give a presentation titled “The MAPS Project with the theme of Mindfulness, Arts, Physical and Support for Visually Impaired Families to enhance their Stress Coping Skills.” This was a great opportunity to showcase HKSB’s efforts and achievements in supporting the mental and physical well-being of families with visual impairments. Attendees were impressed by the MAPS project’s rich infusion of Eastern cultural elements and Chinese art, such as calligraphy, tea Zen and singing bowls. The team gained valuable insights during the three-day conference and took the opportunity to connect with rehabilitation partners from around the world, exchanging ideas and service models of reference value.

Representative from Beijing School for the Blind visited our headquarter
 

Mr. Wang Xiaochui of the Beijing School for the Blind took time out of his busy schedule during his visit to Hong Kong in May to visit us. He focused on touring our Rehabilitation Centre and Assistive Equipment Service Centre. The Beijing School for the Blind was founded in 1874 and currently has around 150 students. The campus is equipped with specialized facilities for the visually impaired, including assistive technology corners, a Braille library, an art gallery, exhibition rooms, and a large sports field. In recent years, the school has also introduced vocational training courses for secondary students, such as massage therapy, barista skills and information technology. Additionally, it offers free experiential courses for visually impaired students attending mainstream schools.

Mr. Wang also extended an invitation for us to visit the Beijing School for the Blind in the future, with the aim of deepening collaboration and benefiting visually impaired students in both Hong Kong and mainland China.

Delegation from Korea Blind Community visited our headquarter
 

In 2024, we participated in the World Congress on Rehabilitation, where we met Ms. Reena Lee, Director of Rehabilitation International Korea. After returning to Hong Kong, we continued to exchange ideas on issues related to visual impairment in both regions.

Thanks to her coordination, a delegation of 30 people from the Korea Council of Centers for the Blind—including Chairman Mr. Namsik Baik and management representatives from various organizations in Seoul, Busan and Jeju—visited our headquarter in June. They toured several of our service units, including the Rehabilitation Centre, Information Accessibility Centre, and Assistive Equipment Service Centre. Before departing, they expressed great interest in our next-generation electronic audible traffic signals, actively engaging with our Director of Rehabilitation Services and even extended an invitation for us to visit them in return.

We hope this exchange will help Korean rehabilitation and visual impairment organizations gain a deeper understanding of our work, foster mutual learning, and strengthen our ongoing collaboration.

Tactile Reading Conference- Amsterdam
 

In June 2025, Centralised Braille Production Centre went to Amsterdam in the Netherlands to attend the “Tactile Reading Conference” in order to stay updated on the latest trends, learning new skills and network with industry leaders. This International Conference was organized every 4 years with themes on Braille & literacy, Tactile graphics, Innovative Technology and Education. It brought together over 500 participants with nearly 200 speakers from 35 countries. The conference aimed to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange, ultimately contributing to a more accessible society.

Visually impaired colleague also took the opportunity to experience the “Feeling Van Gogh” interactive program provided by the Van Gogh Museum especially for the blind and visually impaired with their sighted friends, family members and carers; Visiting the local special school for visually impaired Bartiméus with other international participants also enhance closer communication opportunities.