The Social Welfare Bureau’s (IAS) Rehabilitation Affairs Committee held its first closed-door plenary meeting of the year on Friday at the Macau Science Centre (MSC), hosted by IAS President Wilson Hon Wai.
Topics discussed by the meeting included the implementation progress of the government’s 10-Year Plan for Rehabilitation Services, preparations for the next phase of the action plan, technology empowerment, an award scheme for barrier-free and disability-friendly catering establishments, and adjustments to the disability subsidy, according to IAS statement on Friday.
Hon said, according to the statement, that the 10-Year Plan has achieved a completion rate of 98.6 percent, with all 285 short- and medium-term measures fully accomplished. Of the 82 long-term measures, 77 have been completed, while the remaining are expected to be fully implemented within 2025, Hon said. The next phase of the action plan will commence in 2025, Hon said, focusing on smart technology, barrier-free infrastructure, and fostering a “socially inclusive” environment.
The statement pointed out that the government has been actively promoting the development of a barrier-free environment. In 2018, the architectural standards for designing barrier-free projects were introduced, providing a valuable reference for both public entities and private enterprises to improve accessibility.
The statement added that the government plans to launch an “Award Scheme for Barrier-Free and Disability-Friendly Catering Establishments” this year, starting with restaurants as a pilot initiative to encourage private businesses to progressively enhance their accessibility infrastructure. During the meeting, the statement underlined, the preliminary concept of the award scheme was presented, and committee members expressed their support for its introduction.
According to the statement, the committee unanimously approved the proposed increase in this year’s disability subsidy, as outlined in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address. The regular disability subsidy will be raised from 9,000 patacas to 10,000 patacas a year, while the special disability subsidy will be increased from 18,000 patacas to 20,000 patacas, representing an 11.11 percent rise from the current levels, respectively.
Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) Director Wilson Han Wai (centre), IAS Deputy Director Hoi Va Pou (left) and IAS Social Solidarity Department Chief Choi Sio Un attend the first plenary meeting of the Rehabilitation Affairs Committee of the year on Friday at the Macau Science Centre (MSC). – Photo: IAS
