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The Government will launch a six-month public consultation exercise for review of the "Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 1997" (DM97) commencing today (January 9).
"It is the Government's policy to develop a barrier-free physical environment for people with disabilities to live independently and to participate actively in the community," a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said.
Newly constructed or substantially altered private buildings are required by the Building (Planning) Regulations and related legislation under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) to provide access and facilities for people with disabilities.
The obligatory and recommended design requirements for provision of the access and facilities are set out in the DM97. To update the design requirements of the DM97 with reference to changes in building technology and attitudes of the community towards the provision of access and facilities for people with disabilities over the past years, the Buildings Department commissioned a consultancy study to review the DM97. The review also recommends design guidelines for an elderly-friendly built environment.
"After making reference to relevant provisions in overseas countries and seeking the views of stakeholder groups, the consultant has compiled a draft Design Manual. The Government today briefed the Legislative Council's Panel on Welfare Services on the draft Design Manual", he said.
The public consultation exercise will last for six months until late June 2006 and extensive consultation with stakeholders on the draft Design Manual will be carried out. There will also be two public forums to collect public views on the draft Design Manual.
The draft Design Manual and details of the public forums can be viewed at the Buildings Department's website at www.bd.gov.hk/, and the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau's website at www.hwfb.gov.hk/.
Ends/Monday, January 9, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:26
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