FAQ

Can persons with disabilities (PWDs) participate in recreation and sports programmes organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)?

All members of the public are welcome to participate in recreation and sports programmes organised by the LCSD.  PWDs may choose to enrol in any of the programmes they consider suitable according to their respective interest and level of ability.  They can also participate in the free recreation and sports programmes specifically organised for PWDs by the LCSD.  Relevant information can be found on the dedicated web page for PWD programmes on the LCSD’s website, and in the Community Recreation & Sports Programme and district recreation and sports programme sheet published monthly.  PWDs may also call the LCSD’s District Leisure Services Office (DLSO) organising the programmes (office hours: 8:30 am to 6:15 pm, Monday to Friday) or the LCSD hotline (tel. no.: 2414 5555) for enquiries.
Please visit the following LCSD web page for the contact number of 18 District Leisure Services Offices:
(https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/clpss/en/webApp/PhoneAddress.do?cat=DLSO&dist=ALL&keyword=&pageNo=1&sortField=&sortOrder=))

What channels are available for PWDs to enrol in recreation and sports programmes organised by the LCSD?

PWDs may enrol in recreation and sports programmes (including those designated for PWDs) organised by the LCSD through the following channels:

1. Service counters at all DLSOs of the LCSD throughout the territory and leisure venues with Leisure Link Services;
2. Leisure Link Self-service Kiosks;
3. Leisure Link Internet booking service
   (http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/leisurelink/index.html); and
4. Enrolment by post (mail the application form to the DLSO organising the programme).

What are the procedures for PWDs to enrol in recreation and sports programmes organised by the LCSD?

To participate in the LCSD’s recreation and sports programmes, or programmes specifically organised for PWDs by the LCSD, PWDs are required to enrol through designated channels with a duly completed application form, together with their identity document (original or copy) and documentary proof.  PWDs planning to participate in fitness programmes are required to fill in the “PAR-Q & YOU” questionnaire during enrolment so that they can understand whether they are physically fit enough to take part in the programmes.
(Please refer to the “Notes on Enrolment” for details on enrolment methods and procedures
(http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/programmes/programmeslist/
districtsports/enrolmentnotes/enrolmentdetails_new2.html))

Can PWDs be accompanied by their family and friends when attending recreation and sports programmes organised by the LCSD?  If so, what are the enrolment procedures?

Yes.  A PWD may participate in recreation and sports programmes organised by the LCSD with no more than one accompanying carer.  The enrolment procedures for accompanying carers are the same as those for PWDs.  An accompanying carer who assists an enrolled PWD in training programmes specifically organised for PWDs may attend the programmes with the PWD during training and no enrolment is required.  As for play-in activities designated for PWDs, accompanying carers are required to complete the same enrolment procedures as the PWDs they accompany to facilitate arrangement of transport and camping places.

What documentary proof do PWDs have to produce when enrolling in recreation and sports programmes organised by the LCSD?

To enrol in recreation and sports programmes organised by the LCSD, PWDs simply have to produce the “Registration Card for People with Disabilities” issued by the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) or the notification of successful  application for disability allowance issued by the Social Welfare Department (SWD)* .
[*Note: The notification of successful application is, however, not accepted for enrolment in programmes designated for a certain type of PWD, as the type of disability is not specified thereon. For example, Day Camp for persons with intellectual disability is only for the participation of persons with intellectual disability.]

For people with what types of disability does the LCSD organise programmes?

The LCSD organises recreation and sports programmes for people with different types of disability, including those with visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, autism, physical disability and chronic illness, as well as ex-mentally ill persons.

Who are eligible for LCSD programmes specifically organised for the chronically ill?

Holders of the “Registration Card for People with Disabilities” issued by the LWB with “chronic illness” specified as the type of disability thereon are eligible for this type of programmes.

What types of programmes does the LCSD organise specifically for PWDs?

The LCSD organises various types of programmes specifically for PWDs, including swimming, hydro-fitness, aerobic dance, social dance, fitness exercise, tai chi, badminton, table tennis, golf, gateball, residential camps, excursions and outreach fitness programmes.

Does the LCSD organise recreation and sports programmes at centres/workshops for PWDs?

To engage PWDs in recreation and sports programmes, the LCSD organises outreach programmes with the assistance of non-government organisations for PWDs, and arranges for qualified coaches to give training at centres or workshops for PWDs.

Why does the LCSD co-organise programmes with non-governmental organisations for PWDs?

The DLSOs of the LCSD organise programmes with district-based non-governmental organisations for PWDs, whose network will make information on the programmes more accessible to PWDs.  Moreover, with professional knowledge of people with different types of disability, these organisations can design programmes that better suit the needs of target participants.

How much do PWDs have to pay for recreation and sports programmes organised by the LCSD?

PWDs are eligible for a concessionary rate in taking part in general training courses or recreation and sports programmes organised by the LCSD, and may participate in programmes specifically organised for PWDs for free.  The concession also applies to one accompanying carer per PWD. 

Programmes specifically organised for PWDs are free of charge, but why are applicants charged when enrolling in some of these programmes?

Enrolment in programmes specifically organised for PWDs is free.  That said, the schedule of some of these programmes, such as day camps, residential camps, evening camps and excursions, include breakfast/lunch/dinner (depending on the programme).  The meal charge is not included in the enrolment fee and is at the participants’ own expense. 

Does the LCSD arrange for transportation for participants of programmes for PWDs?

The LCSD provides transportation service for participants of outdoor recreation and sports programmes specifically organised for PWDs, including excursions, day camps, evening camps and residential camps, as well as Fun Days held at Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre.  The DLSOs organising the programmes pick up participants at a specified location in the districts and drive them to the programme venue.

In organising recreation and sports programmes for PWDs, does the LCSD arrange for extra staff?

In organising programmes for PWDs, the LCSD arranges for qualified coaches, leaders and sufficient staff as necessary to offer assistance to the participants.

What facilities under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) are available for use by persons with disabilities (PWDs)?

At present, all major sports facilities managed by the LCSD, including 99 sports centres, 43 swimming pools, 25 sports grounds, 4 holiday camps, 5 water sports centres, the Hong Kong Stadium and the Mong Kok Stadium, provide barrier-free access and facilities.

All LCSD leisure venues built after 2008 are in compliance with the requirements of the “Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 2008”.  As for leisure venues built before 2008, the LCSD has arranged improvement works in the form of renovation or alteration insofar as the geographical environment, architectural conditions and technologies permit.  Examples of improvement works include the installation of facilities for barrier-free access, and the provision of accessible toilets, accessible parking spaces, facilities such as tactile guide paths, Braille signage and Braille and tactile maps for the convenience of the visually impaired, and family changing rooms for use by PWDs and their families at swimming pools.

Are the children’s playgrounds of the LCSD suitable for use by PWDs?

Most of the children’s playgrounds managed by the LCSD provide diverse types of inclusive play equipment for use by children with or without disabilities.  Inclusive playgrounds are provided with safe barrier-free access to facilitate visits by children with different types of disabilities for use of facilities such as slides, swings and sway boats.  The inclusive play equipment includes tactile play panels and movable parts in various forms for visually impaired children to touch and have fun.  Movable parts that produce sounds when knocked are also installed to add to the fun.  The play equipment provides an inclusive setting in which children can play together, acquire different skills and learn to get along with others.  For details of inclusive play equipment, please visit the following web page:
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitieslist/children/playequipment.html

How does the LCSD encourage the use of recreation and sports facilities by PWDs?

To encourage the use of recreation and sports facilities and participation in sports programmes by PWDs, a half price concession is available to PWDs and their accompanying carers (on a one-to-one basis) at all times for hiring recreation and sports facilities of the LCSD and enrolling in recreation and sports programmes.  For details of concessionary rates applicable to PWDs hiring recreation and sports facilities, please visit the following web pages:
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/leisurelink/index/ls_booking_charges_urban.html
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/leisurelink/index/ls_booking_charges_nt.html

In addition, the LCSD implements the Free Use Scheme by allowing eligible organisations (including national sports associations for PWDs and subvented non-governmental organisations) free access to facilities such as the main arenas and activity rooms of sports centres, squash courts, hockey pitches and outdoor bowling greens during non-peak hours throughout the year (except July and August).  For details of the Scheme, please visit the following web page:
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitiesbooking/freeusescheme.html

The LCSD has launched the “Scheme for Priority Booking of Facilities at Designated Venues by Organisations of People with Disabilities” at 6 designated sports centres under its management.  Under the Scheme, participating organisations can make priority bookings for non-peak slots of the 6 venues to organise sports activities suitable for PWDs.  For details of the Scheme, please visit the following web page:
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/dlso/booking/intro.html

The LCSD has been presenting the Sport For All Day every August since 2009 to encourage members of the public to take part in sport and physical activity regularly.  On the event day, most of the LCSD’s recreation and sports facilities are available for free use by members of the public.  PWDs can choose to use recreation and sports facilities they consider suitable according to their interest.

What facilities do public swimming pools provide to assist PWDs in getting in and out of the pool?

The LCSD has always provided a barrier-free environment for PWDs, in line with the Government’s policy.  Currently, all major sports facilities of the LCSD (including swimming pools) provide barrier-free access and facilities.  There are pool lifts for PWDs at some swimming pools to facilitate their getting in and out of the pool.  The LCSD will also consider providing ramps at new swimming pools, if there is sufficient space, to help PWDs and persons with mobility difficulty (especially the elderly) to get in and out of the pool.  For example, ramps can be found at the secondary pool or training pool of Siu Sai Wan Swimming Pool, Kwun Tong Swimming Pool and Tuen Mun North West Swimming Pool.  LCSD staff will make every effort to assist PWDs in getting in and out of swimming pools.  Persons in need may contact the venue-in-charge in advance or on the spot for assistance.

Please visit the following LCSD web page for the contact number and information of facilities for PWDs at different swimming pools:
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swim-location-hk.html

What measures are adopted at public swimming pools to assist wheelchair users in using pool facilities?

Staff of public swimming pools will make every effort to help wheelchair users enter and leave the pool area, and get in and out of the pool.  Other forms of assistance will also be provided as appropriate.  Persons in need may contact the venue-in-charge in advance or on the spot for assistance, such as in using the pool lift to get in or out of the pool or finding a place for their wheelchair.  The accompanying carers of PWDs (on a one-to-one basis) are also eligible for the concessionary admission rate to facilitate the care of PWDS.