Revamped Access Guide with open data for the first time

[May 21, 2019, Hong Kong] Access Guide Launching Ceremony was successfully held in Mid-May which symbolised the official launch of the updated Access Guide Website. Hon YIU Si-wing, BBS, Legislative Council Member (Tourism), Dr Winnie Tang JP, Founder and Chairman of Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited and Advisory Member of HKSR, and Dr Edith Mok, MH, Vice-Chairperson of Executive Committee of HKSR were invited as guests of honour and witnessed the development milestone of accessible travel in Hong Kong.

In addition to the technical support from Esri China (HK), the website update also hinges on the effort of seven persons with disabilities and volunteers who formed an inspection team and visited over 200 places in four months, including 15 green attractions, 149 public toilets in the urban areas and 50 tourist spots. In particular, the development team made use of the open data from the government and located the public toilets, so the inspection team could investigate case by case.

The update focused on popular green attractions, including Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir, Golden Beach and Tai O. Majority of the attractions are equipped with accessible toilets of which accesses allow the passage of wheelchairs. However, having gradients exceed 1:12, some attractions disallow wheelchair users to access without the aid of able-bodied. Apart from the popular green attractions, the inspection team also investigated public toilets in the urban areas and found that 31 out of 149 lack barrier-free facilities and toilets for the disabled. The team believes the results in remote areas will be less satisfactory.

The update also included panorama for the first time which helps users understand the actual road conditions and plan their itinerary in advance. Moreover, the website also applied responsive web design which allows browsing through both computer and mobile phone. Users thus can search for information anywhere.

Barrier-free facilities and accessible travel in Hong Kong have been the topics of concerns of the Society. In order to further promote accessible travel, the Society will keep updating the website to provide the latest information. The Society will also cooperate with the tourism sector to upskill their capabilities of serving persons with disabilities, with the ultimate aim to build the accessible and hospitable image of Hong Kong.