Hi listeners,
According to the latest report from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, in 2020, approximately 534,200 people in Hong Kong live with disabilities. Among them, 3.3% of the population face restrictions in body movement. These numbers highlight the significant presence of people with physical disabilities—many of whom rely on wheelchairs to navigate daily life.
Today, I’m here to share the wheelchair support we provide to foster inclusion and empowerment.
A literature review by 1st Step Association reveals that over 70% of individuals with physical disabilities live with their families, often in low income households. Comprehensive Social Security Assistance—or CSSA—is a lifeline for some, but the amount is often insufficient to cover household expenses. Moreover, the stigma associated with CSSA discourages many families from applying as a unit, leaving individuals with disabilities in a financially vulnerable state. The high price of rehabilitation equipment, like electric wheelchairs, which vary based on functionality, creates a significant burden. This highlights the economic and social challenges wheelchair users face in Hong Kong.
This is where 1st Step Association steps in. Established in 1999, our organization is dedicated to supporting individuals with physical disabilities and their families through free, comprehensive programs. Our mission is to break down barriers—physical, environmental, and psychological—to create a more inclusive society. Let me walk you through our core initiatives.
First, we address physical barriers through our Wheelchair Caretakers program. This initiative is powered by a group of dedicated, trained volunteers who provide wheelchair repair, customisation, cleaning, fabric
sewing, and aesthetic enhancements. We also develop specialized wheelchair accessories to improve functionality. Members have shared that our volunteers treat them like family, taking the time to understand their specific wheelchair needs. This care inspires a transformation— from being recipients of help to becoming self-helpers. Many join our Community Groups, where they share their knowledge and skills on wheelchair maintenance with others, empowering them to care for their own wheelchairs. A well-maintained, customized wheelchair can transform daily life, enabling users to move with confidence and dignity.
Second, we tackle environmental barriers through our Community Groups and Support for Carers of wheelchair users. Our Community Groups are building local resource libraries tailored to the needs of people with physical disabilities. Members work together to ensure that all individuals with physical disabilities are aware of these resources. Within these groups, they learn skills that align with their interests and strengths, discovering how to use these resources and abilities to help themselves and others in the future. Our Support for Carers provides practical assistance, like home-cooked meals, basic cleaning, and tailored aid to meet individual needs. Carers also participate in mutual support groups, where they can express the stresses of caregiving, share knowledge, skills, and life wisdom, and reduce their burdens together.
Finally, we focus on psychological barriers through our Wellness Programme for wheelchair users and their carers. This initiative supports the physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of wheelchair users and their caregivers. By addressing psychological needs, families can rebuild their lives with resilience and hope. Carers—often overlooked—receive support to manage the demands of their role, fostering stronger, healthier family units.
Beyond these programmes, we believe society should move beyond merely providing “services.” Instead, every individual should have the freedom to choose their own way of life and fully integrate into the community. Our work at 1st Step Association is about creating a world
where people with disabilities are not just supported but empowered to live on their
own terms.
As a wheelchair user myself, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating Hong Kong’s urban landscape and societal perceptions. Yet, I’ve also witnessed the transformative impact of 1st Step Association’s work. Our initiatives don’t just provide practical solutions—they restore dignity, foster independence, and build community. Every wheelchair user deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, free from the constraints of physical, environmental, or psychological barriers.
To our listeners, I encourage you to support organizations like 1st Step Association—whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading awareness. To wheelchair users and their families: know that you are not alone. Resources and communities are here to support you. Together, we can create a Hong Kong where inclusion is not just a goal, but a reality.
Thank you for tuning in. For more information about our programmes, visit 1st Step Association or reach out to us. Let’s take that first step toward a more inclusive future—together.
