Event 12th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (Transed)
Organiser The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation
Venue Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
Delegates 1000
Date June 2-4, 2010
The brief
The International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons, hosted by The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, brings together delegates from around the world to discuss the latest advancements and innovations in accessible transport and travel.
The theme for this year was “Sustainable transport and travel for all”, and the society needed a venue that was accessible for delegates with visual, hearing and mobility impairments.
Challenges
The main challenge was finding a conference location that could cater to such a group. The venue had to be functional and also provide adequate emergency facilities. Hall 5E was chosen because there was a loading area at the rear that could be used as a drop-off area for disabled delegates.
The centre’s facilities needed to offer maximum convenience to delegates. Following more than 10 site inspections by international organisations, HKCEC carried out an extensive upgrade that included renovating the disabled toilets, installing Braille buttons in elevators and building a tactile guide path.
The centre also installed a teleloop service for the hearing-impaired, a Braille directory at main entrances, and emergency evacuation chairs for the mobility-impaired.
Execution
The conference began with an opening ceremony that was attended by several hundred delegates. The barrier-free venue at HKCEC ensured the arrivals process ran smoothly.
A spacious cafeteria area was set up to allow easy access for delegates in wheelchairs or walking aids who wanted to enjoy a coffee or sandwich between conference sessions.
The exhibition, which ran alongside the conference, was open to the public and showcased the latest equipment and technology in the industry. An accessible community zone allowed visitors to “feel” their way through a specially designed area and experience just a few of the challenges faced by the visually impaired.
In addition, a photo competition gallery encouraged delegates to express the idea of “accessibility and social inclusion” by using images.
Comment
Ng Hang-saw, deputy CEO of The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation says: “Our delegates found it really easy to get around the centre. We appreciated the HKCEC team’s resourcefulness in accommodating those with special needs.
"The conference was a success and we are happy to have hosted such a meaningful event in Hong Kong.”