Upgrade the accessibility of the campus
The HKU Estates Office has made several changes to the infrastructural units at the university in response to requests from students and staff with SEN and feedback from advocacy groups such as the People of Fortitude International Mutual Aid Association for the disabled. A series of accessible facilities have been installed or enhanced, such as automobile doors, canopy tops for selected sites, carparks and charging bays for people with disabilities, and braille signs and tactiles on several campus spaces for navigation.
The braille maps were installed on both the Main Campus and the Centennial Campus to promote integration and mainstreaming of students with SEN into campus life
Braille map outside HKU MTR exit C1
Braille map at Foot Bridge between KB and KKL
Tactile toilet signs and aluminium shelfs in accessible toilet
An accessible changing place was established to provide a safe and hygienic space for students with multiple disabilities for their personal care on campus.
With the support of the Exams Office and Estates Office, JCT3.35 was converted and tailored into a safe and hygienic changing place for students with multiple disabilities to take care of special toilet needs.
The retiring mini bus will be upgraded to a 20-seater bus with two wheelchair seats. It is estimated that the new bus with wheelchair bays will come into use around April 2025.
Accessible Learning Environment in the HKU Main Library
To align with HKU campus accessibility, the main library and branch libraries have constructed accessible entrances and gates, which provide easy access for all users. In the Main Library, tactile paths are built to guide directions. All lifts are equipped with braille signage. Accessible toilets with braille signage are also available.
Smart City Walk, an indoor navigation mobile application developed by the Hong Kong Blind Union, covers accessible routes in all library premises.
Various types of special study rooms are provided in the main library for students with SEN. Special Study Room 1 has special equipment and software for students with visual impairments. Special Study Room 2 is available for individual study, and a Deep Quiet Room is available for quiet study. Assistive devices such as ‘OrCam Read’ and ‘Focus 40 Blue Braille Display’ are available to borrow in the main library to support learning.
Wheelchair accessible classrooms
The university has taken measures to assess and modify the physical infrastructure of classrooms to accommodate students using wheelchairs. The installation of ramps, wide doorways, and accessible seating arrangements has made the campus disability friendly. The aim was to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in the learning environment for students with mobility impairments. A wheelchair-friendly environment has facilitated students using wheelchairs to navigate the campus independently, attend classes, and actively participate in academic activities.
Web accessibility recognition scheme
The university has won the most top awards in the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme 2022/23, with a total of 23 awards in the category. The university is committed to making the websites more accessible and maintaining an optimal user experience for different members of the community, doing its part to contribute to an inclusive community.
The scheme was organised by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited and co-organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, with the Equal Opportunities Commission as an independent advisor.
