| A concerned
group was set up in May 1986 by some "frustrated" parents
to reflect to the Government on the severe shortage of services for pre-school
children with disabilities. In February 1987, the concerned group became
a registered organization and was officially named "The Parents'
Association of Pre-school Handicapped Children". The Association
is now a member of The Hong Kong Council of Social Services.
We concern not
only with the pre-school services for children 0-6 years, but also with
the services for school-aged children and adults. We would follow up
on legislation for persons with disabilities. We plan to do more work
on advocacy so that parents could urge the Government for more and better
services.
In 1986, the Housing
Department granted us a unit at Fung Tak Estate, Diamond Hill. At the
same time, we received a subsidy of two years' operating expenses from
the Queen Elizabeth Foundation. Permanent staff were then recuited to
assist with the day-to-day operation of the Association. In recent years,
the Jockey Club Charitable Foundation also subvented part of our expenses.
The Association has a membership of over 1,500 families at present.
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