Rehabilitation International World Congress is a quadrennial international event organised by Rehabilitation International, in collaboration with the International Social Security Association and the government of the United Arab Emirates. The three-day conference (23 to 25 September 2024) was held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, bringing together 500 rehabilitation experts, scholars, industry representatives, and government officials from over 70 countries and regions. This year’s conference focused on “Work and Employment”, discussing how to support individuals with disabilities in addressing employment challenges and promoting employment opportunities.
General Secretary William Chan Hei Lung represented RAHK at the conference, engaging in discussions with various overseas rehabilitation experts, scholars, industry representatives, and government officials. During the Asia-Pacific Rehabilitation Projects and Models session, themed “Creating an Inclusive Working Environment: Application of a Tri-Partite Alliance and Supportive-Collaborative Approach”, he shared and discussed how, over the past thirty years, we have implemented a unique quadrilateral collaboration model between government, business, academia, and the community in successfully operating the social enterprise convenience store at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Through different support mechanisms, we have promoted employment for individuals with disabilities, supported their growth and development in the workplace, and created an inclusive and accessible working environment. Following the session, General Secretary William Chan Hei Lung shared the various initiatives of RAHK with different scholars and experts, increasing awareness of our work in other regions.
Furthermore, on the first day of the conference, General Secretary William Chan Hei Lung was interviewed by Emirates News Agency WAM, expressing hopes for the World Congress and the promotion of employment for individuals with disabilities. He emphasised the importance of sharing experiences among representatives from different countries and regions to harness collective societal wisdom, which will undoubtedly advance the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Representatives are encouraged to utilise the valuable experiences gained from the conference to influence and promote inclusive care, embodying the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Interview Link: https://www.wam.ae/a/b5byhbs
