Development/Major Events
In 2023
March
Embracing the theme of “Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability”, this year, we have organized a series of activities to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. These events aim to enhance public awareness of people with Down syndrome and improve the health consciousness of members as well as their parents. By engaging our community, we hope to spread health messages and seeds of love, fostering an inclusive community.
With the sponsorship of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Jockey Club “DS Power” Holistic Wellness Support Project, in collaboration with Tung Wah College, organized a sharing session on 19 March. This initiative aimed to empower people with Down syndrome to build sustainable and healthy lifestyles, foster community integration with genuine joy and positivity.
Through a diverse range of activities, our association remains committed to increasing public awareness about Down Syndrome and working together to create an inclusive future.
March
In response to World Down Syndrome Day, the Association launched a campaign under the theme “Embrace Health. With the theme of “Embrace Love”, a series of activities including webinars, WhatsApp sticker design competitions and free check-up days were organised to enable people with Down syndrome and their caregivers to understand and pay more attention to their physical and mental health, and then turn the message of health and love into action and share it with those around them, so as to build an inclusive society together!
February
Due to the pandemic, the Flag Day on 6 February 2021 in New Territories was cancelled and the first online Flag Day was held. More than HK$170 thousand dollars was raised in this Flag Day Fundraising Event, which will be used for supporting self-financing services.
March
To echo the World Down Syndrome Day on 21st March, the Association organized an online event, “Human Library – The life of 2+1” on that day with the sponsorship from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The event aims at raising the public awareness and showing you the art and sport talents, employment development, social life of people with Down Syndrome and also value of respecting life through reading 5 life stories, so as to improve the social connections and promote the message of inclusiveness.
September
With the sponsorship from Dr. S. C. Lee, dental advisor and the support from film production company, Odeon Media an Music Video, “A Brush for every smile” was born. It aims to encourage persons with Down syndrome and other special needs of all ages to treat tooth brushing as a fun thing to do, and understand the importance of this life skill. Artist, Kandy Wong was invited to star in the music video with 6 members and 3 teenagers.
To accompany this music video, The HKDSA launches the “Brush with Fun” Incentive Scheme which comprise of; a Tooth Brushing chart, Reward stickers and Links to Oral Care Techniques aimed at assisting members and participants to develop a self-motivated habit of proper daily oral care to prevent dental diseases. Organizations which serve persons with Down Syndrome, intellectual disabilities and Special needs are welcome to join.
November
The 34th AGM of the Association was held on 27th November, 2021 (Saturday) at Jockey Club Down Syndrome Centre and webcasted via “Zoom”, for sharing the achievements. The new Executive Committee of the year 2021-2023 was elected.
December
With the sponsorship support from Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities of the Social Welfare Department. The Original Musical performed by People with Down Syndrome was successfully shown on 11 December at Christian Family Service Centre. 31 performers showed off their artistic talents on stage.
January
The Annual Members’ Dinner Inauguration Ceremony of the New Executive Committee was held on 11 January at ClubOne Water Sky in Sha Tin.
February
In view of the novel coronavirus situation, and in consideration of volunteer and public health and safety, the Association cancelled the Kowloon Flag Day originally scheduled for 1 February, and the total fundraising activity raised more than $180,000 was mainly used for the self-financing service development of the Association.
March
Due to the pandemic, this year’s World Down Syndrome Day celebrations have moved online! The theme of this year’s World Down Syndrome Day is “We Decide – Make Your Own Decisions”. Thanks to the sponsorship of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Association launched the “We Decide” – the Most Like Photo Contest on its Facebook page, uploading photos and simple text of its members’ anti-epidemic tips, so that everyone can cheer for themselves, their families and friends, and maintain their physical and mental health, so that they can stay strong in the face of the epidemic!
May
June
Sponsored by the Chinachem Group, the Association officially launched the one-year age-friendly partnership programme in June.
June
Partnered with the UPPER HOUSE once again to organise the Warmth Campaign. Distributed more than 400 free meal boxes to member families affected by the pandemic, sending them a little support and warmth in the face of adversity.
September
The Integrated Vocational Rehabilitation Service (IVRS) has set up the “Tang Friends Employment Support Station” service to provide them with employment information to help them realise their potential and shine in the workplace. The first issue of JOB JOB NEWS was also published in the same month.
November
The Jockey Club Tong Ka Hin Opening Ceremony the 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association was held on 21 November 2020. Officiating at the ceremony were Ms Chan Wing-man, JP, Commissioner for Rehabilitation, Labour and Welfare Bureau, Ms Winnie Ying, Head of Charities, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Lai Chi-keung, Chairman of the Eastern District Council, Ms Tang Oika, President of the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association, Mr. Yip Wai-ming, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Ms Sun Wai-kim, Ambassador’s representative of the Tang Clan.
November
Promoting “2+1 Socks Gift Box” as a kind fundraising event. This Socks Gift Box contains 2 same socks with 1 odd, which represents the extra chromosomes of the 21st pair of most people with Down Syndrome. It also symbolizes the infinite possibilities and positive regard to diversity!
March
March
April
May
June
September
November
January
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the association, the Singapore parent-child exchange group was held for 5 days and 4 nights to celebrate the 30th anniversary.
March
In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, 28 tables were held to prepare a sumptuous dinner for nearly 300 friends and families with Down syndrome.
March
Thanks to the support and sponsorship of Chinachem Group, we organised an activity called “Chinachem XHKDSA-321 Life Under the Shutter” to encourage positive life challenges through photography, photo album production, and support for memorial therapy and life and death education groups. The exhibition and sharing session was held at Youth Square in Chai Wan.
May
Beneficiary of participating in the “I Have a Date with Tong Baobao” organised by the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Central, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest African tambourine ensembleTM.
July
Participation in the World Down Summit 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland.
July
Partnered with the UPPER HOUSE to organise the Upstairs Hospitality Training and Xi Program.
October
Jointly curated by the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association, the University of Hong Kong and Bosco Hong, the “With a Little Something Extra” photography exhibition showcases the talents and dreams of friends with Down syndrome through the lens.
January
Received a grant from the Hong Kong Government – OGCIO for the development of the “Smart & Fit DS Kids” mobile app.
January
Launching of Corporate Video for service introduction.
April
June
July
30th anniversary Icon and slogan competition was held to build up freshness image for the Association.
August
Sir David Tang, KBE left us on 29th August.
October
30th anniversary of The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association.
November
The “SweetieLand” Project has received funding from HSBC via the Community Chest for the period 2016–2019.
February
The Association was delighted at the opportunity of holding a territory-wide Flag Day on Saturday, 13 February 2016 and we raised more than HK$1 million.
March
March
April
May
June
November
To express and share the sheer beauty and joy of people with Down Syndrome through the camera with the public, the Association and local photographer Mr. Frank Freeman proudly presented “The Purest People” – A Roving Photo Exhibition at the HK Culture Centre, A link, CC Wu Building, the Lincoln House Linkbridge at Taikoo Place, the Education Resources Centre at Kowloon Tong and at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital respectively.
March
To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2015, The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association held a Cantonese Opera Charity Show III at Sunbeam Theatre on 20 Mar 2015. The charity show has entered its third year and aims to let the public gain a better understanding of people with Down Syndrome as well as their art talent development. Besides, it also encourages people with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities to join and promotes the Cantonese opera culture locally. A donation sum of around HK$300,000 was raised for usage in the art and other services development of our service users.
April
Many thanks to the Ladies Recreation Club (LRC) again. We were invited to join LRC Swimathon, and all of the funds raised will be used to support the swimming project of HKDSA.
June
A press release on the ‘Needs of DS People and the Mental Health Condition of Caregivers’ was held at the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. The report showed that caregivers displayed various degrees of health and emotional problems such as depression and low self-esteem. Therefore, it was suggested the government should recognize their contribution by providing a caregiver allowance medical and transportation allowance, etc.
August
The 12th World Down Syndrome Congress was held at Chennai, India from 19 to 21 August 2015, and the Association nominated 3 staff and 1 executive committee member to attend. The theme of the Congress was “Let’s make an inclusive tomorrow”, and delegates had the common goal that the quality of life of people with Down Syndrome could be improved through experience sharing from different countries and different walks of life. Some of the key topics discussed include the social awareness & self-determination, health, education & employment, support system, rights and laws for people with Down Syndrome.
October
HKDSA was pleased to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries of The 12th Discovery Bay Recreation Club Charity Tennis 2015. A dinner cum cheque presentation ceremony was held in the evening, where an auction also took place. Thanks to the contributions and unfailing support from all the donors, more than HK$160,000 was raised and donated to HKDSA.
The Association held an anniversary cum awards presentation ceremony at the Christian Family Service Centre’s auditorium for the ‘Industrious Adulthood and Positive Ageing for People with Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Project’ (IP Project) on 24th October 2015. It was our great honor to invite Legislative Councillor (Social Welfare Functional Constituency) Mr. Peter Cheng Kwok Che, Assistant Director (Rehabilitation and Medical Social Services) Mr. Fong Kai Leung, and Project Manager of the Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation Ms. Miranda Chan to be the officiating guests. Together, participants, mentors and sponsors celebrated the positive outcomes of the project, and certificates were awarded to recognize all the mentors who helped their mentees achieve a more positive ageing experience.
November
HKDSA encouraged members to get their eyes checked by launching “A Wonderful World – Vision Health Project” with the help of donations from Novation Solutions Limited, Mr. Thomas Wee Soon Thong and Mr. Michael KM Leung. Not only does the program aim to increase the number of members to get their eyes checked by doctors, but it also raises awareness about the importance of eye care amongst members and their parents. On 6th November 2015, HKDSA held a cheque presentation ceremony to thank our donors.
March
To celebrate the 3rd World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) in March, the Association held a “My Life is Wonderful” Walkathon cum Experiential Carnival on 15th March 2014 at Tai Po Park. The celebration events were also used to raise funds for HKDSA, especially for their self-financed DS Center. A total donation sum of HK$280,000 was raised.
September
HKDSA and the Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, co-organised a「FIT FUN TRY – 21」Carnival cum Press Conference to announce the results of the “Up Up and Be Healthy” Research. The University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Mathieson and his wife Dr. Christiana Mathieson, Assistant Director of the Institute of Human Performance Dr. Michael Tse, and HKDSA’s Vice President Dr. Andrew Yuen were invited as the officiating guests.
October
On 4th October 2014, Discovery Bay Residents Club Limited again organized a Charity Tennis Tournament to raise funds to enhance the development of services of the Association’s self-financed DS Centre.
November
In acknowledgement of our work in providing employment support and development to people with disabilities, our social enterprise was awarded with a SEE Mark Accreditation from The Hong Kong General Chamber of Social Enterprise Limited, and named a “Loving Social Enterprise” and “Outstanding Social Enterprise” by the Social Welfare Department’s ‘Enhancing Employment of People with Disabilities through Small Enterprise Project’.
With sponsorship from the Ladies Recreation Club and one generous donor, over HK$200,000 was raised for sending our DS Swimming Team to the 7th Down Syndrome International & World Championships in Mexico. Our team achieved excellent results at the event, winning 5 Gold, 5 Silver and 6 Bronze medals.
With funding from “Operation Santa Clause 2013”, a support service for newborns and preschool children with Down Syndrome was launched.
The ageing problem of our service users is becoming more serious in recent years, especially those in our “Sheltered Workshop” service. Thus, the Centre launched the “Talents of the Elderly Group” with programmes designed to address the needs of the ageing service users whose physical functions have begun to show signs of degeneration by encouraging them to participate in training.
January
With the sponsorship of the “Eu Yan Sang Charitable Foundation”, the Association published a book entitled “Life, Set Sail” to provide guidance to parents of infants with Down Syndrome.
April
The Down’s Car Beauty Team and the Kwan Ngai Service were combined to form “The Down’s Kwan Ngai Service Team”, comprising people with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. With the restructuring, the team’s capacity for providing cleaning services (including public facilities, offices, domestic households and cars), packaging and bulk-mail processing was substantially enhanced.
July
“ArtLink” was restructured and formally renamed “DS Centre”. It became the only service centre in Hong Kong dedicated to providing services especially for people with Down Syndrome. The Centre provides opportunities for the members to develop their talents and promotes the concept of well-being and healthy lifestyle through providing various training and professional service case management.
The Association organized a group performance entitled “Love Art Life Varity Show” to let members show off their spectacular talents such as Chinese Opera, drama, modern dance, musical instruments like percussions and hand bells, etc.)
Employment Services Centre launched the “Community Boss” scheme this year. We publicized information about the employment of people with disabilities to small businesses in Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan areas, and encouraged them to employ people with disabilities or provide vacancies for on-the-job training.
September
On 28th September 2013, Discovery Bay Residents Club Limited organized a Charity Tennis Tournament to raise funds for the Association’s DS Centre, a self-financed service. More than HK$150,000 was collected to enhance the development of the services of DS Centre.
The Down Syndrome Dance Team went to Singapore for an exchange field trip. They visited local Down Syndrome organizations and met with local dance groups in order to gain a better understanding of the support services in Singapore.
March
The Stevie Award for Outstanding Persons with Down Syndrome was successfully held to commend the outstanding personal performances and achievements of people with Down Syndrome.
The Association held a “Lots of Socks” Campaign for World Down Syndrome Day at Plaza Hollywood on 16th March. We were greatly honored to have Ms. Donna Tang, Charities Manager of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Association’s Ambassador, Sugar Club officiate at the ceremony and be our key performing stars of the day.
September
On 22nd September, the Association launched a territory-wide Flag Day Event. Over HK1.4 million was raised to support the Association’s self-financed services as well as central administrative expenditures.
On 17th September, Discovery Bay Recreation Club Limited organized a Charity Tennis Tournament to raise funds for the Association’s ArtLink Centre, a self-financed service that enables low-income families to enjoy its art development services. More than HK$120,000 was collected.
November
On 17th November, the Association’s 25th Anniversary Walkathon was held at the Peak. More than HK$228,000 was collected to establish a new unit to specifically serve people with Down Syndrome. Special thanks to our President, Sir David Tang, KBE for his whole-hearted support and participation in the event.
Tiptop Training Centre arranged for its members to perform in the “Praise for Life – Take 5 Carnival”. The jazz performance helped local residents understand more about members’ talents.
March
The Association terminated the beauty and massage services provided by Serene Club in order to cut loss.
June
The Association’s first-ever Charity Raffle was launched. Nearly 380 thousand dollars was raised to support the central administration cost of the Association.
The Association conducted a 16-week “Pioneering Fitness Programme for Adults with Down Syndrome”. The Project aimed to slow down the rate of degradation in DS adults by providing them with fitness training and encouraging an exercising habit.
August
To improve cost-effectiveness, the Shop at Ka Wai Estate Hung Hom was closed down. More effort was put into the operation of the two shops in Tuen Mun.
September
Discovery Bay Recreation Club Limited organized a Charity Tennis Tournament to raise funds for the Association’s ArtLink Centre, a self-financed service that enables low-income families to enjoy its art development services.
January
The ‘Heart Down Charity Party II’ was held with Cantonese opera performances at the Sunbeam Theatre in North Point to raise money for the ‘Disabled People Arts Development Fund’. The fund aims to promote the development of people with Down Syndrome in art-related fields.
January
Down’s Dancing Group was invited to participate in three public performances, including ‘Spiritual Eyes’.
January
The community waste recycling project ‘Bring Your Bag’ was launched, sponsored by the Environment and Conservation Fund. Recyclable rubbish bags were distributed in Sha Tin to raise community awareness of environmental protection.
March
To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, the Association held the ‘Vibrant Photo Contest for People with Down Syndrome: We Are the Same’. Participants took pictures of individuals with Down Syndrome for the contest.
April
August
The third branch of Blooming Market shop was closed down. The Tsuen Wan recycling centre was moved to Tuen Mun, whilst the office continued operating in San Tsing.
August
A Down Syndrome Photo Exhibition entitled ‘Shifting Perspectives’ was held at the Central Hall in Exchange Square, Central. Photos of British people with Down Syndrome were exhibited in Hong Kong for the first time.
January
Down’s Dance Team performed 2 numbers at the Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, including ‘Farewell to the Golden Age’.
February
Sponsored by the Social Welfare Department’s ‘Social Enterprises’ program, the social enterprise Serene Club was officially opened under the theme of ‘healthy living’, creating more job opportunities for people with disabilities.
May
Sponsored by Barclays Capital Asia Limited, a 33-strong group including 19 players from HKDSA Dragons, parents, coaches and staff members participated in a football exchange program in London. The Association’s team played a soccer tournament with the Fulham Down Syndrome Football Club and the Queens Park Rangers Down Syndrome’s Football Club in London.
August
The fourth branch of Blooming Market was opened, thanks to funding from the Community Chest of Hong Kong.
January
Art Link and ‘Turbulent River Dance Theatre’ coordinated the ‘Exquisite Expression’ dance performance at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, sponsored by Operation Santa Claus.
March
The Association implemented the ‘family friendly’ policy of 5 working days a week to encourage its employees to balance work and family life.
July
Sponsored by ‘The Enhancing Self-Reliance Through District Partnership Programme’ of the Home Affairs Department, the second-hand retail shop Blooming Market was officially opened in Tsuen Wan.
July
Generous donations totalling $1 million from Barclays Capital Asia Limited, UOB Kay Hian (HK) Limited, Cypress Group of Companies and Askar Capital were combined with an additional $410,000 from the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged of the Social Welfare Department to provide a strong foundation for the Sports Development Fund. The fund was established for people with Down Syndrome or other disabilities to enable them to participate in various sports activities including football, swimming, golf, table tennis, bowling and lawn bowling.
August
The third branch of Blooming Market – Concord Square was opened, thanks to the funding of the Community Chest of Hong Kong.
September
The Printing Workshop was opened courtesy of the ‘S K Yee Fund for the Disabled’. It provides students with printing, clerical, and office duties training classes to help them find job opportunities.
September
The ‘Career Information Club for the Disabled’ was set up at the counselling centre, sponsored by the Queen Elizabeth Foundation for the Mentally Handicapped. The club provides people with disabilities with vocational training and job search skills.
October
The Tiptop Training Centre underwent major redecoration with sponsorship from the Social Welfare Department’s Lotteries Fund.
October
Career Corner was opened with the sponsorship of computer hardware from the ‘S K Yee Fund for the Disabled’. The venue provides people with disabilities with job training and employment skills preparation.
November
November
Research was undertaken into the aging issues of individuals with Down Syndrome in Hong Kong.
April
The Association financed the opening of the second branch of Blooming Market – San Tsing in Tuen Mun.
September
People with Down Syndrome performed exciting opera excerpts at the ‘Charity Cantonese Opera Festival’ held in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The funds raised were used to set up the ‘Disabled Arts Development Fund’ to nourish the artistic potentials of people with Down Syndrome or other disabilities.
The potential of the arts and other persons with disabilities.
September
The book ‘Between Ordinary and Extraordinary’ was published with stories about 10 autistic people and their families.
October
Our 20th anniversary event was held at the City University of Hong Kong by combining the ‘Stevie Award for Outstanding Persons with Down Syndrome’ awards ceremony with the movie premiere of ‘Something for Stevie’.
In October of the same year
The book ‘First Step’ was published specifically for English speakers in Hong Kong. The book contains information on all relevant community services in Hong Kong for people with special needs, to enable them to effectively use community resources and integrate into society.
October
A community education stage performance entitled ‘In Stage, Major Appreciation’ was held at Olympian City, sponsored by ‘Operation Santa Claus’.
November
Cosy Garden organised an open day to promote its home care services to the general public.
November
The annual activity ‘Let the World Integrate – 20 years Down Charity Fun Day’ was once again held at La Salle College. Donations were used to set up the disabled people’s sports development fund.
January
The Association opened a training center called the Art Link to promote the concept of inclusive arts. The studio was sponsored with funds raised in the 2004/2005 Annual Flag-selling event and by the Queen Elizabeth Foundation for the Mentally Handicapped. The Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund also donated air-conditioning units for the training centre.
February
The Government provided job placement opportunities for users of the ‘Sunnyway – On the Job Training Program for Young People with Disabilities’ for the first time.
April
Successfully bidded the former doctors’ quarters site of the Castle Peak Hospital from the Social Welfare Department. The Cosy Garden small-group home service site is a self-financed project of the Association.
October
Under the leadership of our President Sir David Tang, the Association successfully acquired two governmental job opportunities in the Post Office for people with Down Syndrome.
May
The filming and production of ‘Baby with Down Syndrome to School II – Special Children POA Information’, funded by Hang Seng Bank, was completed. The ‘Special Child POA Information’ Forum was successfully held at the Hong Kong Baptist University, and a CD-ROM was distributed to relevant families as well as to education institutions and service organizations.
June
‘The SHARE Project – A Comprehensive Support Service for Families of Children with Down Syndrome’ was launched. The project was funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for a 3-year period.
August
The Association successfully bidded the former doctors’ quarters at the Castle Peak Hospital from the Social Welfare Department to provide care services for people aged 15 or above with mild intellectual disabilities. Cosy Garden small-group home service waited until April 2006 to be put officially into service due to the incompletion of its interior decoration and maintenance works.
August
The Association successfully bidded for funding for a ‘Barrier-Free Service’ from the Social Welfare Department to provide support services for families of children displaying challenging behaviours.
October
The ‘Sunnyway – On the Job Training Program for Young People with Disabilities’ was launched, which provides on-the-job training for young people with disabilities and was funded by the Social Welfare Department for a 3-year period.
December
The Association participated in the ‘Praise for Life’ event for the ‘International Day of Disabled Persons’ for the first time. At the event, six service users were interviewed and their life stories compiled into a book called ‘Praise for Life-Sharing Wonderful Experience’.
January
The Association published a book called ‘We have made it! Successful Stories of People with Down Syndrome’.
January
‘Support for Parents of Newborn Babies with Down Syndrome’ was extended to include the prenatal stage, providing prenatal counselling and support services for pregnant women whose fetuses are diagnosed with congenital disabilities.
April
The Association published the CD ‘Down Syndrome Baby to School II – Special Children POA Information’.
April
The Association relocated its head office to the site of its new service units in Lek Yuen Estate, and officially took over the operations of Tiptop Training Centre.
June
Members of The Association attended a seminar jointly organized by the Quota System of Employment of the Disabled Union and the Department of Applied Social Sciences of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
July
The Bradbury Parents Resource Centre organised the ‘Inclusion of a New Generation’ community education program, thanks to funding from the Chartered Certified Accountants and Queen Elizabeth Foundation for the Mentally Handicapped.
November
Members of The Association attended a parent group meeting held by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University called ‘The Feasibility Research of the Proposed Central Registration System for People at High Risk of Getting Lost’.
January
The Association and the Division of Social Studies of the City University of Hong Kong jointly published ‘A Study of the Stress Level and Coping Mechanisms of Parents of Newborn Babies with Down Syndrome in Hong Kong’.
January
The Association published the CD ‘Down Syndrome Baby to School I – Service Introduction for Pre-School Disabled Children’.
March
Our Parents Training Group organized a ‘Treasures of Modern Parenthood’ certificate course with sponsorship from the Parent Education Program of the Education and Manpower Bureau.
May
The ‘Rights of Disabled Athletes’ action was initiated to protest against the Irish government’s decision to prohibit five athletes from SARS affected areas, including Hong Kong, from participating in the Special Olympics. Due to the efforts of the Government and all parties involved, the athletes were finally able to participate in the Games after a separation period.
May
Our application for the ‘Business Plan Development Scheme’ funding was once again a success. The Kwan Ngai Cleaning Team was set up to create more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
May
The Association actively protested for transport concessions for people with disabilities.
July
The Association published the CD ‘Parents Certificate Course: Treasures of Modern Parenthood’.
November
The Association won the bid for the sheltered workshop at Lek Yuen Estate in Sha Tin, which was outsourced by the Social Welfare Department. It was later renamed ‘Tiptop Training Centre’ to provide integrated vocational rehabilitation services for people with disabilities.
March
A ‘Caring Employer Award Day’ was organised to recognise the efforts of employers who hire people with disabilities. The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, and our President, Sir David Tang presided over the ceremony.
March
The second ‘Stevie Award for Outstanding Persons with Down Syndrome’ was organised to recognise people with Down syndrome for their excellence in all areas. The Association was honoured to have its founder, Mr. Jonathan Chamberlain and Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Department attend the evaluation and awards ceremony.
April
The Association received funding from the Social Welfare Department to implement the Department’s ‘LINK Project’ to provide Respite Link and Support Link Services to relieve parents’ pressure in looking after disabled family members.
August
The Association received a grant from the Social Welfare Department’s first ‘Business Plan Development Scheme’ to set up Down’s Car Beauty Team. Six people with disabilities were employed as contract members of the service.
November
The first second-hand retail shop, Blooming Market – Goodrich Branch was opened with funds from the Employment Services Centre. Its main purposes were to provide sales training and create more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
December
A member of the British Royal Family visited the Employment Services Centre.
March
The Association organised a ‘Charity Fashion and Variety Show’ and used the donations to set up an employment support fund for people with disabilities, thanks to the support of the Hong Kong International School.
September
The results of a ‘Children with Down Syndrome Development Index’ study were published in an international seminar in Beijing for the first time.
October
The number of job opportunities created through department-funded social enterprises saw an increase from 50 to 70.
November
The Association obtained 30 places for the ‘On the Job Training Program for People with Disabilities’ held by the Social Welfare Department.
January
Helped expand the number of Down Sydrome clinics providing one-stop medical follow-up and counseling services in cooperation with the Prince of Wales Hospital.
June
The Association received generous funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for the development of support services for parents of newborn babies with Down Syndrome.
October
The Parents’ Committee set up three groups to serve the parents of children with Down Syndrome, namely ‘The Rights Advocacy and Policy Concern Group’ to improve their understanding of relevant current affairs and policies; ‘The Parents Training Group’ to provide them with important knowledge and networking skills; and the ‘Christmas Dinner Preparatory Group’ so they can plan an annual Christmas dinner and other family recreational activities.
November
The Association participated in the 7th World Down Syndrome Congress in Sydney.
The Association participated in an international conference on ‘The Medical Needs and Health Care for People with Down Syndrome’ in Taipei, courtesy of the Down’s Syndrome Association of the Republic of China.
The Association provided assistance on a research project about ‘The Needs of Siblings of People with Down Syndrome’ for the master’s students of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong.
December
The ‘Come on! Fusion Corps’ talent scheme was successfully held, thanks to the generous donation from the Queen Elizabeth Foundation for the Mentally Handicapped.
Advocated the need of developing integrated education to the Government by facilitating the successful legislation of the ‘Integrated Education Pilot Project’ as a formal education policy.
March
The Charity gala premiere of ‘Message in a Bottle’ was held.
September
16 members of the Association participated in a ‘Dream Tour of Switzerland’ sponsored by the Jetour Charity Foundation.
May
Mrs. Betty HP Tung JP, wife of the former Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive, presided over the opening ceremony of the Employment Services Centre.
March
Co-organised a ‘Be your own master – Learn from Down Syndrome children’ seminar with the Academy of Pediatrics and published our first research report on ‘People with Down Syndrome and the needs of their families’.
June
Our supported employment service was relocated to Fuk Loi Estate, Tsuen Wan, and the Employment Services Centre was formally established.
September
Driven by the joint efforts of the Association and other related institutions, the Education Department launched the ‘Integrated Education Pilot Project’.
February
The Association organised the first ‘Stevie Award for Outstanding Persons with Down Syndrome’ using funds from Keswick Foundation and the Hospital Authority.
April
September
A ‘Mentally Handicapped PR Ambassadors’ team was formed, funded by the Queen Elizabeth Foundation.
November
The Community Chest agreed to grant sponsored support services to parents of newborn babies with Down Syndrome for two years.
February
The Venture Scouts, 84th Kowloon Group was officially established.
April
Former Governor Chris Patten visited the Association.
August
The Association held its opening ceremony in Tung Tau Estate.
November
A Parents’ Committee was established, and a parental support network of six regional Down Syndrome parent groups was set up to foster mutual sharing and develop a social support network.
November
The Association cooperated with all Hong Kong and Kowloon hospitals to launch support services for parents of newborn babies with Down Syndrome.
The Association established good relationships with parental and community groups. It played important advisory and advocacy role in the legislation process of the Mental Health (Amendment) Ordinance to protect mentally handicapped women and the integrated education policy.
The Bradbury Parents Resource Centre gained subvention from the Social Welfare Department.
January
Sir David Tang was invited to join the Association as the President.
April
Working with the Department of Pediatrics of Princess Margaret Hospital, Down Syndrome clinics were established to provide services for newborn babies with Down Syndrome.
August
The Bradbury Parents Resource Centre was opened in Tung Tau Estate thanks to the sponsorship of the Social Welfare Department and Bradbury Charitable Trust Fund. The site became the head office of the Association.
September
The Association started providing supported employment services with funding received from the Queen Elizabeth Foundation.
Become a member of The Community Chest.
April
The first Annual General Meeting was held in the Duke of Windsor Social Service Building and attended by representatives of the Social Welfare Department, who the ‘Central Referral System’ to meeting participants.
The Association published a booklet called ‘Your baby is special’. Active preparations began for the establishment of the Executive Committee, and a monthly parents group meeting was initiated.
Upon receiving its first donation of $100,000 from the Marden Foundation, the Association employed its first full-time staff and opened its first office in 257 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun. It also set up a new telephone service hotline, some parent groups and interest groups, and began providing support to families in need.
October
The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association was officially registered as a non-profit organization. Its Executive Committee was formed, and the first edition of the Down Syndrome newsletter was published.
Founder Mr. Jonathan Chamberlain and a group of enthusiastic parents acknowledged the lack of healthcare services, information, professional counselling, and communication available for people with Down Syndrome. They began to prepare for the establishment of a Down Syndrome Association in order to provide information and social resources for parents, and give them the opportunity to exchange and share their experiences with one another.