Accessibility challenges persist for persons with disabilities despite gov’t efforts

In Macau, the promotion of accessible facilities remains crucial, yet many elderly individuals and persons with disabilities continue to encounter significant challenges in older neighborhoods, where inadequate accessibility hinders their mobility and limits social activities and mental health.

As of mid-2025, the exact number of elderly residents in Macau has not been announced, but the government plans to distribute old-age pensions to those aged 65 and above starting in October this year, benefiting an estimated 40,000 individuals.

Meanwhile, as of March 31 this year, there were 19,815 people registered in the Social Welfare Bureau’s (IAS) disability assessment registry.

This includes 6,023 with physical disabilities, 877 with visual impairments, 6,017 with hearing impairments, 1,338 with intellectual disabilities, 3,992 with mental disabilities, and 54 with speech impairments. Additionally, 1,514 individuals were recorded as having multiple disabilities.

Speaking to the Times, Paul Pun, the secretary-general of Caritas Macau, shared that currently, Caritas Macau serves 189 men with mental disabilities or chronic mental illnesses at Lar Sao Luis Gonzaga. It also supports 109 women with disabilities aged 16 and above at Centro de Santa Margarida.

Additionally, 24 children under 15 with mental or physical disabilities, who lack proper care, are served at Lar De Nossa Senhora Da Penha. The Caritas Macau Sunshine Center cares for 33 individuals aged 16 and above with disabilities.

At Complexo de Serviços de Reabilitação “Cruz Iluminada,” 37 children and adolescents aged six to 15 with developmental disabilities receive support, along with services for those aged 16 and above with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.

The IAS has emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an accessible environment. In response to a written inquiry from lawmaker Nick Lei about legislation for accessible environments and community transportation improvements, the bureau announced that this legislative work will be part of the next phase of the “10-Year Action Plan for Rehabilitation Services.”

The bureau noted that it aims to complete this initiative by 2026.

In an interview with the Times about the city’s accessible environment, Pun expressed optimism about the increasing acceptance of people with disabilities among residents.

He noted that while significant progress has been made, some individuals still hold conservative views, often prioritizing their own needs over those of people with disabilities. Pun remarked that although discriminatory barriers still existed in the past, they have fortunately decreased, enabling individuals with disabilities to engage more freely in social activities and interact with friends.

Pun acknowledged that the current environment in Macau significantly affects the willingness of people with disabilities to go out. He noted that, unlike in Hong Kong or Taiwan, this issue is more pronounced in Macau, where individuals with disabilities venture outside less frequently.

He highlighted the challenges faced by wheelchair users in Macau, noting that while they do venture out, their activity levels are notably low. This is particularly true for elderly residents in tong lau, commonly referred to as “Chinese buildings”, who often refrain from going out altogether.

Such reluctance limits their social interactions and opportunities for engagement within the community.

Additionally, Pun addressed the situation for visually impaired individuals, acknowledging the availability of mobile apps that help track bus arrival times. However, he pointed out that significant obstacles remain at major public transportation hubs.

Although there are some tactile guidance paths and accessible traffic lights, the resources are insufficient to fully address the needs of this population.

He remarked that, compared to other regions, the number of visually impaired individuals in Macau is relatively small, and they may not be accustomed to expressing their needs. Nonetheless, their voices and concerns remain vital to improving accessibility in the region.

Pun pointed out that the willingness of people with disabilities to go out is closely related to psychological issues.

To encourage them to be more cheerful and interact with others, Caritas initiated a barrier-free travel program through the Accessible Travel Agency in 2009. This service is designed to facilitate travel for people with disabilities, allowing them to cover their own tour fees and travel expenses. He noted that “while our services are in high demand, they remain limited in supply.”

According to Pun, Caritas has made significant efforts to assist people with disabilities in their mobility.

The organization provides mobile stair lifts to help wheelchair users navigate stairs in older buildings where accessible facilities are often lacking, as well as regular and convenient shuttle bus services for wheelchair users.

As of the latest data, these two services were used by 1,213 and over 2,000 individuals, respectively.

Referring to the government’s next phase of the “10-Year Action Plan for Rehabilitation Services,” Pun praised the recent initiatives aimed at promoting barrier-free facilities. He highlighted that new government buildings, as well as newly constructed private buildings, are now equipped with these accessible features.

Additionally, some tourist attractions and hotels have either barrier-free facilities or provide information about them to assist those in need.

He highlighted the benefits of Macau’s accessible environment for people with disabilities. With the opening of the light rapid transit (LRT), individuals in wheelchairs can travel more conveniently to work. He mentioned a wheelchair user who works in Seac Pai Van and now takes the train from Barra station to Seac Pai Van station.

The accessible LRT, while not covering the entire city, allows wheelchair users to travel independently, reducing their reliance on others for transportation.

Pun noted that Macau has many bus routes, with about 70% of buses accommodating wheelchairs.

However, during peak hours, most buses are fully occupied, and the designated spaces for wheelchair users are often taken, causing stress for individuals with disabilities and discouraging them from using public transportation.

Pun hopes the government will further improve Caritas shuttle bus services by adding more routes to better serve wheelchair users, believing that this expansion would significantly enhance the mobility of people with disabilities.