IAS: 10-year plan for elderly concludes 2025

The government has announced that the comprehensive 10-Year Action Plan for Elderly Services is expected to be completed within the next year.

This step towards improving accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities will focus on three key areas: smart technology, barrier-free construction, and fostering a socially inclusive environment to promote independent living and equal participation.

The new phase of planning will build on existing efforts to create a barrier-free environment. The director of the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), Hon Wai, stated that the “Macau SAR Barrier-free Universal Design Building Guidelines” have been included in the design requirements for public projects, and these guidelines are being fully implemented in newly built or renovated public buildings and public road projects.

The government is also working to enhance sign language capabilities through initiatives like the “Macau Sign Language Vocabulary Development Project,” which aims to standardize and expand the local sign language vocabulary. In terms of barrier-free facilities and sign language interpretation for the hearing-impaired, all external service points of IAS have been equipped with the necessary barrier-free equipment.

Additionally, sign language interpretation and text transcription services will be provided at relevant events and meetings. Victoria Chan