Well-read: The blind can now read guidelines and applications in Braille

Senior Inspector Cheng Hon-hung, now attached to Ngau Tau Kok Division, said the idea grew from a seminar on parlour licence applications held a few months ago.

"Many people with sight problems attended the seminar and we found they had a lot of difficulty understanding the guidelines, so we started thinking of new services to help them." he said.

"I discussed the subject with Woman Chief Inspector Ma Lo Kin-wah, who was acting as Licensing Office Superintendent at that time, and felt a Braille version and cassette tapes of the guidelines would be the best solution. I then looked for specialist assistance."

WCIP Ma, who has since transferred to the Staff Relations and Conditions of Service Branch, said they came across some difficulties in producing the Braille version, as not many organisations provided the service.

"Fortunately, the Hong Kong Society for the Blind promised to produce three sets of Braille guidelines and cassette tapes for us," she said, adding they were available in the Licensing Office or at the Society's offices.

Licensing Office CIP Cecilia Ng Suk-fun said both the Force and applicants benefited from the move.

"Applicants are now better-able to familiarise themselves with the guidelines, reducing misunderstandings."

"It will also speed up the application process as we do not have to spend time correcting mistakes," she said.

The Blind Masseuses and Masseurs Trade Union praised the new service, its Chairman Cheung So-cheung saying: "In the past, our members had to find friends with normal sight to explain the guidelines to them. It was so inconvenient and time-consuming."

Union member Kenny Li said: "Thanks to the Licensing Office's considerate move, we hope more tailor-made services of a similar kind will be provided."



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