Disabled visitor

Hi,


My mother and father are visiting us in a few weeks time. My father has problems with his legs and needs a wheelchair for venturing around and about the outside world. He can take some steps if needed to climb a few stairs, but not more than that.


I've found recommendations for hiring a wheelchair here in HK (his electric one can't travel with him, and besides, everyone here says electric wheelchairs are a problem in HK), so that's sorted.


My questions are:


- can anyone recommend things to do when they are here (we're quite new ourselves in HK) that don't involve steep slopes / steps! (ideas so far include: Peak, Shek O, Disney Land, Shopping in Central!). We've got a car and can travel.


- does anyone know if there is a volunteer service for people who are willing to help push him around? My mother is nearly 60 herself and my wife has one young child and an 8 month old baby to handle. We wouldn't want someone the whole time he is here (just over 2 weeks) but would be grateful for help on a few days, especially when I'm at work during the week.


Thanks, Anthony.

Have you tried to ask Tourist Association in here ? Probably they can give you some help.


Disney Land - have you been ? It is so small & just shops & shops & shops.


If I can think of something, will drop a line again.

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/travelneeds/disabled/index.jhtml



have a look at this link, good luck.

I live in Mui Wo, there is a wheelchair facility on the ferries and the walk/push round to Siilvermine Bay is not so far, the kids would love the beach and the seafood restuarants are wheel chair accesible. I generally work from home and provided I am here I am happy to do the pushing and will meet you in Central.

My brother recdntly visited us here and he is in a wheelchair. The Ngong Ping (gondola) up to the Big Buddha is very accessable and a great view with restaurants and such. We did the Peak too. Believe it or not we did a san pan boat at Aberdeen and our taxi driver and my husband were able to help lift him and his chair on the boat. Stanley is somewhat accessable. Tai O Fishing village on South Lantau. Will think where else we went to

My son is in a wheelchair and I must say HK is a pretty awful place for getting around in a chair, but it is a help if he can walk a few steps, my son can't which makes it more difficult at times.

Would second the Ngong ping, it is very accessible for wheelchairs, and a very nice day out for them.

Disneyland is brilliant too, I know its aimed at kids but I'm sure they;ll enjoy the shows (wheelchairs get priority seating), also Buzz lightyear and the jungle river cruise take wheelchairs without you having to leave the chair. Maybe make that a day out with the grandchildren too. If they fancy the beach, Big Wave bay has no stairs just a slope leading down, the little restaurant there does lovely pizzas, and they could sit there and relax without having to walk on the beach at all. The walk around the peak from the tower is flat and easy, but they would be better taking a cab up there. Shek o Beach is also very accessible with nice restaurants near by. Even the ferries to lantau are do able, probably would be easier with a bit of help.

Many thanks for all the advice! Will have a look at all the great suggestions and also thanks for the personal offers for help. It is very kind indeed and most appreciated.


Kind regards, Anthony.

Repulse Bay has a parking lot directly infront of the beach (hourly)on Beach Road and there are chairs and tables with concrete underneath, not sure if there is one small step up to that.


For a nice walk as you come into Beach Road look for a small access road on your right - you can drive in and unload and then park the car either at Octopus parking on the street or in the hourly carpark mid beach. The boardwalk around from Repulse Bay to Deepwater Bay is lovely, great for prams and kids on trikes too. Completely flat.


The Repulse Bay complex where the Wellcome is has hourly parking underneath and lifts going up to the Pacific Coffee and Spices Restaurants which both have good outside seating and are child friendly as well. You need an octopus card to pay for parking there since last week. There are two sets of lifts there, take the ones from the middle of the car park as opposed to the one that goes directly into the Wellcome. There is also a few little shops for Mum to look around in and a gold fish pond hidden beside the Wellcome for the kids to look at fish and turtles. Not sure about disabled access toilets but the ones at this complex can be reached by wheel chair but it might not fit inside as the ladies at least is up one step and very small.


Not sure about loos on the beaches either.