The Central Registry for Rehabilitation will launch an 18-month renewal exercise for Registration Cards for People with Disabilities in May, the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau says.

About 40,000 registration cards will be renewed according to their date of issue. Holders of cards issued in 1999 will receive invitations for card renewal by post in the coming months, to be followed by others when their turn is due. For the renewal exercise timetable, click here.

To enhance the new cards' acceptance and credibility, applicants are required to submit disability certification by registered medical practitioners or allied health professionals.

The registry has sought assistance from the Social Welfare Department, special schools, vocational training centres and rehabilitation agencies. Users of their services can authorise them to assist in the updating of cardholders' personal particulars and need not provide separate certification of disability status.

Applicants are required to send their completed application form together with disability certification and the old cards according to the timetable. New cards will be issued to them after verification of the documents. For enquiries call 2509 4891, 2509 4904 or 2509 4905.