Encouraging the disabled to join arts and cultural activities is an effective way to help them integrate into society, so opportunities will be provided for them to develop their artistic potential, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says.

At the Jockey Club Arts for the Disabled Scheme Annual Performance 2008 today, Mr Cheung said the Government will provide a barrier-free environment and seek more performance opportunities to let them share the joy of artistic activities.

"We are committed to meeting the policy objective of focusing on whole-person development, regardless of disabilities. This approach is also in line with the 2007 rehabilitation programme plan," Mr Cheung said.

The Government will continue to enhance support services for people with disabilities. The funding for rehabilitation services in the last financial year reached $16.7 billion, representing 7% of total Government spending.

The Jockey Club Arts for the Disabled Scheme offers basic training to the disabled in the arts and cultural fields, benefiting more than 6,000 students in special schools and more than 1,000 persons with disabilities each year since 2003.