Disabled Toilet in Hong Kong: A Comparative Study

Toilet has close relations in our daily life. It helps reflect our living standard, therefore it is crucial for us to aware the importance of a good and clean toilet. Hong Kong is one of the world’s tourism destinations and millions travel from all over the world to come to visit Hong Kong. The travelers include the disabled. They will have the opportunity in using the toilet and it somehow gives an impression on the living standard of Hong Kong. Yet, in such a modernized society in Hong Kong, the environment of some toilets is unsatisfactory. In 1997, the authors carried out a study on the disabled toilet in Hong Kong. After seven years, the authors have another study which was undertook to perform inspection visits on the disabled toilet in Hong Kong between 2004 and 2005 again. Methodology of the study would be discussed first. Findings were then analyzed and recommendations would also be given. From the study, the result was disappointing. The authors found that no disabled toilet that could meet the standard of the Design Manual 1997. It was much worse than the study in 1997 which one (1) disabled toilet that could completely meet the standard of Design Manual 1984 was found. Hence, it is important to improve the disabled toilet environment. It helps provide a nice environment for travelers in using the toilet and will give a good impression in Hong Kong.