On disability services, a government push could go far

Did you notice all the events taking place in Hong Kong last week to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities? No? Me neither.

Led by their governments, groups around the world held events and launched initiatives to recognise the UN-sanctioned day and mark their country's progress in supporting the rights of people with disabilities. In Australia, disability awards were presented by the prime minister, draft legislation for a disability insurance scheme was introduced and hundreds of community events were held.

In Britain, the government has pledged to uphold the legacy of the 2012 Paralympic Games. Local councils organised events, as did companies like Microsoft, which provided training on assistive technology. In the US, President Barack Obama called on Americans "to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities and programmes".

Some may think it's inappropriate to compare these countries with Hong Kong. I disagree; they are the appropriate comparisons for a global city. Global cities embrace diversity as part of 21st-century living.

I recognise, however, that this is not the most rigorous way to assess a country's approach to disability. This day is often criticised as a public relations exercise for governments.

The irony of the Hong Kong situation is that while there were no Obama-style proclamations by our chief executive or high-profile events - other than a Hong Kong Council of Social Service ceremony the previous week for its caring employers award - considerable work is being done under the public radar to improve the lot of people with disabilities.