Press Releases
People with disabilities reminded to renew registration cards
The Health, Welfare and Food Bureau today (April 20) reminded holders of
registration cards for people with disabilities (PWDs) which did not have the
photograph of the holder to apply for a new card with photograph. Old cards will
be invalid next March.
A bureau spokesman said holders of old cards issued in 2003, 2004 and 2005 would
receive notification letters for card renewal by post next month (May). For
those who have received the notification but have yet to take action, they are
reminded to renew their cards by October 2007."
The Central Registry for Rehabilitation (CRR) of the bureau has been undertaking
an 18-month renewal exercise for Registration Cards without photograph for PWDs
since May, 2006, under which about 40,000 card-holders have been or will be
informed by mail in phases, according to their dates of issue.
To enhance the credibility and acceptance of the registration cards, the CRR has
been issuing cards printed on security paper with photograph of cardholders (new
card), to PWDs since July, 2005.
"To enhance the credibility and acceptance of the new cards, applicants for
issue of new cards or card renewal are required to submit disability
certification by registered medical practitioners (in public or private
practice) or allied health professionals.
"The CRR 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'
particulars and need not provide separate certification of disability status.
These organisations are authorised to certify, according to their records,
applicants' disabilities status and duration using the Disability Certification
(CRR4) in the renewal application form," the spokesman said.
Applicants for card renewal are required to send their completed application
form together with disability certification and the old cards to the CRR
according to the timetable. New cards will be issued to applicants upon
verification of documents.
Details of the renewal exercise and relevant information are set out in the
notification letters to cardholders. It is also available at the bureau's
website. Other relevant information is outlined in the Guidance Notes for
applying Registration Cards. For enquiries, please contact 2509 4891, 2509 4904
or 2509 4905.
Ends/Friday, April 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:47
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Attachment:
Guidance Notes for applying Registration Cards