As a pioneer in advocating children’s social inclusion in Hong Kong, TREATS uses education programmes and experiential activities to instill values of acceptance, equality and diversity in the next generation. Our goal is to change perception and end discrimination.
TREATS is proud to have a strong reputation for using evidence-based and impactful methods in our social inclusion programmes and services. We collaborated with universities on research projects such as “Integration in Hong Kong: A Descriptive Study”, “Impact and Effects of Integration Experiences on the Young Generation of Hong Kong”, and “Impacts of TREATS Sports for ALL Project on Social Inclusion”. Additionally, we have conducted investigations and studies on social inclusion issues, including “Inclusion of SEN Secondary Students in Hong Kong”, “Workplace Exclusion of Mentally Challenged Individuals”, “Community Participation of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder” and “Employment Situation of Ethnic Minorities (EM) in Hong Kong”.
Research conducted by universities, commissioned by TREATS
Hong Kong Baptist University - Research on the Impacts of TREATS’ Sports for ALL Project on Social Inclusion (2023)
Since 2012, TREATS has been developing the “Sports for ALL” inclusive sports programme, which now includes four sports: kin-ball, rugby, sailing, and dragon boat. We have always been committed to promoting equal participation between participants with different backgrounds and abilities in sports, and have seen positive changes in their personal growth and social development.
Hoping to promote inclusive sports in an even more systematic, effective and evidence-based way, we have commissioned the Education Department of Hong Kong Baptist University to conduct research on the impact of TREATS‘ Sports for All Programme on social inclusion.
The research confirms that inclusive sports have positive significant changes for mainstream volunteers in diversity, respect, teamwork, and inclusion, and for young people with special needs in self-control, relationships, and decision-making.
Hong Kong Baptist University - Research on the Impact and Effect of Integration Experiences on the Young Generation of Hong Kong (2008)
Collaborating with the Center for Child Development of Hong Kong Baptist University, the prime objective of the research is to examine the impact and effects of integration experience through integration programmes on children and young people in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Baptist University - Integration in Hong Kong (2006)
TREATS commissioned the Child Development Center of the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) to conduct a local study on social integration – the first of its kind in Hong Kong. The “Integration in Hong Kong” research provided many valuable insights, allowing TREATS to adopt a more evidence-based approach.
Research conducted by TREATS
Employment Situation of Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong (2021)
From January to April 2021, TREATS conducted a survey with 621 people of Chinese origin and 138 people from an ethnic minority background, and collected their opinions on the employment situation of ethnic minorities people in Hong Kong. We also carried out in-depth interviews with 11 stakeholders related to the subject, including ethnic minorities youths, teachers, social workers and staff members from ethnic minorities service providers to learn more about the circumstances and struggles of ethnic minorities people in the workplace.
Over 50% of the ethnic minorities interviewees expressed that they got fewer education and employment opportunities compared to the Chinese people in Hong Kong. They indicated that employers would refuse to offer interview, employment and development opportunities because of their races. The study also found Chinese people have stereotypes on the occupations that they think ethnic minorities people should engage in. Over 60% of Chinese interviewees think ethnic minorities people should work in low-skilled jobs.
Participation in Sports for the Mentally Challenged in Hong Kong (2021)
During November 2019 to January 2020, TREATS conducted a survey with 1,101 citizens and 423 parents of youth with mental challenge. The survey collected their opinion on the participation in sports for the mentally challenged in Hong Kong. We also carried out in-depth interviews with 10 mentally challenged students together with their parents, teachers, social workers and coaches to learn more about their views on how people with mental challenge participated in sports, the reality, challenges and reactions.
Nearly 50% of the parents expressed that their children were being discriminated and 30% of them were teased by others when their children participated in sports. Furthermore, 20% of the parents shared that their children did not play any sports within half year. They reflected that it was not enough sports facilities for their children with special needs in Hong Kong.
Community Participation of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2019)
During November 2018 to January 2019, TREATS conducted a survey with 1,025 citizens and 374 parents of youth with autism. The survey collected their opinion on the social participation of autistic people in Hong Kong. We also carried out in-depth interviews with 21 autistic students, their parents, school principals, teachers and social workers from special schools to learn more about the circumstances and struggles of autistic students in the community.
Barrier-free Facilities of Shopping Malls in Hong Kong (2018)
During November 2017 to January 2018, TREATS conducted a survey with 1,500 citizens, including 76 physically challenged or visually challenged individuals. The survey collected their opinion on the barrier-free facilities of shopping malls in Hong Kong. Our youth ambassadors have also conducted on-site inspections in order to compare the accessibility among various malls.
Participation in Leisure Activities of Mentally Challenged Teenagers (2017)
During November 2016 to January 2017, TREATS conducted a survey with over 1,000 citizens, including teenagers with mentally challenged and their parents. The survey collected their opinion on the participation in leisure activities of the mentally challenged.
Workplace Exclusion of Mentally Challenged Individuals (2016)
During November 2015 to January 2016, TREATS conducted a survey with 840 mainstream working people and in-depth interview with mentally challenged graduates and their parents to learn more about the circumstances and struggles of mentally challenged in workplace.
Inclusion of SEN Secondary Students in Hong Kong (2015)
During November 2014 to January 2015, TREATS conducted a survey with 690 secondary school students and in-depth interview with SEN students and their parents to learn more about the circumstances and struggles of SEN students in schools.
Barrier-free City (2012)
TREATS conducted on-site inspections on barrier-free facilities in 13 restaurants, 12 shopping malls and 14 leisure facilities in order to assess the accessibility of the city. We also conducted survey with 386 citizens to learn more about the circumstances and struggles of the special needs.
