Chan Lok Yiu

Enhancing the Facilities for Hearing Impairment in MTR Name: Chan Lok Yiu Uwe Student Number: 23078309 Course Number: UZVRU3-20-3 Course Title: Leadership and Enterprise.

[Audio] As part of the presentation we are examining the implementation of policies to enhance the facilities for hearing impairment in the MTR. The Equal Opportunities Commission a statutory body responsible for tackling discrimination in Hong Kong conducted a policy review to help create a pluralistic and inclusive society that offers equal opportunities for all. The Commission identified four ordinances for the prevention of discrimination towards sex disability family status and race. We will be concentrating on how these policies can be used to benefit the M-T-R by improving facilities for hearing impairment..

[Audio] M-T-R is committed to providing equal access for those with hearing impairments through its “MTR Care” App featuring induction loops information cards passenger information displays and on-train information panels..

[Audio] M-T-R has taken various steps to ensure that its facilities are accessible and inclusive for people with hearing impairments. This includes the use of induction loops information cards passenger information display system flashing system maps and active line diagrams as well as the “MTR-Care” app. All these tools aid in providing information regarding journeys thus making the experience of travelling with M-T-R convenient and enjoyable for people with hearing impairments. This ensures that their services are equitable and accessible..

[Audio] Hong Kong's deaf population is facing a major issue in public transportation. There are no effective visual alerts resulting in physical injuries. To mitigate the problem we intend to install a countdown system at the doors. This would reduce physical accidents increase travel rate and satisfaction among the deaf population. Our aim is to ensure deaf residents have the same convenience and safety as other commuters..

[Audio] People with hearing impairments need extra support when using the MTR. It is essential to be mindful of this to guarantee their security and well-being. An issue that can arise is photosensitive epilepsy which happens when people are exposed to flashing lights or light/dark patterns. Although uncommon this condition can be identified through an E-E-G test and the Epilepsy Society states that up to 5% of those with epilepsy in the UK suffer from photosensitive epilepsy. It is common in young adults and children with an estimated 60000 to 70000 people in Hong Kong being afflicted with this disorder. Therefore it is important that M-T-R stations provide the appropriate infrastructure to decrease the chances of photosensitive epilepsy in those with hearing impairments..

[Audio] In order to improve the safety and convenience for passengers with hearing impairment we proposed two solutions to address the issue of hearing impairment among M-T-R passengers. The first one is to implement a system with visual indications instead of an alarm with a flashing light. Additionally we plan to increase the funding for staff members to develop sign language skills so that each station has at least one staff member who can provide help to passengers with hearing impairment..

[Audio] We plan to enhance accessibility for passengers with hearing impairments in M-T-R by implementing alarm systems for stops and transfers setting up digital devices to every door to track the remaining time before it closes and installing assistance to help users with the new system. To ensure successful implementation we will conduct research with people with hearing impairment and people with Epilepsy. Based on the feedback from deaf passengers we will assess the impact of these changes and make any necessary adjustments to improve accessibility for them in MTR..

[Audio] As we strive to make our M-T-R more accessible to those with hearing impairments we must consider the methods and tools necessary to determine success. To properly collect feedback we recommend following a P-D-S-A cycle. For passengers with hearing impairments we suggest conducting a meeting with two deaf associations every six months in order to review the efficacy of any changes made. Additionally we suggest collecting thirty satisfaction reports following a complaint which can be done through either a questionnaire or video call. Regarding our staff we recommend gathering both junior and senior members for a meeting each year. Furthermore we ask that all staff submit a minimum of two improvement suggestions. By following these steps we can ensure that our M-T-R is welcoming and accessible to all..

[Audio] The department of market affairs and customer experience has taken multiple strides to improve the M-T-R experience for passengers with hearing impairments. They have appointed a sign language teacher to educate their employees and promote new facilities via mass media. Additionally they have hired a public relations manager app developer engineers a junior software engineer and assistance app developers to create and design an app dedicated to this purpose. Likewise advisors have been assigned to give advice on how to better the current status of the MTR. These actions highlight the department's commitment to making the M-T-R accessible for all..

[Audio] The Democratic leadership approach revolves around taking input from all team members creating an environment of collaboration and ultimately developing innovative solutions. Research from Leadership Success (2023) and Nancarrow and others (2013) suggests that collective success is made up of shared decision-making problem-solving communication and evaluation. All of these elements should be taken into consideration when utilizing this approach. Applying the Democratic leadership approach in practice could help to tackle difficult challenges promote new ideas and reach objectives..

[Audio] Creating a shared vision open communication and a learning environment are essential for effective leadership in order to enhance the facilities for hearing impairment in MTR. Trust cooperation and staying up-to-date on the newest trends and technologies can be developed and maintained which can help ensure the attainment of desired outcomes..

[Audio] Adopting collective management is a huge boost for our company. It not only increases decision-making and efficiency but also encourages self-motivation and sustainability. We are also inviting co-workers to give both positive and negative comments and we warmly accept further recommendations from disability organizations and persons. We hope to create a feeling of inclusiveness within our business. Going forward we intend to make sure the same concerns are taken into account when it comes to matters faced by persons with disabilities. To ensure that this is upheld we are founding a department to acquire input from people with disabilities..

[Audio] It is clear that the progress made in enhancing facilities for hearing impairment in the M-T-R has been successful. Government of Hong Kong and academic research sources have demonstrated that the current state of hearing facilities in the M-T-R is satisfactory. Facilities and services for people with hearing impairment including text-to-speech technology marked elevator buttons and visual hearing aids are all being provided. To further improve accessibility for hearing-impaired passengers possible improvements to existing services could include the addition of more tactile devices or providing comprehension tests for train announcements. Our plan is to continue to enhance the M-T-R environment and make it more friendly and inclusive for all..