Sassy Supports: The Nesbitt Centre

Founded to pioneer personalised special education programmes fostering lifelong learning and helping students with autism and learning disabilities to reach their full potential, The Nesbitt Centre evolved into making Hong Kong a more inclusive society.

The Nesbitt Centre (TNC) was founded 30 years ago in response to the demand for specialised services and educational opportunities in Hong Kong, particularly for English-speaking individuals with disabilities and their families. Concerned by this and for his own daughter’s situation, David Nesbitt established TNC to offer opportunities which empowered neuro-diverse individuals to live as independently as possible with an enriched quality of life.

Beyond supporting its learners, TNC collaborates with other NGOs, businesses, government and stakeholders to break down barriers and promote acceptance — a holistic approach to creating a more inclusive Hong Kong.

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What are they key ways in which the Nesbitt Centre empowers adults with learning difficulties?

Empowerment is at the core of TNC’s mission. Our holistic strength-based education programmes and meaningful employment support adults with learning difficulties in achieving independence, fostering self-determination and enhancing their quality of life. To achieve this, we emphasise a collaborative learner-led, strength-based and needs-driven approach when creating programmes, activities, and opportunities.

As such, we start by identifying the unique strengths, interests, and abilities of each participant. We carefully assess the specific physical, cognitive, social and independent living needs of our participants to ensure content is tailored to their requirements. We then design activities that build upon these assets, and our learners play an active role in shaping the content and structure of the programmes.

To refine and enhance our offerings, we regularly consult and collaborate with the learners and the multidisciplinary team to monitor, evaluate and modify goals where needed. This ensures we are responding to evolving needs and aspirations of our learners and their families, to help create programmes that truly empower our participants, promote their independence, and improve their overall quality of life.

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What do recent statistics regarding adults with learning difficulties tell us about the current situation in Hong Kong?

The Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO) which came into operation in 1996, aims to eliminate and prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWD) and significant strides have been taken in Hong Kong to make it a more inclusive society. However, PWDs and their families continue the uphill battle. According to research carried out from 1998 to 2021 by the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), PWDs face barriers and stigma which put them at a disadvantage, encompassing schooling, employment and equitable access to society.

From the research, it would be fair to say that many people in Hong Kong still view disabilities through the lens of the Medical Model. Here, disability is seen primarily as an individual’s problem that requires treatment or “fixing”, rather than as a social issue that necessitates changes in the environment, attitudes and systems to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities. Currently, the main challenges individuals with disabilities and their families face are access to education, public facilities and employment services/opportunities (EOC, 2021).

For a more inclusive Hong Kong, embracing the social model and human rights-based approach will shift the focus to improving physical accessibility, challenging stigma, and fostering inclusive work cultures. While progress has been made to dismantle societal barriers for people with disabilities, ongoing challenges highlight the need for continued advocacy, improved resources and enhanced societal understanding to support adults with learning difficulties in Hong Kong.

What have you learnt about working with adults with learning disabilities?

One surprising insight about working with adults with learning disabilities is that disability often functions as a mindset, rather than a fixed condition. It’s frequently the perceptions and attitudes of those around the individual that create barriers, rather than the disabilities themselves. When we shift our focus from viewing disability as a limitation to recognising it as a different way of experiencing the world, we uncover the unique strengths and perspectives that individuals possess. This mindset change fosters inclusivity and empowerment, allowing individuals to thrive and contribute in meaningful ways.

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How can we get involved?

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of those supported by the Nesbitt Centre in several heartfelt ways:

• Volunteer Your Time: If you have some time, consider volunteering. Your presence and support can greatly enrich the programmess and activities the Centre offers, creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone. 
• Share Your Expertise: If you have specialised skills or knowledge, consider sharing your expertise with the Centre. Skills in (but not limited to) education, therapy, employment services, arts and crafts, entrepreneurship, building and maintaining accessible equipment and facilities, IT, marketing and PR, can greatly enhance programmes and opportunities for learners and their families.
• Make a Donation: Every contribution, no matter the size, can help sustain and enhance vital programmes, services, therapies and community engagement opportunities. Consider making a donation through their website or during fundraising events. 
• Corporate Partnerships: Corporations have a unique opportunity to make a significant difference. By sponsoring community engagement events, you can help provide meaningful work experiences for learners, empowering them towards greater independence. A key initiative is the upcoming Standard Chartered Marathon, where TNC is honoured to be one of the featured charities. Consider becoming a sponsor for the 2025 Standard Chartered Marathon Charity and show your support for the SEND community in Hong Kong.
• Spread the Word: Sharing information about The Nesbitt Centre with your friends and family can help raise awareness. Your voice can amplify their mission and encourage others to get involved. Follow them on Instagram. 
• Advocate for Inclusion: Support policies that promote the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Your advocacy can help create a more understanding and accepting society.

You can help foster a brighter future for individuals at the Nesbitt Centre, showing that together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.