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As Hong Kong works towards becoming a more inclusive society, initiatives like The Ability Bridges play a crucial role in ensuring that legal protection and knowledge are accessible to all members of the community. Through this comprehensive approach, Hugill & II and its partners are not just providing services – they’re building bridges to a more equitable future.
In a significant move towards inclusive legal services, Hugill & Ip has launched “The Ability Bridges”, a six-month corporate social responsibility campaign designed to address critical legal needs within Hong Kong’s disability community.
The initiative, launching on the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December 2025), represents a coordinated response to the complex challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families.
Global context and local challenges
The campaign launches against a backdrop of pressing global disability issues. According to recent World Health Organization data, approximately 1.3 billion people – or 1 in 6 people globally – experience significant disability. More alarmingly, persons with disabilities face considerably shorter life expectancies, with some dying up to 20 years earlier than those without disabilities. They also experience twice the risk of developing conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke-risk, and obesity.
In Hong Kong, the landscape presents its own unique challenges. The Census and Statistics Department’s 2023 Special Topics Report revealed that 534,200 people, representing 7.1% of the city’s population, live with disabilities. Under broader definitions, this number increases to 866,500 people (11.6% of the population). Employment remains a critical issue, with only 40% of working-age persons with disabilities being economically active, highlighting significant barriers to workplace inclusion.
A collaborative framework
Ability Bridges brings together three prominent NGOs – Love 21 Foundation, The Nesbitt Centre, and Sensational Foundation – in a unique collaborative model. The campaign operates through four strategic pillars:
- The Justice Bridge: Providing direct pro bono legal representation and advice
- The Knowledge Bridge: Delivering accessible legal education to families and employers
- The Support Bridge: Training NGO workers in legal issue identification
- The Future Bridge: Facilitating future planning through an innovative fundraising model
“What makes this campaign unique is its holistic approach,” explains Adam Hugill, Partner at Hugill & Ip. “We’re not just offering legal services; we’re building a sustainable ecosystem of support that will continue benefiting the community long after the campaign ends.”
Innovative fundraising model
The campaign introduces a groundbreaking “Secure a Future” fundraising initiative. Donors contributing HK$8,000 or more to partner NGOs receive complimentary legal services, including Will drafting (HK$12,000 for Mirror Wills), Enduring Power of Attorney (HK$6,000), or Deed of Guardianship (HK$4,000). This model ensures that 100% of donations directly support NGO programs while providing essential legal planning services to donors.
Campaign milestones and activities
The six-month campaign features several key initiatives. The campaign addresses critical challenges facing Hong Kong’s disability community through three strategic phases. Beginning with several legal workshops on estate planning, the initiative progresses to comprehensive training sessions and educational resources for families and NGO staff. The final phase delivers workplace inclusion programs and community legal clinics, while tackling fundamental issues such as inadequate legal planning, limited rights awareness, restricted access to services, and employment discrimination barriers. All activities support the campaign’s core mission of building a more inclusive and legally empowered community.
“The statistics are clear – persons with disabilities face significant barriers in accessing legal services and understanding their rights,” notes Alfred Ip, Partner at Hugill & Ip. “This campaign provides practical solutions while building long-term capacity within the community.”
Community impact and future vision
The Ability Bridges campaign aims to achieve several measurable outcomes during its six-month run:
- Handling a significant number of pro bono cases for individuals and families that would not be able to otherwise afford legal representation
- Training families and individuals through educational workshops
- Establishing a sustainable framework for ongoing legal support
- Generating funding for partner NGOs’ programs
The campaign’s impact extends beyond immediate legal services. By building knowledge and capacity within NGOs and the broader community, it creates a foundation for long-term change in how legal services are delivered to persons with disabilities.
Getting involved
Families seeking support can access services through partner NGOs, while legal professionals interested in volunteering and members of the public wishing to contribute can contact the campaign team at [email protected] or +852 2861 1511.