The Nesbitt Centre is leading the charge to empowerment and inclusivity for the disabled and neurodiverse community in Hong Kong

Standing strong for 30 years, The Nesbitt Centre (TNC) has championed specialized educational programs and services for young adults with learning disabilities across Hong Kong. “Our vision is to take a holistic approach to creating a more inclusive Hong Kong,” says Gabriel Lai, Head of Special Educational Needs at TNC. 

Through this holistic approach, TNC supports, empowers and guides students towards a path of self-sufficiency. “Our holistic education develops social, emotional and physical capabilities,” explains Lai, describing TNC’s mission as a “strengths based approach” that fosters an environment where students can build independence, self-care and self-determination. 

TMS sat down with Lai to learn more about the creation of TNC, its initiatives, successes and more.

The journey of The Nesbitt Centre

Founder David Nesbitt, motivated by his daughter's own situation, initially established TNC to create opportunities and services for young adults with disabilities and their families in Hong Kong.

“What began as a single recreational center providing day-to-day services has evolved into one of Hong Kong’s truly inclusive further educational centers,” says Lai. In the beginning of its journey, TNC focused its efforts on providing everyday recreational opportunities for the disabled and neurodiverse community in the city. 

“TNC's founding vision was to pioneer personalized special education programs fostering lifelong learning and helping students with autism, learning disabilities and unique abilities reach their full potential,” Lai explains. But, “the inevitable reality of aging parents and/or their own declining health had brought up the looming question: Who will continue to support and advocate for my child?” 

With this came the blueprint for the Preparation for Life program formed in 2002, which forges a path to social communication, self-management, life and vocational skills for its members.  By providing an environment that fosters independence, allowing individuals to hone and expand their personal skills, the next step came into view – employment. But TNC found there was a lack of inclusive workplaces in the city. “This was what led to the push for TNC’s newest vision: making Hong Kong a more inclusive society,” says Lai.

“In Hong Kong, there is an opportunity to move from the medical model which views disability as a problem to be ‘fixed,’ towards a more progressive social model that focuses on dismantling societal barriers,” says Lai. TNC saw the need for a push for empowerment and a changed perspective. Traditional workplaces can be slow to accommodate individuals with diverse needs, whether it's because of inflexible policies, outdated infrastructure or a rigid workplace culture. “The focus tends to be on conformity rather than inclusion,” says Lai. 

TNC began collaborating with local businesses and government departments, paving the way for one of Hong Kong’s first inclusive employment opportunities. These efforts, championed by Dr. Surinder Punjya (The Executive Director of TNC), led to the creation of TNC’s social enterprises: Cafe 8, The Nest Cafes and The Nest Bakery, located in Central, Jordan and Chai Wan. “At The Nesbitt Centre, our mission is to enhance the quality of life, promote long-term independence, and foster self-determination,” says Lai. These enterprises provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with neurodiverse backgrounds, with over 50% of the staff coming from this community.

A strengths-based approach to inclusivity

By embracing both the social and human rights-based model, TNC is actively working to dismantle the societal barriers faced by those with disabilities. The organization's focus is on inclusion, not conformity. “These models shift the focus on the strengths of the individual,” says Lai, “of what they can do rather than what they cannot yet.” 

“At The Nesbitt Centre, our mission is to enhance the quality of life, promote long-term independence, and foster self-determination,” says Lai. By developing personalized programs tailored to learners’ strengths, TNC ensures that their students not only gain independence but also thrive in work environments that recognize their potential.

Empowerment comes from full participation – challenging and dismembering the existing stigma surrounding disabilities. “TNC aims to enable its learners to be the best version of themselves,” says Lai. “We start by identifying the unique strengths, interests and abilities of each participant, and then design activities that build upon these assets.”

“In Hong Kong, the government, corporate entities and society at large have taken monumental steps forward in creating a more inclusive environment for all individuals in the work environment,” Lai asserts, “However, there is still work to be done to ensure that inclusivity is reflected in every aspect of our society. It is crucial for businesses, organizations and community members to actively collaborate and engage in fostering a culture that values and uplifts all individuals, promoting not just awareness but tangible actions that lead to accessibility and flexibility in and outside of the workplace.”

“This helps create more inclusive environments where the unique skills and perspectives of employees with disabilities can really shine,” says Lai. This approach is not just empowering for the individuals but also beneficial for businesses that embrace inclusivity. “It’s a win-win all around when workplaces embrace the social and human rights approaches to disability. It empowers people with disabilities to thrive and contribute in meaningful ways,” Lai adds. 

“And the best part is, they get access to a whole new pool of talented, innovative individuals who can really boost innovation while improving retention amongst the staff.” 

Community engagement – a two-way street 

The outcome is a two-way street. Success comes from the growth of the community as a whole. “While our learners gain the confidence and acceptance they need to thrive, ultimately, community engagement is a cornerstone of The Nesbitt Centre’s mission,” says Lai. Through the strengths-based approach and inclusivity that comes with TNC’s initiatives, a flurry of diverse perspectives and talents across Hong Kong’s working ecosystem is unleashed. This engagement helps learners apply their skills in real-world settings, building competence and a sense of belonging. 

“By fostering strong community connections, we can ensure our learners are seamlessly integrated and able to participate fully.” But, it’s a collective effort. “It is a two-way street that uplifts both our learners and the wider community,” says Lai, “moving us closer to the inclusive society we envision.”

What matters is the connection – the interaction between members of the community that empowers and nurtures the skills developed by TNC’s learners. “Individuals can help facilitate community engagement opportunities where our learners can actively participate and contribute,” says Lai. “The community’s involvement is crucial for creating real-world experiences that empower our learners and work towards a more inclusive Hong Kong.” Community members can get involved by volunteering their time and skills, participating in events, or providing workplace opportunities.

The future of inclusion with The Nesbitt Centre

Through the emphasis on empowerment and a strengthened community, TNC has high hopes for a more inclusive Hong Kong. “By coming together, we can break down barriers, reduce stigma and create greater opportunities for independent living,” says Lai. 

“Looking to the future, our mission and vision is for The Nesbitt Centre to serve as a pioneer in special educational needs (SEN) programming and employment while working towards a more inclusive Hong Kong,” Lai explains. TNC envisions a future where individuals with disabilities can thrive fully in society. To achieve this, Lai emphasizes the importance of collaboration, workplace inclusion, stronger inclusive policies, universal design and greater advocacy.

“Our goal is for Hong Kong to become a model city where people with diverse abilities can live independently, participate fully and reach their greatest potential,” concludes Lai. “With the community, The Nesbitt Centre is committed to leading this charge.”