The Comprehensive Observation Scheme of the Department of Health provides developmental screening for all children up to the age of five. Regular screening is performed in maternal and child health centres at an interval of 10 weeks, six to nine months and three years after birth. The Department also provides hearing and vision screening for primary one students and an annual health assessment for all primary and secondary school students through the Student Health Service. Children identified to have developmental delay or health problems are referred to child assessment centres of the Department of Health or the Hospital Authority, special education services centres of the Education Department or appropriate specialists for detailed assessment, treatment and follow-up services. The ultimate aim of medical rehabilitation is to restore patients' functional capacity to their maximum potential so that they can live independently and continue to participate in the community as far and as equally as possible.
Services are available in most hospitals, day hospitals, out-patient clinics and infirmaries.
Outreaching services are also available for discharged patients who still require nursing care, support or assistance. Pre-school training Early intervention in the rehabilitation of disabled children help reduce their developmental delay, increase their opportunities for participating in mainstream schools and daily life activities, and help their families to meet their special needs. The Social Welfare Department is responsible for the provision of subvented pre-school services for children with disabilities from birth to the age of six. Major services include early education and training centres, special child care centres and integrated programmes in mainstream child care centres. Education School-age disabled children are encouraged to receive education in mainstream schools as far as possible.