The First Autism-friendly Art Bus “S.F. Express Community Bus A” Designed for the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Community at the AIA Carnival

• (Hong Kong, January 8, 2025) The carnival is a place for everyone to have fun and enjoyment, but for Autistic Spectrum Disorders Community, attending such events can be extremely challenging. This year's AIA Carnival features a Theme Bus that which is sponsored by S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited (“SFHK”) and organized by Q Plus A Art Foundation, the "S.F. Express Community Bus A"  (“Bus A”) is the first bus in Hong Kong specifically designed for the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Community. SFHK is thrilled to unveil "S.F. Express Community Bus A" and the kick-off ceremony successfully took place today at the AIA Carnival.
  
  

  "S.F. Express Community Bus A"  not only provides venue support for individuals of the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Community, encouraging them to enjoy the carnival, but also offers the public opportunities to experience the challenges faced by people with autism during outings, inspiring thoughts on how to support individuals and promote inclusion. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological disorder that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Often referred to as an "invisible disability," it is difficult to determine whether an individual has autism just by their appearance. Individuals with autism can be of any age, gender, or ethnicity, and approximately 70% of them are classified as having intellectual disabilities. Due to heightened sensory responses, caregivers often face various difficulties when going out with ASD individuals, in consequence leading to frequent apologies.
  
  

  Mr. Steve Shum, Head of Hong Kong & Macau Region at S.F. Express shared, “We are delighted to unveil the ‘S.F. Express Community Bus A’, an Autism-friendly Art Bus designed for Autistic Spectrum Disorders Community to promote inclusion at the AIA Carnival. The public can enjoy the joyful activities of the carnival as well as participate in “Bus A” inclusion activities to deepen their understanding of the ASD. Various charity organizations will also be able to hold diverse activities on “Bus A”, promoting connections between the ASD community and the general public. As a logistics company, SFHK is committed not only to providing quality logistics services but also have the responsibilities to contribute to the community. We committed to establish a society where people of different abilities and backgrounds can connect, respect, encourage acceptance, and inclusion.”
  
  

  Ms. Amy Chong, Founder of Q Plus A Art Foundation, stated, “The 'A' in the "S.F. Express Community Bus A" stands for Accessibility, Autism, Art, and All (inclusion). When individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and their caregivers can go out comfortably without fear of rejection or isolation, and do not feel anxious or helpless, that is true social inclusion. Through this exhibition, we hope to help the government, public spaces, and the general public understand that not only physically disabled individuals need accessible facilities; the autism community also requires them. Q Plus A is thrilled to have the full support of SFHK to realize Hong Kong's first Autism-friendly Art Bus, and we hope the “Bus A” can reach various community locations to provide a quiet space for those in need amidst noisy environments.”
  
  Over 90% of respondents report experiencing discriminations when going out with ASD individuals

  "S.F. Express Community Bus A" will be carried out in multiple phases. Q+A collected questionnaires from approximately 200 caregivers, social workers, and teachers of individuals on the autism spectrum and conducted interviews with 100 of them to understand the situations and difficulties they face during outings. The survey found that 95% of respondents believe public spaces generally lack of Autism-friendly environments, 97% believe public staff lack the ability to meet the needs of individuals with ASD and 95% reported experiencing varying degrees of discrimination during outings.
  
  

  Based on these research findings, Q+A designed the "3S Guide." The "3S Guide" is Hong Kong's first venue guide designed specifically for the autism community, focusing on Social, Sensory, and Self aspects, aiming to support a more comfortable and relaxed venue experience. The 3S Guide will be displayed on the “Bus A” and made available for public download, hoping to provide a blueprint for various venues to create autism-friendly environments and teach the public how to address the needs of this community.
  
  

  The lower level of the “Bus A” features not only exhibitions but also a sound experience that allows the public to enter the sensory world of individuals with autism and understand the voices of caregivers. There is also a "Waiting for Your Postcard" section displaying 100 hand-drawn postcards from children with autism. After visiting the “Bus A”, visitors can create postcards for these children, allowing for communication and connection through art and words.
  
  

  Quiet Room Helps Individuals with Autism Regulate Emotions

  Sensory overload is a common issue for individuals with autism. When faced with excessive sensory stimulation, they often struggle to process information effectively, leading to different emotional responses and physiological reactions such as increased cortisol levels, further intensifying stress. Prolonged sensory overload can affect emotions and lead to social and behavioral problems, which are difficulties that caregivers face when going out with individuals on the spectrum.

  
  Research indicates that providing a calm environment helps reduce stimulation, promotes emotional regulation, and supports mental relaxation. Q+A has set up Hong Kong's first public quiet room on the upper level of the “Bus A”, providing a comfortable, quiet, and gentle space to minimize unnecessary sensory input and reduce the risk of injury. Activities like storytelling and crafting can serve as stress relief experiences in this tranquil setting. Therefore, during its display at the carnival, the “Bus A” will also host over 20 art-inclusive activities, including lectures, living library, and workshops, all free of charge, to enhance understanding of autism among the autism community, the general public, and SF Express couriers.

  
  Q+A aims to promote the concept of the "quiet room," allowing individuals in need to find moments of peace in public spaces to alleviate stress. During the event, Q+A will launch a fundraising initiative titled "Silence is a Sensory Revolution," aiming to raise HKD 500,000 to provide quiet rooms in 10 public locations in Hong Kong.
  
  

  Event Details:

  • Exhibition Date: Now until February 16 (Sunday)
  • Exhibition Hours: Off-peak days: 12 PM - 10 PM; Standard and peak days: 11 AM - 11 PM
  • Location: Central Harbourfront Event space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central
  • More Information: https://www.qplusa.org/busa/busa.html

  For high-resolution images and the 3S Guide, click here.
  
  Photo Caption
  
  Photo 1-3
  Mr. Steve Shum, Head of Hong Kong & Macau Region at S.F. Express (third from the left), and Ms. Amy Chong, Founder of Q Plus A Art Foundation (fourth from the left), along with a group of officiating guests, host the opening ceremony of the "S.F. Express Community Bus A" .
  
  
  

   

   

  Photo 4: Mr. Joseph Luk, Chairman of Q Plus A Art Foundation (right), presents a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Steve Shum, Head of Hong Kong & Macau Region at S.F. Express  (left).

  

   

   

  Photo 5: Ms. Amy Chong, Founder of Q Plus A Art Foundation, delivers a speech.

  

   

   

  Photo 6: The "S.F. Express Community Bus A" , sponsored by SFHK and curated by the art inclusion organization Q+A, makes its debut at the AIA Carnival. It is the first bus in Hong Kong designed specifically for individuals with autism.

  

   

   

  Photo 7: The lower deck of the "S.F. Express Community Bus A"  features an exhibition.

  

   

   

  Photo 8 and 9: The lower deck of the "S.F. Express Community Bus A" includes an auditory experience, allowing the public to step into the sensory world of individuals with autism and understand the voices of caregivers.

  

  

   

   

  Photo 10: The lower deck also showcases "Waiting for Your Postcard," featuring 100 hand-drawn postcards from children with autism (Star Children). After visiting the "S.F. Express Community Bus A", attendees can create postcards for the Star Children, fostering communication and connection through art and words.

  

   

   

  Photo 11: Q+A has set up Hong Kong's first tranquil room located in a public space on the upper deck of the "S.F. Express Community Bus A", providing a comfortable, quiet, and soothing environment for the community.

  

   

   

  Photo 12: Ms. Amy Chong, Founder of Q Plus A Art Foundation introduces the tranquil room. The walls of the tranquil room are padded with approximately four centimeters of soft material to provide sound insulation and reduce the risk of injury.

  

   

   

  Photo 13: The "S.F. Express Community Bus A" has been converted from a retired bus.