Differently-abled Not Disabled

Being Neighbourly x David Nesbitt, The Nesbitt Centre

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According to David Nesbitt, founder of The Nesbitt Centre (TNC), Hong Kong stands at a pivotal moment: it can transition from the medical model of “fixing” disability to a social model that dismantles barriers and builds truly inclusive spaces for people of all abilities.

Nesbitt founded TNC 30 years ago in response to the demand for specialized 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, he established TNC with the goal of creating opportunities and services for young adults with disabilities in Hong Kong.

Not surprisingly, TNC has metamorphosed since its inception three decades ago. Beginning as a modest recreational space dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and neurodiverse needs in Hong Kong, it evolved into a pioneering educational institution focused on lifelong learning and personal development.

“Early efforts centered on creating inclusive environments for social engagement and skill-building, which laid the foundation for the Preparation for Life program launched in 2002,” says Nesbitt, adding that in 2025, they introduced a structured curriculum emphasizing communication, self-management, and vocational training to empower individuals towards greater independence and purpose.

As the organization grew, it recognized the, “urgent need for inclusive employment opportunities
in the city”. To overcome this lack of opportunity, they established their social enterprise providing
meaningful employment; and through partnerships with local businesses and government departments, established social enterprises—Cafe 8, The Nest Cafes, and The Nest Bakery.

“Our social enterprises do far more than pour coffee—they create real
pathways for SEN young adults to grow, learn and belong,” he continues.” Over 50% of the staff at their venues come from the neurodiverse community.

Job placements are not confined to hospitality and success wears many faces, whether it’s achieving certain milestones or gaining confidence and independence.

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“We are continuously forming new collaborations to create opportunities, enhance experiences and empower everyone on their path to independence and purpose,” he says. The charity’s recent partnerships focus on exploring roles in supermarkets and they are expanding into the fitness sector, training learners to become assistant trainers who now lead corporate wellness programs.

As individuals, Nesbitt says we can deepen impact by learning about different disabilities, volunteering
our time, donating our skills and advocating for accessible practices because differently-abled individuals continue to face stigma and key challenges such as: Accessibility barriers; rigid, traditional workplaces; employment discrimination; and the challenge of effective regulation of laws and ordinances.

“In Hong Kong, the government, businesses and civil society have made great strides—introducing accessible transport and facilities, medical services, vocational training and incentives for diverse hires—to foster more inclusive workplaces,” says Nesbitt.

However, he counters that although Hong Kong’s legal framework does protect disability rights, uneven implementation and weak oversight mean many employers sidestep their obligations, further restricting workplace access.

He opines that organisations should embrace genuine inclusion by recognizing the full spectrum of disabilities, adopting social and human-rights models that focus on individuals’ strengths, implement universal design for learning and support, and ensure accessible workstations and flexible arrangements.

“By weaving personal and collective efforts together, inclusion becomes more than a policy—it becomes the way we live, work and connect every day,” says Nesbitt.

What is the best thing about the work that you do?

David Nesbitt, founder of The Nesbitt Centre (TNC).

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Being Neighbourly

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