CTC Foundation

There is a need to expand the awareness of the benefits of assistive technology (AT) products in the Asia-Pacific Rim region. These products serve to eliminate or reduce the communication, environmental and physical barriers that, for thousands of years, have prevented people with disabilities from achieving economic and social independence in their communities. As a consequence of living in a closed society, people with disabilities have been denied equality and have become wards of either the state, charitable institutions or their families.

Assistive technology products are sometimes the great equalizers in the lives of people with disabilities. They allow people with disabilities to compete with able-bodied people. Given the opportunity to compete with able-bodied individuals, people with disabilities do well.

With several hundred million people with disabilities living in the Asia-Pacific Rim, educators and employers are not aware of the empowering benefits of assistive technology products. Assistive Technology News (ATN) and Concurrent Technologies Corporation Foundation (CTCF) want to create opportunities in the Asia-Pacific Rim region that will expose employers to the benefits of these products in every area of the lives of people with disabilities, especially jobs.

August 29th

Papers for Presentation and Ultimate Publication Must be Received

August 29th

Half- and Full-Page Color as well as Black & White Advertisements Must be Received for the Directory

August 31st

First Cut Off for Reservations for Lodging – Reserved Room Block Released

September 1st

Early Bird Registration Forms for Conference Attendees Must be Received

October 10th

	Opening Ceremony
	Keynote Speech
	Breakout Sessions
	Exhibition

October 11th

	Keynote Speech
	Breakout Sessions
	Exhibition

October 12th

	Keynote Speech
	Breakout Sessions
	Exhibition

Hong Kong Situation and the New Convention

Hong Kong SAR, China is a metropolitan city with a population of 6.8 million, and an estimated number of 450,000 people with disabilities. It has in place a comprehensive rehabilitation programme plan, a disability specific legislation (the Disability Discrimination Ordinance), and a range of legislative measures concerning people with disabilities. The Basic Law of Hong Kong has incorporated the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women. Moreover, self-help organizations of persons with disabilities are being increasingly recognized and involved in policy making in Hong Kong. In spite of these measures, the rights based approach is still far from firmly rooted in the society, and social discrimination against people with disabilities is frequently reported.

The new convention will ensure GOs to adopt a rights based approach to protect and promote full and effective participation in multi-track approach to the fulfillment of the human rights of persons with disabilities and the achievement of the goals of human and social development.


Venue :	Harbour Plaza Hong Kong 20 Tak Fung Street Whampoa Garden Hunghom, Kowloon Hong Kong

Date :	10 – 12 October 2006

Official Language :	English

Registration Fee :

Before 1st September	Participant Family Member Student	HK$2,868 / USD370 HK$1,705 / USD220 HK$1,124 / USD145
On & After 1st September	Participant Family Member Student	HK$3,127 / USD415 HK$1,705 / USD220 HK$1,357 / USD175

Letter of Invitation :

The Conference Secretariat will issue a letter of invitation upon request. The invitation is intended to facilitate participants' travel and visa arrangements and does not imply the provision of any financial or other support.

Exhibition :

An exhibition of scientific and professional material will take place. For more information, please contact the conference secretariat.