We take great pleasure in inviting you to the First Conference on Assistive Technologies: Expanding a Universe of Opportunities for People with Disabilities, to be held in Hong Kong, October 10th to 12th, 2006.

           The Hong Kong Conference is the first of three focused on Assistive Technologies, with the subsequent two to occur in Beijing in 2007 and 2008. The last of the three conferences coincides with the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008. The conferences in 2006 and 2007 will promote the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. With the world in attendance in 2008 in Beijing, a conference can be held before the Paralympic Games to show the attendees these products in action and how they can improve the mental and physical lives of people using them.

           Over the three days, you will hear Keynote Addresses from the most prominent authorities in this field, with Speakers at the six topical Breakout Sessions certain to add greater detail about their experience in the field in Hong Kong, the Asia-Pacific Region and elsewhere.

           Dr. Tao Jiang, one of China's most respected and renowned audiologists, has agreed to be Co-Chair of the First Annual Assistive Technology Conference in Hong Kong from October 10-12 (http://www.atn-ctcf.org/China).
He is the Executive Vice President of Huaxia Healthcare Holdings Limited (HK).

           Another dimension of this Conference is our Exhibitors. They will demonstrate the assistive technologies in the six areas of focus: Education and Technology; Employment and Technology; Information and Communication Technology; Quality of Life Issues (disability rights); Aging and Technology; and, Accessible Technology and the Web.

           We are pleased and honored to have distinguished Leaders of the local and international disability community as part of our Program. The three-day Conference will be tremendous educational and personal experience to all who become involved with it; and we hope that you will join us.