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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F3864'>This is an annual conference held in Europe and the UK. I thought some might be interested in their initiative around making sure that those of us with disabilities have access to high quality adaptive technology. The following is from the GATE list announcing the Bologna Declaration:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F3864'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>I’m happy to update you on the outcomes of the <a href="https://aaate2019.eu/pre-conference-events/">High Level Meeting</a> which was held on the 27<sup>th</sup> of August in Bologna, Italy, the day before the 15<sup>th</sup> AAATE Conference. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>During the meeting representatives of different stake holding organisations discussed strategies to <i>Unlock Human Potential</i> by make AT largely available and accessible at global and local scale. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Participants represented international organisations, such as the WHO and the European Commission, national and local authorities, end user representing organisations, service providers, professional organisations, industry and academia from different parts in the world. The meeting that took place in the ceremonial atmosphere of the old library of the University of Bologna, was concluded by the presentation of “<a href="https://aaate.net/the-bologna-declaration/">The Bologna Declaration</a>”. The Declaration is a short but powerful and inspiring policy document that calls upon action and also indicates the direction to go. It was written as a common effort by the delegates participating in the Meeting and it thus represents a common ground of understanding for those interested in AT uptake, able to impact on agenda’s and programmes at all levels. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=IT><a href="https://aaate.net/the-bologna-declaration/"><span lang=EN-GB>https://aaate.net/the-bologna-declaration/</span></a></span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Thanks in advance and best wishes,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Evert-Jan Hoogerwerf<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Secretary General of AAATE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span lang=IT style='font-size:7.5pt'>Thank you for your mail and contribution.<br>Together, we will make a difference - GATE community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F3864'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>