Dear Colleagues, The ITU will hold a workshop on accessibilty in Balamako, Mali 13-13 October, 2009 ([1]http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/worksem/accessibility/200910/index.h tml). The workshop will discuss current trends and the future for accessibility to ICTs in ITU, with a focus on ITU-T’s standardization work in the field. It will act as an excellent networking platform for experts and other interested parties, and aims to help build national capacities for accessible ICTs in African countries. A key aim will be to identify the problems associated with the application of ICTs to peoples with disabilities. The need to identify requirements for future accessibility standards will be addressed. Participants will be asked to share experiences and best practices for ICT policies, strategies and services, to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. Open to all, the event is expected to attract technical organizations, governments, service providers, and industry leaders but also representatives of the civil society and NGOs. Participation by persons with disabilities is strongly encouraged in order that their needs can be properly understood. If you know of any persons wth disabilities who are associated with accessibily to ICTs and would be interested in attending please let me know so that we may explore funding. Kind Regards, Waudo References 1. http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/worksem/accessibility/200910/index.html