ILO-CEET's Policy Manual, refined through discussion with experts during CEET's October workshop, was the main background document for the conference, and was presented in Bulgarian, Czech, English, Hungarian, Polish and Russian.

Participants expressed approval for the Manual as a guide for workers with disabilities, policy-makers, employers and trade unionists in their search for a new anti-discriminatory approach and for effective rehabilitation policies, `mainstream' employment and adequate income security for persons with disabilities.

A declaration drawn up at the conference stressed the importance of treating disability as an issue of fundamental human rights - the right to equal treatment and opportunity in training and employment. Governments, trade unions and employers should be committed to this and cooperate in the design and implementation of effective rules and policies. Sharing of international experience and assistance provided by international organisations such as the ILO could help improve the situation of disabled people.