The Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, CEDRES, KNUST, has held the 2nd National Disability Conference. The Conference was on the theme "Breaking Barriers for the Inclusion of Persons with Disability in National Development".  The event brought together stakeholders from across the globe to deliberate on issues which impede the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in national development and to find possible solutions.

The Vice- Chancellor, Professor William Otoo Ellis, in his welcome message said disability is an important developmental issue, yet there is increasing evidence showing that many people with disabilities have limited access to healthcare, education, employment opportunites, sports and recreation, and they suffer exclusion.

He stated that with the passage of the Disability Act 715, the coming into force of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disability (PWD'S) and the desire to achieve the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), it is an obligation for Ghana to ensure that all barriers that prevent the total inclusion of Persons with Disability (PWDs) were broken.

Professor  Ellis further noted that in order to respond to the needs of PWDs, there should be a strong collaboration and partnership among all the stakeholders in order to include PWDs in national development.

In a Speech read on his behalf, The Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, E. T. Mensah, noted that the theme for the conference is an indication of the seriousness with which CEDRES, KNUST is making attempts to ensure the inclusion of PWDs in national development. He stated that Ghana is making efforts to achieve the MDGs with the establishment of the 2.5 percent of the District Assembly Common Fund to support PWDs in the districts.

Honourable E. T. Mensah announced that his ministry would officially launch a project that would impart skills in mobile phone repairs, computer assembling and other ICT skills to PWDs. He further said the days of teaching basket weaving are over.  The time has come to impart skills relevant to the needs of today and the future.