governments and NGOs in other Balkan and European countries attended the proceedings to allow for an exchange and comparison of experiences and best practices from other European countries.  The central objectives for the outcome of the conference are 1.) to propose a set of policy measures that will establish a foundation for further legislative actions which would provide for increased access for disabled persons; and 2.) to develop a network of experts, key governmental authorities, relevant organizations, and university officials who will execute a strategic plan for raising public awareness, lobbying policy-makers, and acting as a watchdog for the rights of disabled persons in Macedonia, and hopefully by extension to the entire region of Southeast and Eastern Europe.