"We look forward to the day when we judge our workforce on their ability, not their disability," was Jane Davidson's message at the Opening Doors conference held at Newport's University. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning was delighted to hear that the University of Wales, Newport is playing its part in the disability rights agenda, and described it as an appropriate venue for the conference.

Welcoming Ms Davidson and an audience of employers, academics, and representatives of disability organisations, Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Lusty said, "Widening participation must include higher education engaging with disability issues linked to educational opportunities."

He went on to point out that Newport's University takes 8.8% of disabled students compared to the national average of 5%.

"Events like this are very important and very useful," said Ian Glover, who staffed the stand for the British Deaf Association (BDA).

Thirty-two-year-old Mr Glover, a recent graduate of the university's Youth and Community degree course, is now Social Inclusion Development Officer with the BDA in Cardiff.

"I found Newport's University to be very helpful when it comes to disability awareness," he said. "Being hearing impaired means I cannot write while lip-reading at lectures. The university provided me with someone to take detailed notes and type up all the lectures.

Without that help I wouldn't have got my degree."