The 70 years history of USSR affected the relationship between the society and people with disabilities. Throughout this entire period disabled people were isolated from the society, their problems were hushed, and as a result, the community was unaware of disability-related issues. Consequently, there was no adequate approach to the solution of a number of specific problems related to the rights of people with disabilities. At the same time, quite an effective system of social security for disabled people functioned. When the Republic of Armenia became independent, the country started making a shift to democratization and human rights priority, i.e. to the values accepted in developed countries. Significant efforts were made to bring the country’s legislation in compliance with international human rights standards. Numerous non-governmental organizations were established. Over the years, the role they played in the process of the development of civil society has increased.
However, the social situation in the country is unfavorable. This especially affects the lives of people with functional impairments, whose number, according to the official statistics, is about 141,000. In addition, environment is mostly inaccessible for people with various kinds of disabilities.
On this website you will find useful information on Armenian NGOs and the state agencies dealing with disability issues, accessibility of education, employment, culture, sports and other spheres for disabled people. A special attention is drawn to disability etiquette, as well as to the existing stereotypes and the methods of overcoming them. Services available to disabled people are also described in the corresponding sections of the site.