Russian attitudes to people with disabilities
70% of Russians believe children with disabilities should study together with other children
At the same time, one in three claim that they donate to charities that assist people with disabilities.
The NAFI Centre for Analysis, along with the Council for Disabled Individuals, studied the attitude of Russians towards people with disabilities.
06.8.21
According to the results of the survey, the majority of Russians believe that people with disabilities are often living in a socially vulnerable position. Most people (77% ) think that individuals with disabilities have a low level of income and believe that they are not provided with adequate medical care, medicines or means of rehabilitation (65%). 11.6 million people are registered with disabilities in Russia as of 2021.
84% of respondents said they are not aware of measures available from the state to support people with disabilities.
79% of Russians believe that a disabled individual can be a great burden on relatives. At the same time, 35% of respondents say that they regularly donate to charities that support people with disabilities.
In addition, respondents reported that they are willing to work alongside people with disabilities (78%) and believe disabled children can attend a general school (70%). However, more than half of respondents (66%) do not consider people with disabilities as possible partners when having a family.
“These studies indicate some positive trends,” said Galina Karelova, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation. “In particular, the number of people who donate to charities for disabled people has increased by more than one and a half times – from 21% in 2019 to 35% in 2021. It is more than significant that young people have experienced a change in attitude. Whereas before 34% of young people admitted to avoiding communication with people with disabilities, today this percentage had decreased to 9%. This testifies to the modest yet significant changes that now need to be consolidated by creating a barrier-free environment and by increasing the available opportunities for the integration of people with disabilities.”
The survey was conducted by the NAFI Centre for Analysis in July 2021. 1611 people aged 19 and over were interviewed from over 53 regions throughout Russia.
Translated by Holly Battye
