Discrimination and inaccessibility are the status quo for Russia’s estimated 13 million people with disabilities, advocates say.

Many streets are virtually impassable for individuals who rely on wheelchairs and some people have trouble even exiting their apartment buildings because of narrow doorways. Thousands of children receive no formal education and some individuals with disabilities say they have been denied access to health care due to what advocates say is a pervasive prejudice against people with disabilities throughout modern Russian society.

Meanwhile, government officials insist strides are being made. Some schools are beginning to include students with disabilities. And the city of Moscow is spending $300 million to make the city’s facilities more accessible, reports the BBC. To read more click here.

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