Supporting People with Disabilities: Best Practices
Introduction
Support for people with disabilities is one of the most important tasks for modern society, which is striving for inclusion and equality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), currently, 1.3 billion people worldwide live with various forms of disability, which represents approximately 15% of the global population. In Uzbekistan, according to the National Social Protection Agency, by the end of the first quarter of 2025, 1,031,609 people with disabilities have been registered, making up 2.7% of the total population. These figures highlight the importance of creating an accessible and inclusive environment that fosters the full participation of all citizens in public life, regardless of their physical or cognitive limitations.
In light of global trends aimed at protecting human rights and ensuring equal opportunities for all, the issues of inclusion and social protection for people with disabilities are becoming even more relevant. In 2025, many countries, including Uzbekistan, continue to develop and implement programs aimed at supporting this group of citizens, despite the successes already achieved in legislation and social policy. At the same time, people with disabilities face various barriers that limit their access to education, healthcare, and employment. These barriers, whether physical, social, or economic, hinder the full integration of people with disabilities into social and economic life.
Inclusion of people with disabilities (PWD) is not only a moral duty of society but also an important factor for the sustainable socio-economic development of the community. A society that takes into account the needs of people with disabilities becomes more just, strong, and resilient. International organizations play an important role in ensuring these changes, as they develop and implement strategies and programs to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and promote their rights and social integration.
Organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, ILO, and the International Federation of Disabled People (IFWD) are actively working in this direction, offering specific initiatives and recommendations. In Uzbekistan, in particular, these international bodies cooperate with the government to implement programs aimed at improving the accessibility of healthcare, education, employment, and social services for people with disabilities. For example, WHO is actively supporting the improvement of the rehabilitation system for people with disabilities and training medical personnel, UNICEF is implementing inclusive education programs, and ILO is developing initiatives to create jobs for people with disabilities. The monitoring of states’ compliance with their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is carried out by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Committee reviews periodic reports from state parties, evaluates progress in implementing the provisions of the Convention, and develops recommendations for further improvements.
Countries with Comfortable Living Conditions for People with Disabilities
Germany
Germany has robust legal mechanisms to protect the rights of people with disabilities: the Social Code IX (SGB IX) regulates employment, social integration, and accessibility, while the Equal Opportunities Act (BGG) mandates non-discrimination and ensures access to both public and private sectors. The government offers a wide range of benefits, including disability pensions, financial assistance for mobility aids, tax deductions, personal care support, housing adaptation, and public transport discounts. The German healthcare system is inclusive, providing people with disabilities access to specialized medical care, rehabilitation centers, and coverage for therapy, assistive devices, and medications. To support employment, the Federal Participation Act encourages companies with more than 20 employees to hire people with disabilities by offering subsidies for workplace adaptations and vocational training programs. Active organizations, such as Aktion Mensch, funded by social lotteries and promoting inclusion, Lebenshilfe, an association supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and the German Council of Disabled People (DBR), which brings together associations for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities, play a vital role in this field.
Sweden
In Sweden, the rights of people with disabilities are protected by a range of laws, including the Discrimination Act, which prohibits any form of discrimination based on disability and ensures equal access to employment, education, and services. The Social Services Act and the Health and Medical Services Act guarantee necessary support for a dignified quality of life. The government provides a variety of benefits for people with disabilities, ranging from pensions and housing assistance to care allowances, including support for personal hygiene, housing adaptations, and mobility. The Swedish healthcare system is universal and inclusive, offering access to specialized medical and psychosocial services, rehabilitation centers, and assistive technologies, with the majority of treatment costs covered by the state. To facilitate employment, programs provide subsidies for employers and workplace adaptations, and the Swedish Public Employment Service offers professional support, training, and counseling to people with disabilities. Key organizations like the National Association of Disabled People, operating under the UN Convention, and Funktionsrätt Sverige, which aims to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities, play a crucial role in advocating for their rights.
Canada
Canada has a strong legal framework for protecting the rights of people with disabilities: the Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment and services, and the Accessible Canada Act (2019) targets the removal of barriers in employment, the urban environment, and digital technologies. The government provides various benefits to people with disabilities, including the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond, tax deductions, and income support programs such as the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit, as well as regional initiatives like the Ontario Disability Support Program. Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system ensures free access to both primary and specialized medical services, including rehabilitation, assistive devices, and home care. To support employment, the federal government provides subsidies to employers and finances workplace adaptations, while the Opportunities Fund supports vocational training, job search, and self-employment. Major organizations like Easterseals, offering diverse services and programs, Inclusion Canada — a national federation promoting the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, and CNIB, which works to improve the quality of life for blind and partially sighted people, provide essential support to people with disabilities.
Australia
Australia has a well-developed legal and institutional framework for protecting the rights of people with disabilities: the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 prohibits unequal treatment in employment, education, access to premises, and the provision of services. The National Disability Strategy 2010–2020 has set long-term goals to ensure inclusion and accessibility. Government programs such as the Disability Support Pension provide income for those unable to work due to health conditions, while the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) finances essential services and support to promote independent living. The Medicare healthcare system covers a significant portion of medical expenses, including assistive technologies, therapy, housing adaptations, and specialized rehabilitation services. The JobAccess program supports employment by offering consultations, subsidies, and workplace adaptations, and the Disability Employment Services help people with disabilities find and retain jobs. Significant organizations in this field include the Australian Federation of Disability Organizations (AFDO), acting as the national representative body for people with disabilities, DANA — a network of independent human rights organizations, and National Disability Services (NDS), which represents over 1,000 service providers across the country.
Netherlands
The Netherlands ensures a high level of legal and social protection for people with disabilities. The Equal Treatment Act prohibits discrimination in employment, education, and the provision of services, while the Participation Act promotes the integration of people with disabilities into the labor market. After ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2016, the country has been actively developing an inclusive environment. The government offers a range of benefits and allowances, including the Wajong allowance for young people who are unable to work, and the Personal Budget for self-organized care, as well as tax deductions and subsidies for housing and transportation adaptations. The healthcare system, recognized as one of the best in the world, provides access to rehabilitation, specialized medical care, and assistive technologies, ensuring personalized care plans. To enhance employment for people with disabilities, the government implements wage subsidies, funding for workplace modifications, and tax incentives for employers. Additionally, mentoring and professional training programs are in place to support workforce participation. Key organizations that actively support the rights and interests of people with disabilities include the MEE NL cooperative, the Ieder(in) association, and the Bonacci (Bonya) platform, which promote ideas of inclusion and accessibility at the national level.
Support for People with Disabilities in Uzbekistan.
The ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities marked a significant step towards creating an inclusive environment in Uzbekistan, officially cementing the country’s commitments to protect the rights of people with disabilities (PWD). The Convention, adopted on December 13, 2006, and entered into force on May 3, 2008, is a key international document that covers a wide range of rights for people with disabilities, including access to education, healthcare, employment, and justice, as well as participation in societal life on equal terms with others. Uzbekistan signed the Convention on February 27, 2009, and ratified it on June 7, 2021, which was an important step towards improving the legal and social protection of people with disabilities.
In its effort to ensure freedom and equality for all citizens, Uzbekistan has developed a National Action Plan, which includes measures to ensure accessibility, inclusive education, healthcare, and employment, as well as strengthen the participation of organizations representing people with disabilities in decision-making processes. In 2021, the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating conditions for the full and equal life of people with disabilities. In 2023, the Law on Additional Measures to Improve the Support System for People with Disabilities came into effect, expanding their rights and opportunities in the areas of accessibility to public services, education, and employment. Important regulations also include the Law on Social Protection of Disabled Persons in the Republic of Uzbekistan, which governs the rights and benefits of people with disabilities, the Law on Employment of the Population, which foresees the creation of jobs for people with disabilities, and the Law on Medical Care, which guarantees free treatment for people with disabilities. Presidential decrees, such as PD № 20 “Measures for the Development of Barrier-Free Tourism Infrastructure and Its Promotion in the Republic of Uzbekistan” (January 12, 2024), and PD №266 “On Additional Measures to Create a Favorable and Unimpeded Environment for Persons with Disabilities” (July 18, 2024), are also aimed at improving the infrastructure for people with limited abilities, including the creation of accessible urban and transport environments.
All these legislative measures, alongside the implementation of inclusive education and social protection programs, are aimed at ensuring equal rights for people with disabilities and their integration into society, marking an important step towards creating an inclusive and just social environment in Uzbekistan.
Inclusive Education
Inclusive education has become one of the priority areas of state policy in Uzbekistan. International experience shows that successful inclusive education requires a systemic approach — from legal guarantees and professional training for educators to creating accessible environments and providing individualized support for students. For example, Finland has implemented the “two teachers” model, Canada actively uses assistive technologies, and the United Kingdom invests billions of pounds in supporting students with special educational needs. Uzbekistan is also moving towards expanding inclusive practices: in recent years, regulatory documents aimed at developing inclusive education have been adopted, resource centers and inclusive classes have been opened. However, the country still faces many challenges, including a shortage of specialists and the modernization of school infrastructure. In this context, studying the experience of other countries can help adapt the most effective solutions to the cultural and economic realities of Uzbekistan.
With the approval of the Concept for the Development of Inclusive Education for 2020–2025 (Presidential Decree PD № 4860 “On Measures to Further Improve the Education and Training System for Children with Special Educational Needs” dated October 13, 2020) and the corresponding roadmap, the country is steadily moving towards creating equal conditions for the education of children with special needs. This course is enshrined in the “Strategy for the Development of New Uzbekistan,” particularly in goals 66 and 70, and is supported by additional measures such as Presidential Decree PD-57 “On Additional Measures to Support Persons with Disabilities, Promote Their Employment, and Further Enhance Their Social Activity” (December 21, 2021), aimed at assisting youth with disabilities in employment, education, entrepreneurship, and learning foreign languages. Within this initiative, subsidies are allocated (up to 50 times the base calculation value) for up to 500 young people with disabilities annually. In 2023, 121,009 young people with disabilities were registered, of which 36,043 were children. Through the Unified Portal in 2023–2024, 2,892 applications were received, of which 915 were approved, with a total of 6.6 billion sums allocated, and 356 people were employed.
The development of the inclusive environment is ongoing in 530 schools, where 1,195 children, including 449 girls, are being educated. There are 115 special educators, and corrective classes are operating. Methodological guides are being developed, seminars on non-discrimination are being conducted, and qualification enhancement courses for teachers are being organized with the participation of international experts. Additionally, an inclusive education laboratory has been established at the Republican Center for Vocational Guidance. However, challenges remain, including a lack of courses for district psychologists-methodologists, weak involvement of tutors, and the need to build a culture of inclusion in society through media, mahallas, and educational training programs. One proposed solution is the creation of a certification system for specialists who have completed relevant courses. The main goal of these efforts remains ensuring equal access to quality education for all children, regardless of their physical abilities, cultural background, or social status.
Employment of People with Disabilities: National Policy and International Experience
The right to work is a fundamental human right, recognized by the international community and enshrined in documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These documents emphasize the importance of creating equal conditions for the employment of individuals with disabilities. In Uzbekistan, this right is also guaranteed in the Constitution (Article 37), where every citizen has the right to work and protection from unemployment, as well as in several legislative acts, such as the laws on “Employment of the Population,” “Occupational Health and Safety,” “Social Protection of People with Disabilities,” and the Labor Code.
Since gaining independence, Uzbekistan has aimed to build a rule-of-law state that values human rights and freedoms. A significant step in this direction was the implementation of measures to ensure the employment of people with disabilities. In organizations with more than 20 employees, at least 3% of the positions are reserved annually for this group, and state authorities actively participate in the enforcement of these quotas. However, in practice, despite these measures, the employment of people with disabilities faces several challenges. According to a study by the Institute of Macroeconomic and Regional Studies (IMRI), more than 755,000 working-age people with disabilities live in Uzbekistan, but their employment rate is only 3.7%, indicating limited access to the labor market.
The study of international experience shows that the employment of individuals with disabilities requires a comprehensive approach that includes not only labor-related but also educational, medical, legal, and social aspects. In Finland, for example, a flexible benefits adjustment system is used, in which benefits are not completely revoked upon employment but rather suspended, which encourages people with disabilities to work. In France, specialized training centers and supported employment programs with consultants and mentors are in place, and employers are provided with subsidies. In Germany, training occurs in an inclusive environment, and employers are required to adapt workplaces for employees with disabilities.
In Uzbekistan, despite all efforts, existing barriers—from insufficient accessible infrastructure to limited employment opportunities—remain significant challenges. However, in recent years, the government has been taking concrete steps to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. One prominent example is the Social Protection Center for People with Disabilities, established in 2019 in Termez. This nonprofit organization trains individuals with disabilities in handicrafts, sewing, and design, helping them master professions and market their products. Additionally, the private enterprise “Gulbahor Nurli Kelajak,” where over 50 women with disabilities work and receive training, demonstrates how personal initiative and civil society support can be effective tools in addressing employment challenges.
Another initiative is the creation, in 2024, of a special government website supported by the Social Protection Agency, where vacancies tailored to the needs of people with disabilities are posted. The platform removes bureaucratic hurdles and provides automatic access to necessary information via the Unified National Labor System. Currently, around 500 vacancies are listed, and the number continues to grow. Employers are eligible for subsidies to adapt workplaces and compensation for hiring employees beyond the established quotas. However, experts note that many employers are unaware of their available opportunities and government support, which necessitates additional informational campaigns.
These examples demonstrate how civil society initiatives and individual motivation can become powerful tools in supporting people with disabilities in the complex environment of implementing government policies for employment. Such initiatives enhance confidence, social engagement, and the quality of life for people with disabilities, despite the existing barriers—from the lack of adapted environments to the failure to comply with workplace quotas.
Thus, despite the existing challenges, Uzbekistan is taking steps to improve the employment of people with disabilities, and international experience can play an important role in adapting effective practices and creating conditions that allow people with disabilities to realize their potential.
Barrier-free Environment
A third key aspect of the reforms in Uzbekistan has been the creation of accessible urban and transport infrastructure for people with disabilities. An important step in this direction was the adoption of Presidential Decree No. 266 on July 18, 2024, “On Additional Measures for the Creation of a Favorable and Unimpeded Environment for People with Disabilities,” which made it mandatory to assess all urban planning projects for compliance with accessibility standards. Furthermore, the decree stipulates that at least 10% of the funds from the Republican Fund “Safe Roads and Safe Pedestrian Ways” will be annually allocated to adapt intersections and create accessible environments for individuals with limited mobility.
Measures aimed at creating an inclusive environment are no longer just formalities but are being put into real action. Starting from 2024, authorities are required to adapt at least one street annually, taking into account the needs of people with disabilities. In Samarkand, a pilot project was implemented in the “Inson” social services center area, where ramps, tactile paving, and special traffic lights for the visually impaired were installed.
Monitoring of infrastructure accessibility is carried out monthly, and the results of this control show active steps toward improving conditions. For example, in Samarkand region, in 2024, 15,000 objects were inspected, and as a result of these inspections, more than 5,000 orders were issued, and over 500 fines were imposed. These actions confirm the seriousness of the government’s commitment to solving the accessibility problem.
By 2026, the country will launch the “Interactive Map,” a digital platform that will help people with disabilities find accessible infrastructure objects and social institutions. Changes are also happening in the transport sector: starting in October 2024 in Tashkent, and from January 2025 across the country, only buses equipped with accessibility features will be allowed for passenger transport. Moreover, the state will reimburse up to 50% of the costs for adapting such vehicles and provide subsidies for retrofitting private vehicles for people with disabilities.
Creating an accessible environment is not only part of infrastructure reforms but also a significant step in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities in Uzbekistan. A key aspect of this has been the growth of the “Inson” centers, which provide targeted assistance, appoint social assistants, and issue vouchers for rehabilitation products. Procedures for obtaining support for victims of violence have also been significantly simplified.
Social Assistance
Uzbekistan has developed a system of benefits and allowances for people with disabilities aimed at their social protection and support. Legislation guarantees various forms of assistance, including monthly allowances, medical and labor privileges, and tax exemptions. For children with disabilities under the age of 18 and their legal guardians, monthly allowances are set at 1.6 BRW. People with disabilities are entitled to free rest at sanatoriums and discounted public transport fares. The education system has a two percent quota for admission to universities, and access to employment in specialized workplaces is also guaranteed.
The government also provides tax benefits to individuals with disabilities and their families, including exemptions from property and land taxes. In healthcare, people with disabilities have the right to free treatment and meals in public medical institutions. Persons with disabilities in groups I and II are entitled to compensation for medicines based on their needs. These measures ensure inclusive and equal participation of people with disabilities in public life, providing them with opportunities for full development and social integration.
Additionally, the Association of Disabled Persons of Uzbekistan (AIDU) actively defends the rights of disabled individuals, organizing educational programs and events to raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities. AIDU closely collaborates with government bodies, participating in projects aimed at improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. In 2023, more than 50 events were held, including workshops and training for people with disabilities and their families.
The “Inson” social service centers play a key role in providing targeted assistance to people with disabilities. They offer a wide range of services, including disability benefits and pension payments, assistance with employment, and the provision of rehabilitation products. Special attention is given to caring for those in need. Each person can receive support from a social worker assistant who has received special training in first aid. Also, starting in 2024, citizens can independently purchase rehabilitation aids and prosthetic-orthopedic devices using a voucher issued by the “Inson” center. This accelerates the process of acquiring necessary items and improves their quality.
Conclusion
The inclusion of people with disabilities in social and economic life is not only a necessity but also an important step toward building a fair and sustainable society. Despite existing legislative guarantees, a significant portion of people with disabilities still faces barriers that limit their ability to fully participate in public life.
Inclusive approaches, which include accessible infrastructure, support at the employer level, and the creation of specialized programs for social integration, help people with disabilities unlock their potential and contribute to the development of society. Global experience shows that the success of inclusion depends on a comprehensive approach, involving all stakeholders, including government and private entities, as well as civil society organizations. Only through joint efforts can we overcome stereotypes and discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities for every individual. It is essential to continue improving legislative mechanisms so that people with disabilities can freely choose their professional activities, regardless of their physical or mental limitations.
