Abstract:
Currently, persons with disabilities face various barriers when exercising their rights in Armenia. Public stereotypes and legislative gaps as well as physical inaccessibility are three main directions that can hinder them to effectively exercise their rights as a full member of the society. The Constitution and law are progressive and prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities, the government has likewise not been effective in enforcing these protections. Persons with disabilities are also highly stigmatized, and many people with disabilities are kept at home with their families, where too often they do not learn how to live independently. Due to the lack of accommodated buildings and environment persons with disabilities are often unable to physically leave their homes and, thus, subjected to discrimination.