Features of inclusion of people with disabilities in regional conditions

Social inclusion implies equality of opportunity and equal participation of individuals in society. The key to social inclusion for people with disabilities is the creation of a barrier-free environment. This process has been carried out systematically in Russia and abroad in recent decades. The results of a qualitative study conducted by the author in 2019 in the territory of the Murmansk region among people with disabilities showed that the nature of the disease and their individual and personal characteristics, the state of urban planning and mental environments, employment and material situation, the presence of family and loved ones and many other factors play an important role in the independent life of persons with disabilities.. The main ways of achieving inclusion of persons with disabilities are related to the solution of various difficulties at the level of the State and its social institutions - the implementation of measures to increase the accessibility of infrastructure, public spaces and transport, the provision of technical means of rehabilitation, the improvement of the accessibility and quality of medical care, the improvement of the material situation of persons with disabilities, employment and education. The study showed that the state of health of persons with disabilities directly affects the level of their social activity, but not the opportunity to participate in the life of society. The level of social participation of persons with disabilities today depends not so much on the level of accessibility of social infrastructure as on their desire to participate in society and the availability of adequate assistance and support. In this regard, it is important to work to ensure the satisfactory psychoemotional condition of persons with disabilities, their families and loved ones, as well as institutions of social assistance and support.