Regional Society of Disabled People Perspektiva

Perspektiva is a Russian non-governmental organization (NGO) of persons with disabilities, founded in March of 1997. From 1994-1997, Perspektiva served as the representative office of the World Institute Disability (WID), a US-based NGO. Perspektiva aims to promote independence and an improved quality of life for persons with disabilities in the Russian community. We are committed to: - building the capacity of grassroots disability organizations working for equal rights and an improved quality of life for people with disabilities; - assisting people with disabilities and their families to acquire new skills and knowledge to become fully participating members of society and to gain equal access to inclusive education, employment, community services, sports and recreation; - educating professionals, officials, parents, students, employers and other members of the community about disability issues to break down physical and psychological barriers that people with disabilities face. Since 1997, Perspektiva has worked with disability activists in more than 30 NGOs from different regions of Russia and the former Soviet Union to strengthen disability organizations, empower young people with disabilities to become active members of their communities, advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, raise awareness in the community about disability issues and promote inclusive education, open market employment, universal design and access to sports. Over the last 17 years, Perspektiva and its regional partners have helped over 100,000 people with disabilities and their families, and worked with over 10,000 state officials and professionals and more than 100 businesses throughout the country.