YEREVAN. – There are close to 180 thousand disabled persons in Armenia, as of November 1, and they receive 10-14 thousand drams (US$ 26-$37) of disability pension from the state, “Pyunik Armenia Union of Disabled Persons” Charitable Organizations Chairman Hakob Abrahamyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am, on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  

In his words, the main challenge of Armenia’s disabled persons is accessibility to transport and buildings, and employment.

In line with State Employment Service data, there are close to 100 thousand disabled persons, in Armenia, who can work but are unemployed. And Abrahamyan is hopeful that the law being prepared concerning the disabled would solve their problems to some extent.  

As per Hakob Abrahamyan, awareness toward the disabled persons is growing in Armenia, too. In his words, the NGOs, which will organize a variety of events in Armenia these days, are more attentive toward the disabled. 

To note, a television conference, devoted to the issues of the disabled, was held among Armenia, Georgia, and Iran, on Thursday, during which the parties exchanged views and spoke about their countries’ experiences in this regard.