13:31, 28 November 2003

Rehabilitation institutions for disabled children function in Stepanakert

6.1% of the population in the Republic of Nagorny Karabakh are disabled people, according to the data for the first six months of 2003. Most of them became disabled as a result of hostilities on the territory of Nagorny Karabakh. But people who have been disabled since childhood also make a considerable part of them.

The Zangak Union's kindergarten for disabled children functions in the republic. There is also a rehabilitation center opened with the assistance of Baroness Caroline Cox, a Member of the House of Lords of the U.K. Parliament. Courses in computer science, drawing, wood engraving and embroidery have been opened in the center for the last few years.

By the government regulation, children under the age of 18 receive a welfare payment of 4,000 drams, a pension of 5,200 drams, and a compensation payment at the rate from 2,840 to 4,630 drams depending on a place of living (1 dollar is equal to 560 drams).

Cultural and charitable actions have been carried out in Karabakh on 3 December, International Day of Disabled Persons, for sever years already. A festival of disabled people has become annual.

Author: Naira Ayrumian, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot