Social integration of people with disabilities in Azerbaijan

The integration of people with disabilities into society is one of the most significant indicators of social justice and inclusivity in the modern world. Every individual should be valued not for their physical or cognitive abilities, but for their equal right to opportunities. Yet, in practice, people with disabilities continue to face a wide range of social, economic, and cultural barriers. In Azerbaijan, this issue remains particularly pressing: while legislation exists to support inclusion, implementation and public awareness are still falling short.

In many areas of life (education, employment, transportation, and public spaces) the limited participation of people with disabilities often results in social isolation. Insufficient infrastructure, a lack of accessible transport, the absence of proper facilities in public places, and persistent stereotypes make daily life more challenging. Although state programmes and initiatives by non-governmental organisations are in place, their reach and impact remain limited.

This research aims to examine the integration of people with disabilities in Azerbaijan, identifying the obstacles they encounter and proposing practical solutions. The study explores both social and legal aspects, while drawing comparisons with international practices. It is based on statistical data, legislation, and the lived experiences of people with disabilities.

The relevance of this issue goes beyond the legal framework, touching on social and human dimensions. Improving quality of life, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, and strengthening social inclusion benefits not only people with disabilities but the development of society as a whole. For this reason, addressing the integration of people with disabilities is vital for shaping state policy and building broader social awareness.

The realities of daily Life

An estimated 700,000 to 800,000 people in Azerbaijan live with disabilities nearly 7% of the country’s population. Yet for many, everyday life is marked by persistent challenges. Physical barriers are not only about limited mobility; they cut across education, employment, public transport and social participation.

Disability takes many forms. Some people struggle with mobility, others with hearing or vision, while some require support due to intellectual or developmental conditions. Each category demands different approaches to integration. Legally, the rights of people with disabilities are recognised. The law “On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” guarantees equal access to education, work and social services. The state provides pensions and allowances, and some public buildings and transport systems have been adapted. But the gap between law and reality remains wide.

Take the capital, Baku. Most metro stations are still inaccessible to wheelchair users. Lifting platforms on buses are rare. In rural areas, the situation is even more difficult: narrow streets, inaccessible buildings and almost non-existent public transport reinforce social isolation. Employment figures reflect these barriers only about 30- 35% of people with disabilities are in work. Education tells a similar story: inclusive schools are scarce, and special education institutions lack resources. Deep-rooted social stereotypes further compound the problem. Many still perceive people with disabilities as “guests” in society, rather than equal citizens whose voices should be heard.

Still, there are signs of progress. Non-governmental organisations are running projects to improve employment opportunities and make public spaces more accessible. These initiatives aim to strengthen legal protections while also shifting public attitudes.
The integration of people with disabilities in Azerbaijan remains an urgent challenge. Bridging the gap requires more than laws on paper. It depends on changes in public awareness, investment in accessible infrastructure and practical support mechanisms that enable people with disabilities to fully participate in society.

Physical environment and infrastructure

For many people with disabilities in Azerbaijan, the greatest challenge lies not in their condition itself, but in the inaccessibility of the physical environment. The issue extends beyond urban design: schools, hospitals, parks and other public spaces all present obstacles. Each journey, even the smallest step, often requires careful planning.

Transport is central to social participation, yet remains one of the most difficult areas. In Baku and other large cities, metro, bus and taxi services exist, but most are not fully adapted. The majority of metro stations lack lifting platforms, creating serious obstacles for those with mobility impairments. Buses often reserve spaces for wheelchair users, but ramps or lifts are either absent or non-functional. In rural areas, where transport infrastructure is limited, the challenges are even more pronounced. For many, the only options are private taxis or relying on family members. A few non-governmental organisations have piloted projects to improve accessibility, but such efforts remain isolated.

Public spaces also pose difficulties. Parks, sports grounds, museums and hospitals are not fully accessible. Many school buildings still rely on stair-only entryways, with no elevators or ramps, making education less accessible for children with disabilities. In healthcare, access is hampered both by limited infrastructure and by a lack of training among medical staff. Cultural venues, too, often lack ramps or working lifts, while public toilets are rarely adapted. These barriers push people with disabilities towards social isolation, not simply because of physical limitations, but due to a lack of facilities that allow meaningful participation.

In education, inclusive schooling remains scarce, and resources are limited. Many teachers receive no training in inclusive methods, while infrastructure lags behind. The urban–rural divide is especially visible here: in many villages, accessible schooling is virtually absent.

Employment presents similar difficulties. Only around 30–35% of people with disabilities are in work. Many remain dependent on state assistance or stay at home, as workplaces often lack the necessary adjustments to enable equal participation.

But disability in Azerbaijan is not solely an infrastructure issue. Deep-rooted social stereotypes persist. People with disabilities are often perceived as passive or dependent, reinforcing their exclusion from public life. Yet change is under way. Some NGOs, state programmes and awareness campaigns aim to shift perceptions and expand inclusion. Training sessions for public transport staff, small-scale initiatives for inclusive schooling, and advocacy campaigns are gradually beginning to open up spaces that were long inaccessible.

The road ahead, however, requires systemic change (in infrastructure, education, employment, and most importantly, public attitudes) to ensure that people with disabilities are not left at the margins of Azerbaijani society.

Social and psychological challenges

For many people with disabilities in Azerbaijan, the greatest obstacles are not only physical but also social and psychological. Stigma, stereotypes and subtle pressures create “invisible walls” that often weigh more heavily than steps without ramps or buses without lifts. Everyday activities (going out, taking public transport, finding a job, or simply meeting friends) can feel like a test of resilience.

Social attitudes remain a major hurdle. People with disabilities are frequently perceived as passive, dependent or “in need of help.” Such views not only limit social participation but also affect self-confidence and mental health. Many young people with mobility impairments, for example, report being turned away from jobs with remarks like “this work isn’t for you” or “your condition won’t allow it.” The result is not just reduced economic independence, but also weakened social ties, often leading to isolation, depression and loss of self-worth.

Education presents similar challenges. With few inclusive schools and limited teacher training, children with disabilities often feel excluded. The attitudes of peers can further discourage participation. Some parents opt for “special schools,” which may inadvertently restrict integration. As a result, children with disabilities are left behind both educationally and socially.

The labour market is no less daunting. Only about one in three people with disabilities is employed. Others rely on state benefits or family support. A lack of accessible workplaces, insufficient adaptation to job requirements, and persistent stereotypes among colleagues take a psychological toll. As one young job-seeker put it: “In interviews, they don’t even give you a chance. It feels like failure is already written for you.”

Invisible barriers often cut deeper than physical ones. Isolation, prejudice, and unequal opportunities in education and work create strains within families and communities. Depression, anxiety and social withdrawal are reported at higher rates among people with disabilities compared to the general population. Even in cities, some young people avoid social life and public events; in rural areas, limited infrastructure and entrenched stereotypes amplify the isolation.

Yet change is slowly emerging. NGOs, state programmes and media initiatives are beginning to challenge entrenched attitudes. Inclusive lessons in some schools, workplace adjustments, and awareness campaigns are helping to shift perceptions. In Baku, several projects – from inclusive start-up support at UNEC, to vocational training initiatives by the mobile operator NAR, to the “Development with Rafet” project – are opening new doors. These efforts not only provide economic opportunities but also strengthen mental health and social inclusion.

International models and local lessons for Azerbaijan

Across much of Europe, the full inclusion of people with disabilities has become part of everyday life. In Copenhagen, for example, curb ramps are standard on every street corner, while buses and metro stations are designed for wheelchair users. In London, every school operates under inclusive education standards, with lesson plans and teacher training tailored to children’s needs. These measures go beyond accessibility: they help break stereotypes, safeguard mental health, and ensure that individuals can participate fully in society.

In Azerbaijan, progress has been slower, but small success stories are emerging. A handful of metro stations in Baku are now equipped with lifting platforms, and some schools have begun to introduce inclusive classrooms. Unlike in Europe, where such policies are mainstream, these remain pilot projects. Yet they demonstrate that meaningful change is possible when the right approach is taken.

International experience points to three interconnected areas that must advance together: infrastructure, education and employment, and social attitudes. The Netherlands offers a striking example. Urban planning there consistently accounts for accessibility, with streets, bus stops, schools and parks designed for unrestricted movement. As a result, people with disabilities face fewer physical and social barriers, and are able to engage as equal participants in public life.

In Azerbaijan, similar approaches are beginning to take shape. In Baku, training programmes in programming and design have been organised for young people with physical disabilities. The lesson from both international practice and local experience is clear: progress must be parallel across sectors. Infrastructure alone is not enough. Education must become more inclusive, workplaces adapted, and public awareness transformed.

Practical steps for Azerbaijan could include:

• Infrastructure: Ensure all new public buildings, metro stations and buses meet international standards, while gradually retrofitting existing facilities. Accessibility motivates participation in public life.

• Education and employment: Expand the number of inclusive classrooms, strengthen teacher training, and promote workplace adaptations and training opportunities. These measures foster both economic independence and social integration.

• Shaping public attitudes: Media campaigns, public events and success stories can challenge stereotypes. Highlighting achievements shows that people with disabilities are active contributors, not passive dependents.

• Civil society initiatives: Small-scale but successful NGO projects should be scaled up with state support, enabling broader nationwide impact.

Together, these steps underline that laws, infrastructure, education, employment and public attitudes are not separate challenges but interconnected elements of inclusion. The stories of Leyla and others like her illustrate that with the right policies, both physical and social barriers can be dismantled, allowing people with disabilities to participate fully and equally in Azerbaijani society.

Life for people with disabilities in Azerbaijan is still surrounded by invisible walls. These barriers are not only physical. They are reinforced by social stereotypes, limited access to education and employment, and, at times, by society’s failure to fully accept difference. Every day, people with physical impairments confront these walls as they go to school, use public transport, or try to enter the workplace. Sometimes they face them alone; sometimes with the support of friends or grassroots initiatives.

Yet, walls are not only obstacles, they can also be dismantled. As individuals, as a community, and as a state, we can build bridges in their place. Every step taken, every initiative launched, every act of support creates the foundations for a more open, equal, and hopeful society for the next generation.
People with disabilities do not become part of society only when opportunities are provided, but also when respect and acceptance are ensured. As Leyla, a young woman who launched her own start-up after completing a digital skills programme, puts it: “We are not only part of society through opportunities, but also through respect and recognition.”

Her words carry both a call to action and a message of hope. The full inclusion of people with disabilities in society is not a distant goal, it is possible, if the right steps are taken and if everyone recognises their share of responsibility.

Nigar Shahverdiyeva