A Start towards Addressing the Information Gap

As discussed, there is a significant lack of information on the living conditions of institutionalized persons with disabilities in the Arab world and efforts to promote deinstitutionalization and integration. None of the reports submitted by Arab States under the Convention thus far have distinguished statistically between institutionalized persons with disabilities and persons with disabilities who live independently or with their families, nor have the majority of the reports provided country-wide data on residential institutions housing persons with disabilities.

This report therefore explores the following questions: 

  • How many people with disabilities live in institutions in Arab countries? 
  • What services and facilities are offered in institutions?
  • What are the living conditions present in institutions? 
  • How do persons with disabilities perceive their experiences in institutions? 
  • How, if at all, do persons with disabilities in institutions interact with members of the community outside institutions  
  • How do institutions facilitate integration into society?