Integration of people with disabilities

As a first step towards integration of disabled people into society, two German and one Russian NGOs working in this field will set up a “house of normal life and work” in St. Petersburg, Russia. The “house” is a model ward (within a state institution)where staff and handicapped people will gain competence, influence and empowerment. The staff of the new ward will be trained according to this new approach locally and on study visits to Hamburg. The model can be replicated by other institutions and has the support of the local authorities. It also is a model of co-operation between governmental and non-governmental organizations, an area still underdeveloped in Russia.