However, we need to remember the groups of children with congenital disabilities, chronic patients of different ages, and elderly people. A disability is recognized by able-bodied people as a deficiency, a lack, or tragedy. Responses to these powerful negatives are pity, fear, or admiration. The particular response is dependent upon how the disabled person is recognized by the community and by themselves. The response and attitude of most able-bodied persons to people with disabilities is based on ignorance of the situation of the disability.
People assume that disability is a catastrophe, and so they fear it.
Traditionally, in Russia, disability is perceived by government as a problem, but not as a priority. Health care has emphasized diagnosis and treatment of diseases, acute illness and injuries. At the same time, medical aspects of rehabilitation have been developed, but provision of care is only possible through high education, knowledge and the experience of professionals. Most people with disabilities in Russia have experienced the medical or institutional model of rehabilitation, which treats them as passive individuals suffering the results of a disease or accident. Many people with various disabilities, physical or mental, are frequently hidden away from their families.