The problem of the isolation and confinement of people with disabilities in specialized institutions has existed for many years and is very painful. Nevertheless, recently the idea that disabled people can and should remain independent and participate in society has become increasingly popular. Despite the fact that Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities largely influences the deinstitutionalization of specialized institutions and the formation of services for people with disabilities, genuine compliance with the provisions of the Convention requires radical changes in society, a rejection of patronizing and aloof attitudes toward the needs and requirements of people with disabilities, and the adoption of measures to ensure that people with disabilities can live the lives that are optimal for them.

Existing international law already provides all the foundations for the effective realization of the right of persons with disabilities to live a full life in society. Today there are a number of achievements in this sphere that go beyond the scope of this study.

Some states have already come close to achieving this goal, abandoning specialized institutions in favor of in-home services for people with disabilities or creating entirely new services and support systems where they did not previously exist. Such successes should be applauded, built upon, systematized, legislated and aligned with human rights standards.