Having a physical handicap has more serious consequences for Russian children than it would have for European children. And the definition of a "handicap" is much broader in Russian: you are for instance already seen as handicapped if you have diabetes. Even children with minor handicaps are often refused by the schools. Legally the schools are obliged to take them in, but it still happens more often than not. Apart from the problem that these children do not get an education, the social rejection had a disastrous effect on their self-esteem. These children become depressed, stop talking, do not show any lust for life….