BEAUTIFUL MINDS
Georgia has undergone big changes in its 30 years since independence from the Soviet Union. It’s made strides forward in economic and political reforms. But social services – in particular support for the mentally ill and the disabled, are still underfunded.
In 2020, there’s still a shortage of specialists and limited support for families, especially in rural areas. Exclusion, stigma and discrimination continue to marginalise many people. Deinstitutionalisation – the closure of hospitals and institutes has stalled. Many children with disabilities risk being sent to adult institutions, because there isn’t enough support for them once they reach 18. Opportunities for education, employment and inclusion in society are few and far between.
Beautiful Minds is a project by photographer Maurice Wolf, and journalist Robin Forestier-Walker, to shine a light on what’s being done to help people with disability in 21st century Georgia.
