The article by K. Laskowska presents the evolution in the approach of the state and of society to handicapped persons in Russia in the past and in the present. The author points to a number of problems that have been present for years in relationships of handicapped persons with other people (lack of understanding and support, dislike, and rejection), as well as existential problems encountered by them in their daily lives (unemployment, low disability benefi ts). The author also presents the most important provisions of the Act “On social protection of handicapped persons in the Russian Federation” of 1995, which regulates many spheres of the state’s assistance provided to such persons. In particular, the Act regulates the support related to housing, healthcare, information, transport, financial aid, etc. The deliberations lead to the conclusion that changes are needed that will lead to better social integration, as well as to better and more eff ective work of representatives of state authorities and institutions. What is needed is a single cohesive and efficient system that facilitates the functioning of handicapped persons in society. 