Commissioned by ESCWA, this study addressed the gap in research about disability in the Arab region, and particularly the living conditions of persons with disability who live in institutions. With the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, effective 2006, a new understanding of disability has been adopted.  Therefore, the study aimed to explain the reasons for low prevalence rates, and opened up discussion with ESCWA member states on the living conditions in institutions and de-institutionalization.