Acknowledgments

This report was researched and written by a Persian-speaking researcher who wishes to remain anonymous for security reasons. The researcher worked jointly with the Disability Rights Division of Human Rights Watch and the Center for Human Rights in Iran.

Jane Buchanan, deputy director in the Disability Rights Division edited the report. Shantha Rau Barriga, director in the Disability Rights Division, Emina Ćerimović, researcher in the Disability Rights Division, and Danielle Haas, senior editor in the Program Office of Human Rights Watch edited initial versions of this report. Michael Page, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa Division, Tara Sepehrifar, Iran researcher, Diederik Lohman, director of the Health and Human Rights Division, and Bill Van Esveld, senior researcher in Children Rights Division, reviewed the report. Clive Baldwin, senior legal advisor, provided legal review. Tom Porteous, deputy program director, provided program review.

Hadi Ghaemi, Executive Director, Omid Memarian, Deputy Director, and Karen Kramer, Director of Publications, reviewed the report for the Center for Human Rights in Iran. Azin Mohajerin, disability rights researcher, at the Center for Human Rights in Iran assisted with finding cover photos.

Stephanie Collins, associate in the Disability Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, provided editorial and production assistance. The report was prepared for publication by Fitzroy Hopkins, production manager.

We are grateful to the individuals who shared their personal stories, as well as the service providers and disability rights advocates who agreed to be interviewed. Many of those interviewed also dedicated their time and passion to connect us to other interviewees. They did so knowing that we are not able to acknowledge them each individually, due to security considerations. We are additionally thankful for their efforts, given the challenges of doing the interviews remotely due to our lack of access to Iran.