Denis Chastenet, a researcher deputed to EHESP by the CNRS, spent eighteen months researching the human, legal, scientific and economic issues involved in disability in France, as well as the challenges, such as identifying needs, introducing new services and investing more in research and in training. He reports on his findings here. Antoine Flahault, Dean of EHESP and professor of public health, suggested this work in 2008 and conducted it with the support and guidance of Jean-Francois Mattei, a former health minister and president of the EHESP Board of Trustees, in order to create an International Interdisciplinary Centre on Disability at EHESP and in partnership with other institutions.