Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities
We’re doing everything to show that even in the most challenging times, together we can achieve the incredible
About the organization
The 'Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities', established on May 25, 2018, supports people with disabilities and ensures equal opportunities for them. We are a leading organization in Eastern Ukraine focused on social integration and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, working to improve their quality of life
The public union provides social support, protects the rights of people with disabilities, fosters social inclusion, advocates for accessible infrastructure, raises awareness, promotes skill development, and actively involves persons with disabilities in activities
LAOOI's activities in numbers
From the very beginning, our organization has strived for a great goal: to improve the quality of life and protect the rights of people with disabilities, promote social inclusion, and support the awareness of the importance of a barrier-free environment
2 549
Beneficiaries received financial assistance of 3,600 UAH to cover critical needs
2 214
persons (958 households) received 26,000 hryvnia each for winter heating supplies
2 188
Beneficiaries from Kharkiv region received building materials for 867 households.
944
Beneficiaries (457hous.) received aid for repairs, heating, and home improvement.
225
households, including 88 — improving conditions for people with disabilities
1 268
people received psychological counseling, 88 group sessions were conducted
795
Services “Legal assistance to children, guardians, and people with disabilities”
352
individuals received legal consultations
Our target groups
Media about us
All publications
We are on social media
We actively share news about our activities, stories of people we have helped, and information about important initiatives, projects, and events. Join us on social media to learn about new projects, follow event announcements, and join the change. We strive to create an open and friendly community that supports the rights of people with disabilities and promotes their integration
News and events
All publicationsArticles
Accessibility Starts at the Doorstep: Why Does It Matter for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)?
Accessibility Starts at the Doorstep: Why Does It Matter for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)? For someone forced to leave their home because of war, finding a new place to live is already a difficult challenge. For persons with disabilities and displaced people with reduced mobility, there is an additional obstacle — physical accessibility. Can a person enter a building without barriers? Is there a ramp? Can a wheelchair user independently go outside and access essential services? As part of the project “Inclusive Accommodation and Protection of Vulnerable IDPs in Kharkiv Oblast,” the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (LAOPD) pays particular attention to the needs of people living in collective accommodation centres. Providing temporary shelter is not enough. It is equally important to create an environment where people feel safe, have access to essential assistance, and can maintain their independence. Our work involves comprehensive support: Individual case management for people facing difficult life circumstances; Legal assistance and support in restoring personal documents; Psychological support; Assistance in addressing accessibility challenges and adapting to everyday life; Referrals to essential social and other services. The photos show buildings and surrounding areas of collective accommodation centres. These spaces remind us how important it is to consider everyone’s needs, especially those of people with mobility difficulties. True inclusion means that no one should have to overcome barriers simply to live an ordinary life. We firmly believe that forced displacement should never mean losing one’s dignity, independence, or right to an accessible environment. The project is implemented by a consortium comprising the NGO Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, the NGO Community Development Fund, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), with the support of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). #LAOPD #IDPSupport #KharkivOblast #Inclusion #Accessibility #CollectiveCentres #IRC
27.10.2026
Read more
Events
Creativity That Helps Restore Inner Strength
Sometimes, all it takes to find peace of mind is to pick up a paintbrush, choose your favorite colors, and allow yourself a little creativity. Recently, an art therapy session titled “Art Therapy as a Space for Recovery and Support” was held for residents of collective centres for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kharkiv Oblast. This time, participants created decorative mosaic coasters. Step by step, small, colorful pieces were transformed into beautiful handmade creations, each with its own unique character. But the most valuable part was not just the final result. Creating together helped participants take their minds off everyday worries, reduce emotional stress, relax, and experience the joy of making something with their own hands. Supporting people who have been forced to leave their homes because of the war means more than meeting their immediate needs. It also means caring for their emotional well-being, fostering a sense of belonging, and strengthening their inner resilience. We continue to create welcoming spaces where everyone can feel cared for, supported, and connected through the warmth of human interaction. The activity was organized as part of the project “Inclusive Accommodation and Protection of Vulnerable Internally Displaced Persons in Kharkiv Oblast,” implemented by the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities with the support of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and financial support from Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). #LAOOI #IRC #Sida #IDPSupport #ArtTherapy #PsychosocialSupport
26.10.2026
Read more
News
Your rights matter! And we are here to help you protect them!
Your rights matter! And we are here to help you protect them! Documents lost during the war, difficulties in applying for social benefits, inheritance matters, or the formal determination of disability status… Sometimes, a single legal issue turns into dozens of obstacles, and finding answers on your own can be challenging. The Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (LAOOI) provides FREE legal assistance to those in need from the Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk regions! Our lawyers will help you navigate complex issues, explain your rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation. What kind of issues can we help with? Document recovery: passports, certificates, and ownership documents for housing or other property. Social benefits and allowances: applying for IDP (internally displaced person) assistance, obtaining compensation, and challenging the denial of benefits. Rights of persons with disabilities: establishing or renewing disability status, accessing social and rehabilitation services, and protection against discrimination. Inheritance matters: processing inheritances, including for property located in temporarily occupied territories or active combat zones. Labor and family law: issues regarding employment termination, job transfers, guardianship, child support, and other related legal matters. Children’s rights, education, and healthcare: accessing essential services, benefits, and legal protection. What can you expect? * Individual legal consultation. * Explanations of the law in clear, accessible language. * Assistance with the preparation of applications, appeals, and other documents. Contact us for free legal assistance: +38093 83 83 096 | llawyer.laopwd@gmail.com Do not face your problems alone. Even if a situation seems hopeless, a consultation is a good place to start. Knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting them. Legal assistance is provided within the framework of the project "Integrated Protection, Medical Assistance, and Inclusion for Vulnerable Newly Displaced Persons, Internally Displaced Persons, and Other Highly Vulnerable Groups in the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk Regions." The project is supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) and implemented by the "Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities" (LAOPWD) in partnership with Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo (VIS). Rights exist not just on paper—they should work for every single person!
21.10.2026
Read more
Frequently asked questions
LAOOI is a voluntary public association consisting of individuals and private legal entities, established to uphold and protect human and civil rights and freedoms, meeting the social, economic, cultural, and other needs of its members and/or others