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Exhibition “Accessibility Means Seeing the Person Beyond the Words” Opens in Lviv
Accessibility Begins with Words: An Exhibition in Lviv Promotes Respect for Every Person The exhibition “Accessibility Means Seeing the Person Beyond the Words” is currently on display at the Lviv Regional State Administration. More than just an art project, it serves as an important reminder that the words we choose shape how we treat one another — they can either break down barriers or create them. The exhibition highlights the importance of seeing the person first, rather than their diagnosis, disability, life circumstances, or past experiences. Behind every word is a human life, a personal story, dreams, and dignity. The display presents examples of both respectful and inappropriate language used when referring to persons with disabilities, veterans, children who have lost parental care, former prisoners of war, people who have lost their homes, and others who have faced difficult life circumstances. Visitors are encouraged to replace labels and stereotypes with language that respects human dignity and does not define people by their condition or experience. For the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (LAAOI), barrier-free communication is a critically important issue. Accessibility is not only about ramps, elevators, or accessible transportation. It is also about the culture of communication, the willingness to listen, understand, and respect one another. The exhibition was also visited by the Accessibility Ambassadors of the Lviv Region, including LAAOI Director Mykola Nadulichnyi, who has repeatedly emphasized that real change begins when society learns to see a person as a person first and foremost. We invite everyone to visit the exhibition and reflect on the power of words. Sometimes, a single respectful expression can do more for accessibility than dozens of public statements. 📲 Online version of the exhibition: https://bbu.org.ua/collections/barriere-free-art-project/ When we see the person behind the words, society becomes truly open, dignified, and barrier-free.
18.06.2026
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News
The Head of LAAOI Became an Ambassador for Accessibility in Lviv Region
The Head of the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (LAAOI), Mykola Nadulichnyi, has become an Ambassador for Accessibility in the Lviv Region. This is more than just a title — it is recognition of many years of dedicated work, daily advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities, accessibility, equal opportunities, and human dignity. During a meeting of the Accessibility Council under the Lviv Regional Military Administration, the ambassadors presented their areas of work and initiatives aimed at creating an accessible environment across local communities. Particular attention was given to improving the accessibility of transport infrastructure, supporting veterans with disabilities, expanding habilitation services, and implementing the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment. For LAAOI, this is both an important milestone and a great responsibility. For many years, Mykola Nadulichnyi has demonstrated through his own example that even after life-changing challenges, it is possible not only to defend your rights but also to drive systemic change and make society more inclusive. Ahead lie new initiatives, stronger cooperation with communities, government institutions, and civil society organizations, all united by one goal: to ensure that accessibility in Ukraine becomes not an exception, but the norm for everyone.
17.06.2026
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Events
Inclusive Solutions for Healthcare Personnel in the Kharkiv Oblast
Specialists from the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities conducted a training session for the medical staff of the Berminvody Sanatorium in the Kharkiv region on the topic: “Inclusive Solutions in Working with Vulnerable Groups.” During the meeting, participants discussed accessibility, respectful and appropriate communication with people with disabilities, respect for human dignity, and modern approaches to working with patients who require special attention and support. Particular attention was paid to ensuring accessible services and creating a comfortable environment for every person. Today, inclusivity in healthcare institutions is not only about technical solutions. Above all, it is about attitude, understanding, and the willingness to help people feel accepted, respected, and protected. The training was organized within the framework of the project “Restoring Lives and Expanding Service Opportunities in War-Affected Ukraine,” implemented by Solidar Suisse Ukraine jointly with the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, with the support of Swiss Solidarity. Earlier, as part of this cooperation, the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities together with partners had already carried out renovation works at the Berminvody Sanatorium to make the space more comfortable and accessible for people in need of rehabilitation and support.
15.06.2026
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Events
LAOOI took part in the training “Case Management in the Protection Sector and Cash for Protection.”
The team of the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities took part in the training “Case Management in the Protection Sector and Cash for Protection,” organized by Solidar Suisse Ukraine. Over the course of two days, participants deepened their knowledge of modern case management approaches, protection mechanisms for vulnerable groups, and the specifics of providing multi-purpose cash assistance to people facing difficult life circumstances caused by the war. During the training, participants discussed practical case studies, ethical principles of work, crisis response algorithms, and effective communication tools for supporting people in need. For the LAOOI team, such trainings are an important opportunity to strengthen professional skills in order to provide even more effective assistance to people affected by the war, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. We sincerely thank Solidar Suisse Ukraine for the training, experience sharing, and support for the professional development of humanitarian specialists.
08.06.2026
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Events
A Meeting with Accessibility Ambassadors Took Place at the Office of Tax Consultants
Attention. Respect. Trust. These are the principles on which true accessibility should be built today — not only in physical spaces, but also in the way people are treated. A meeting between the leadership of the Main Department of the State Tax Service in the Lviv region and accessibility ambassadors took place to discuss further steps toward ensuring physical, digital, and informational accessibility of services for all citizens. Mykola Nadulichnyi, Head of the NGO “Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities,” ambassador of the “Movement Without Barriers” project, and expert of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine, emphasized that accessibility is not a separate area of work, but the foundation of modern public policy and high-quality public services. During the meeting, Mykola Nadulichnyi also proposed organizing joint events and dialogue platforms on accessibility issues at the Inclusive Education Center of Lviv Polytechnic. Participants highlighted the importance of developing accessible digital services, maintaining open dialogue with the public, and taking into account the needs of people with disabilities, veterans, and people with limited mobility. Such meetings are about partnership, mutual respect, and real changes that make public services more accessible for everyone.
05.06.2026
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Events
LAOOI conducted the training for the Children’s Services of the Saltivskyi District of Kharkiv
Even in the dangerous districts of Kharkiv, the work does not stop. Because today, knowledge about inclusion, protection, and support for vulnerable groups is needed more than ever. Specialists from the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (LAOOI) conducted the training “Inclusive Solutions in Working with Vulnerable Groups” for representatives of the Children’s Services of the Saltivskyi District of Kharkiv. During the meeting, participants discussed accessibility, inclusive services, communication with persons with disabilities, and practical solutions that help make support truly accessible for everyone. Saltivka remains one of the most dangerous districts of Kharkiv. However, the LAOOI team continues to work where this knowledge is needed most. The training was organized within the framework of the project “Restoring Lives and Expanding Services in War-Affected Ukraine,” implemented by Solidar Suisse Ukraine in partnership with LAOOI with the support of Swiss Solidarity.
27.05.2026
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Events
LAOOI conducted a training session for the medical staff of a children’s polyclinic in Kharkiv
During the meeting with the participating medical professionals, the discussion focused on accessibility, respectful communication with people with disabilities, modern approaches to inclusion, and the importance of ensuring accessible healthcare services for all population groups. Special attention was given to ethical communication and practical solutions that help make medical spaces more comfortable and accessible for patients. Such training sessions are an important step toward creating a truly barrier-free environment where every person can receive quality assistance without barriers or prejudice. We thank the participants for their active engagement, openness to new knowledge, and interest in developing inclusive approaches in the healthcare sector. The training was organized within the framework of the project “Restoring Lives and Expanding Services in War-Affected Ukraine,” implemented by Solidar Suisse Ukraine in cooperation with the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (LAOOI) with the support of Swiss Solidarity, a Swiss international charitable non-profit organization.
26.05.2026
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Events
LAOOI joined the conference
For the fourth consecutive year, the event has brought together representatives of international and Ukrainian humanitarian organizations, government authorities, local self-government bodies, embassies, donors, and the volunteer community. This year, the conference gathered around 500 participants. During the panel discussions, participants addressed key challenges in the humanitarian sector, support for local organizations, partnership development, accessibility, inclusion, and future aid strategies in Ukraine. For our team, it is especially important that: international partners continue to confirm their readiness to support Ukraine; the topic of localization and strengthening local NGOs is becoming not just a concept, but a real practice; the principle of “not competitors, but partners” is increasingly promoted within the humanitarian sector, as cooperation and consortiums significantly strengthen the effectiveness of assistance; more attention is being paid to Ukrainian identity, culture, and history in social and charitable projects; accessibility and barrier-free environment issues are becoming one of the key areas requiring a systematic approach, expertise, and professional training at the local level. Such events are not only about discussions, but also about opportunities to find new partners, exchange experience, strengthen expertise, and jointly shape the future of Ukraine’s humanitarian sector. We sincerely thank the organizers for the invitation and the opportunity to join this important professional dialogue. The 4th Annual International Conference “Ukrainian Leadership in Aid” was jointly organized with Alliance UA CSO and Refugees International. Financial support for the conference was provided by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and UK Aid Direct.
25.05.2026
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News
Adidas lets you buy a single trainer instead of a pair
The world changes when people’s real needs are taken into account. Adidas has introduced the option in 22 European countries to buy a single trainer rather than a pair — for people with amputations or limb differences. And this isn’t a marketing ploy, but a logical and necessary solution. Previously, people had to buy a full pair, even if they only needed one trainer, overpaying for the extra one and adapting to a system that did not take their needs into account. Now the approach is changing: you can buy a single trainer for half the price of a pair in regular shops with no additional conditions It is important that this solution was developed in collaboration with people with disabilities, rather than without taking their experiences into account. This example demonstrates true accessibility: when separate ‘special’ products are not created but standard services are adapted for everyone when inclusion is manifested in concrete actions In Ukraine, such initiatives are still rare. However, it is precisely these simple solutions that foster accessibility, respect and equal opportunities. The world is already moving in this direction — Ukraine should also move from words to practical changes.
26.03.2026
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News
Ukraine launches training programme for accessibility specialists
A new system for training specialists in the field of accessibility is being established in Ukraine. Ten of the country’s leading universities have already joined the initiative, including Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture , Lviv Polytechnic National University and the National Aviation University . These are professional development programmes for architects, engineers, community representatives and government officials. Their aim is to teach participants how to create accessible spaces not just in theory, but in practice. The training will last at least 60 hours and will include: the basics of accessibility assessing the accessibility of facilities practical surveys developing specific recommendations Upon completion, participants will receive certificates and will be able to professionally assess the accessibility of the environment. This is an important step forward. After all, accessibility is not about formal ramps, but about high-quality solutions that have a real impact on people’s lives. At the same time, the key question remains: will these specialists have sufficient authority and influence? It is on this that it depends whether accessibility in Ukraine will become an everyday norm, rather than merely a declaration.
25.03.2026
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Articles
Accessible route inspected in the Novorozdil community
The Novorozdil community is demonstrating how the concept of accessibility is being put into practice. Last week, specialists from the Lviv Region Accessibility Council, together with experts, carried out an on-site inspection of the route at the invitation of the town council. This was not a formal inspection, but practical work carried out directly on site — analysing actual facilities, the environment and any issues that could still be rectified. Community representatives, designers and experts joined the process, including Mykola Nadulichny, as well as representatives of the ‘Third After Midnight’ Museum in the Dark — Ostap Nesterovsky and Heorhiy Halas. The participants walked the planned route together — from administrative buildings and educational institutions to public spaces. The main focus was on the basics: accessibility of entrances organisation of the surrounding area sanitary and hygiene facilities During the survey, it was possible to identify not only barriers but also typical mistakes that often arise as early as the design stage. This is precisely what allows us to avoid problems in the future. It is also important to note that the community is already collaborating with businesses and seeking partnerships. After all, accessibility is not just the responsibility of the authorities, but a shared endeavour for everyone. Novorozdil demonstrates that change begins where there is a willingness to assess, listen and refine solutions. This is precisely how a barrier-free environment is created.
24.03.2026
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News
Lviv launches ‘respite care’ for carers
A new social service is being introduced in Lviv — ‘respite care’ for people who look after those with disabilities on a daily basis. This is an important sign: the focus is gradually shifting not only to those who need care, but also to those who provide it. The service is provided at the Supported Living Centre on Pasichna Street. There, full support is provided: accommodation, meals, care and domestic assistance. The following are eligible to use the programme: families and carers of people with disabilities families with members suffering from severe or incurable illnesses individuals providing constant daily care Duration of the service: up to 30 days per year minimum — 10 days per period To receive assistance, you must contact the social welfare authorities and submit an application, medical documents and proof of care provision. Following this, specialists assess needs and draw up an individual plan. It is important to note that this service is free of charge in Lviv. Similar schemes have been in place for a long time in many countries, but are only just beginning to emerge in Ukraine. This is a step towards a modern social policy, where support for carers is recognised as just as necessary as assistance for people with disabilities.
24.03.2026
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