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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
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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
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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
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Events
LAOOI met with residents of the Kharkiv Municipal Compact-Living Facility
Help is at hand: another information meeting was held in Kharkiv with residents of a collective accommodation site for IDPs. The team from the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities continues to meet with internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in collective accommodation sites selected for the "Inclusive Accommodation and Protection of Vulnerable IDPs in Kharkiv Region" project. This time, we visited the residents of another site to meet them in person, explain the project's opportunities, and—most importantly—listen to the people and hear about their needs and challenges. For many residents, this site has become a temporary home following their forced displacement. Our goal is to make their living conditions safer, more accessible, and more comfortable—especially for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. During the meeting, participants learned about the support provided by the project, planned measures to improve living conditions, and how to access necessary assistance. Special attention was paid to issues of accessibility, protection, and the residents' individual needs. The meeting took the form of an open dialogue. Anyone interested had the opportunity to ask questions, share their challenges, and receive advice. It is important to us that people not only know about the available assistance but also feel heard and supported, knowing their needs are being considered and they are not left to face their problems alone. We continue our work to ensure that support reaches those who need it most. The project "Inclusive Accommodation and Protection for Vulnerable IDPs in the Kharkiv Region" is implemented by the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities with the support of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and financial backing from Sweden, provided through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Надіслати відгук
12.10.2026
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News
Inclusivity means that everyone has a place in society
Inclusivity means that everyone has a place in society - and no one has to prove they deserve it. Today, on Inclusivity Day, we want to remind everyone of a simple truth: equal rights and opportunities should not just be words, but a part of our everyday lives. It means the ability to access a hospital without barriers, to get an education, to find a job, and to receive necessary assistance. It means being heard and accepted, and fully participating in community life. For the team at the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, inclusivity is a daily mission. We help overcome barriers, advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, support those facing difficult life circumstances, and work to make Ukrainian communities more accessible to everyone. After all, a truly inclusive society is not one where a person is forced to adapt to barriers; it is a society that changes so that everyone can live with dignity. Inclusivity begins with respect, and real change begins with our actions.
10.10.2026
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Events
Аn information session held at a collective accommodation site in Kharkiv
Directly to residents about available support: an information session held at a collective accommodation site in Kharkiv At one of the city's dormitories, the team from the "Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities" (LAOOPD), together with project partners—representatives from IRC Deutschland and the Community Development Fund—held an information session for residents of a collective accommodation site for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The meeting provided an opportunity not only to detail the support available under the IDP assistance project but also to speak directly with residents, hear their questions, and discuss their current needs. Specialists from LAOOPD and partner organizations presented key areas of activity: legal and psychological assistance, social support and individual needs assessment, case management, and opportunities for upgrading the facility's equipment. Specifically, the project includes the provision of essential items and specialized equipment tailored to the residents' identified needs. There was also a specific discussion on how to access free legal advice, assistance with documents and official inquiries, as well as individual and group psychological support. Importantly, the session was conducted as an open dialogue; residents could ask questions of the project team, share their needs, and receive explanations regarding available support options. For our team, such meetings are a vital part of our work. After all, effective assistance begins not with pre-packaged solutions, but with an understanding of the real needs of the individual. The project "Inclusive Accommodation and Protection for Vulnerable IDPs in the Kharkiv Region" is being implemented by a consortium comprising the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, the Community Development Fund, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), with support from Sweden provided through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Together with our partners, we continue working to ensure that collective accommodation sites become not merely temporary shelters, but environments that are more accessible, safe, and dignified for people. Надіслати відгук
08.10.2026
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Events
Rejuvenating Recreation: Veterans and People with Disabilities Gather at "Perlyna"
Rejuvenating Recreation: Veterans and People with Disabilities Gather at "Perlyna" Socializing, making new acquaintances, and the thrill of sport - this is how the gathering of veterans and people with disabilities (along with their families) unfolded at the "Perlyna" pond in Pidhorodne, Dnipropetrovsk region. Participants tried their hand at competitive fishing and archery. For some, it was a new experience; for others, a chance to return to a favorite pastime. Yet, the most important aspects of the day were the personal connections, the support, and an atmosphere where everyone could feel comfortable and simply be themselves. Our team took part in the event, notably Mykola Nadulichnyi - head of the "Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities," ambassador of the "Movement Without Barriers" project, and an expert on the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine. Such gatherings are far more than just leisure activities. They offer veterans and people with disabilities the chance to stay active, meet like-minded people, experience new emotions, and feel part of a community. It is especially important that active recreation can - and should be accessible to everyone. The examples set by the participants at this event prove once again that barriers should not define a person's potential. We extend our thanks to the organizers, partners, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this day happen. We continue to support initiatives that bring people together and help them return to an active life. For true barrier-free living is not just about accessible spaces; it is about the opportunity to live, socialize, relax, and pursue what brings you joy—on an equal footing with others.
07.10.2026
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Events
LAOOI Team Strengthens Practical Protection Skills
LAOOI Team Strengthens Practical Protection Skills The team from the "Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities" (LAOOI) participated in a two-day practical training session on Protection Case Management. The training took place as part of the SAFE-PATH project and focused primarily on practical application—working with real and realistic case scenarios, making decisions, and identifying the safest and most effective ways to support individuals. Over the course of two days, participants examined the key stages of case management in detail: from risk assessment and action planning to referrals for necessary services, documentation, supervision, and case closure. Special attention was paid to handling complex cases, incorporating psychological support into case management, and gaining practical experience with the Primero system. For our team, such training sessions offer a vital opportunity to refine the approaches we use daily when working with vulnerable groups. After all, behind every case lies a real person with specific circumstances and needs; therefore, our solutions must be professional, safe, and person-centered. We extend our thanks to our partners—IRC Deutschland and the NGO "Community Development Fund"—as well as trainer Valentyna Zaliievska, for the practical and insightful training, the exchange of experience, and our collaborative efforts. The project "Inclusive Accommodation and Protection for Vulnerable IDPs in Kharkiv Oblast" 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 support from Sweden provided through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Photo: Community Development Fund #go2frg
06.10.2026
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Articles
Barrier-free accessibility is tested in motion, not just on paper
Can a person in a wheelchair enter the building independently? Is there enough room to maneuver inside? Is the restroom convenient to use? Is the route safe for someone with a prosthesis? This is precisely how the accessibility of the Transit Center in Voloske village (Dnipro district, Dnipropetrovsk region) was tested—in practice. The inspection involved Mykola Nadulichnyi, Head of the "Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities," an ambassador for the "Movement Without Barriers" project and an expert on the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine. Together with other participants, Mykola Nadulichnyi did more than just look at the premises; they traversed the center’s main routes exactly as various people would on a daily basis. They checked entrances and exits, the width of passageways and doorways, movement routes, ramps, sanitary facilities, and signage. They evaluated the space specifically from the perspectives of a wheelchair user and a person using a prosthesis. After all, details like measurements, slopes, thresholds, or poorly placed equipment—which some might not even notice—can become real obstacles for others. There was also a discussion about communication accessibility: how center staff can properly interact with people with disabilities, and how to provide clear information and assistance without undermining a person's independence. All identified barriers were documented on-site, and potential solutions were discussed. Based on the inspection, recommendations were developed to further improve the accessibility of the Transit Center. For us, a barrier-free environment is a space that a person can truly use—independently, safely, and with dignity. That is why accessibility requires more than just planning; it must be verified in practice.
02.10.2026
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Articles
From a single training session to community-wide change
From a single training session to community-wide change: how LAOOI fosters a culture of barrier-free accessibility Barrier-free accessibility does not begin with a ramp, nor does it end with an accessible building entrance. It starts with people—with how professionals perceive another person's needs, how they communicate, how they respond to challenging situations, and the assistance they can offer. That is precisely why professional training is one of the key avenues through which the "Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities" (LAOOI) systematically drives societal change. Recently, the LAOOI team conducted a three-day training session in Dnipro titled "Barrier-Free Accessibility in Action: Inclusion. Protection. Resilience" for healthcare professionals from the Nikopol district of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Yet, for us, the training itself is not the only thing that matters; what follows is equally important. Each participant returns to their facility—to their patients, colleagues, and daily routine—and the knowledge gained over those three days begins to make a difference right there. This is how change happens: one trained individual alters the approach within their workplace; a team transforms the facility's operations; and dozens or hundreds of trained professionals gradually reshape the entire system. Over the course of LAOOI’s work, dozens of people have completed training on barrier-free accessibility, inclusion, and protection. These are professionals from various fields who work with people daily and can translate the knowledge they have acquired into concrete solutions within their communities. For LAOOI, therefore, each such training session represents far more than just three days of instruction and a certificate of completion. This is an investment in an environment where individuals do not have to constantly prove their right to accessibility, respect, and support. The training took place as part of the project "Integrated Protection, Health, and Inclusion for Vulnerable Newly Displaced Persons, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and Particularly Vulnerable Groups in the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk Regions (Priorities 1, 2, 4)." The project is supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) and implemented by the "Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities" (LAOOI) and Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo (VIS). Removing barriers becomes a reality when knowledge translates into daily practice. And that is precisely the kind of change we strive for.
30.09.2026
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News
From Values to Concrete Actions: Accessibility Ambassadors Join Forces
From Values to Concrete Actions: Accessibility Ambassadors Join Forces Mykola Nadulichnyi, Head of the "Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities" (LAOOPD) and an accessibility ambassador for the Lviv region, participated in the September online meeting of Ukraine’s Network of Accessibility Ambassadors. The meeting brought together Network representatives from various regions to discuss not only principles but, above all, how accessibility should function in people's real lives. A key topic was the use of "plain language" as a tool for accessible communication. Participants also specifically discussed how to translate regulations, documents, and individual decisions into practical changes that people can truly see and experience in their daily lives. During the meeting, the group began gathering proposals for a practical guide titled "The Path of a Ukrainian Accessibility Ambassador: From Values to Action" and discussed future events and ongoing collaboration within the Network. For the LAOOPD, participating in this work offers an opportunity to share practical experience while strengthening joint efforts to ensure that accessibility moves beyond a mere declared principle and becomes a standard part of community life. Accessibility begins where human needs become the foundation for concrete solutions.
29.09.2026
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Events
Barrier-Free Principles into Practice: Dnipro Hosts Three-Day Training by the LAOOI
The "Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities" (LAOOI) recently held a three-day training session in Dnipro titled "Barrier-Free Principles in Action: Inclusion. Protection. Resilience" for representatives of local healthcare facilities in the Nikopol district of the Dnipropetrovsk region. The three days focused on making assistance truly accessible, safe, and dignified—covering everything from the physical accessibility of spaces to effective communication and the referral of individuals to necessary services. Participants discussed barrier-free environments and non-discrimination, learned to identify physical, informational, and communication barriers, worked with practical accessibility assessment tools, and examined the principles of reasonable accommodation. Special attention was paid to a protection-oriented approach, confidentiality, informed consent, and the "do no harm" principle. A key part of the training involved working through real-life scenarios: how to respond when someone reports violence or another threat, how to prevent re-traumatization, how to establish safe referral pathways, and where to draw professional boundaries. Discussions also covered professional burnout, stress, self-regulation, and team support. The third day focused on ethical and supportive communication. Participants explored how to communicate with people following loss, displacement, or traumatic experiences—without pressure or stigma—and how to tailor communication to an individual's state and needs. They also discussed how to coordinate interactions among social, medical, educational, and administrative services and civil society organizations. Accessibility encompasses the entire journey a person takes to access help: whether they can reach the necessary location, receive clear information, be heard, avoid discrimination, and ultimately obtain the specific support they require. The training was conducted as part of the project "Integrated Protection, Health, and Inclusion for Vulnerable Newly Displaced Persons, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and Particularly Vulnerable Groups in the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk Regions (Priorities 1, 2, 4)." The project is supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) and implemented by the "Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities" (LAOOI) and Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo (VIS).
28.09.2026
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