LAOOI conducted a training session for the medical staff of a children’s polyclinic in Kharkiv

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

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

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