Coordination meetings of the Subnational Working Group in Kharkiv region
28.03.2025
Events
This week, representatives of the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (LAOPD) took part in a regular meeting of the Subnational Working Group (SWG) for Kharkiv Oblast.
LAOPD is a regular participant in these coordination meetings, which are aimed at discussing the current needs of the population, including internally displaced persons, as well as coordinating actions between organizations working in the region.
The following key issues were discussed during the meeting
- the current situation in the area of multi-sectoral cash assistance (MPCA);
- Provision of emergency financial support to people evacuated from the war zones (Emergency MPCA TF);
- updated requests from local governments;
- information on UHF and HNRP programs;
- mapping the potential of organizations working in the Kharkiv region;
- agreeing on measures to avoid duplication of assistance among beneficiaries;
- updating vulnerability criteria and requirements for registration in MPCA programs.
Participation in such meetings allows LAOPD not only to share its experience of working with people with disabilities and IDPs, but also to engage in the development of joint solutions based on the real needs of communities.
We are grateful to our partners and colleagues for effective cooperation and continue to work to ensure that humanitarian support is targeted, coordinated and as useful as possible for those who need it.
News and events
All publicationsEvents
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more