Kharkiv: partnership for a decent life
08.07.2025
Articles
As part of the project ‘Restoring Lives and Expanding Service Opportunities in War-Affected Ukraine,’ the team at the Luhansk Association of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities continues to visit communities that are implementing changes despite all the challenges of war.
The LAOPD's approach is based not only on providing assistance, but also on comprehensive work with people, institutions and spaces — where services focused on human needs are being developed.
Kharkiv has become one of the key points on the route. A working meeting was held in the city with Deputy Mayor Yuriy Shparaga and Director of the Department of Inclusive Accessibility and Barrier-Free Environment of the Kharkiv City Council Oleg Pulem — the head of Ukraine's first municipal body that systematically implements the principles of inclusion in the urban environment.
Yuriy Shparaga is an official who is open to partnerships and life-changing solutions. It was his willingness to take action that made it possible to agree on specific steps to support people with disabilities and upgrade the city's infrastructure.
Oleg Pul is not just the head of the department, but a driver of change who consistently implements barrier-free policies at the city level. His participation in the meeting was proof that Kharkiv is committed to real action, not formal promises.
The following was agreed upon as a result of the meeting:
- 50 private households of people with disabilities will receive financial assistance to make their homes accessible (ramps, handrails, entrance adaptations, etc.);
- The Kharkiv Social Services Centre will receive support to renovate its premises to make them comfortable and accessible for all categories of visitors;
- Polyclinic No. 14 has been included in a renovation programme focusing on physical accessibility, infrastructure improvements and the creation of comfortable conditions for patients with reduced mobility.
All these actions are being implemented with the support of Solidar Suisse, an international partner that invests not only in infrastructure, but above all in human dignity and rights.
Recovery is not a return to the old. It is the construction of something new, where equality, accessibility and respect for human beings are the foundation for the future.
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The Abilitation Centre in Lviv: the path to independence after trauma
Together with Taras Tarasenko and Vadym Svyrydenko, the LAOPD team visited the Abilitation Centre in Lviv — a space where veterans, people who have undergone amputations and complex injuries, as well as people with disabilities, acquire the most important thing — the skills to live independently and with dignity in new conditions. The main task of the centre is to help people adapt to their new reality, teach them to live independently, and confidently use all the tools that ensure quality reintegration into society. Here, residents learn basic skills of self-care, mobility, communication, spatial orientation, and interaction with others — both within and outside an inclusive environment. The habilitation process is based on the principles of the ‘Therapeutic Community’ methodology, which allows building trust, support, and mutual respect among participants. This is not just training — it is a transformative experience that restores a person's self-confidence. We are delighted to continue our warm and constructive communication with our like-minded colleagues in Lviv, with whom we share a common vision of supporting veterans and people with disabilities: Anna Gorkun — HAB project manager, idea generator and coordinator, who brought together a team of professionals around a common goal. Serhii Titarenko — head of the habilitation process and psychologist, whose sincerity, sensitivity and deep understanding of the needs of veterans help participants every day to move from vulnerability to confidence, from isolation to a renewed life. This centre is another powerful example of what real support for veterans and people with disabilities can look like. Thank you for your trust and openness. New partnerships and joint actions lie ahead.
25.07.2025
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Articles
Kharkiv: partnership for a decent life
As part of the project ‘ Restoring Lives and Expanding Service Opportunities in War-Affected Ukraine ,’ the team at the Luhansk Association of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities continues to visit communities that are implementing changes despite all the challenges of war. The LAOPD's approach is based not only on providing assistance, but also on comprehensive work with people, institutions and spaces — where services focused on human needs are being developed. Kharkiv has become one of the key points on the route. A working meeting was held in the city with Deputy Mayor Yuriy Shparaga and Director of the Department of Inclusive Accessibility and Barrier-Free Environment of the Kharkiv City Council Oleg Pulem — the head of Ukraine's first municipal body that systematically implements the principles of inclusion in the urban environment. Yuriy Shparaga is an official who is open to partnerships and life-changing solutions. It was his willingness to take action that made it possible to agree on specific steps to support people with disabilities and upgrade the city's infrastructure. Oleg Pul is not just the head of the department, but a driver of change who consistently implements barrier-free policies at the city level. His participation in the meeting was proof that Kharkiv is committed to real action, not formal promises. The following was agreed upon as a result of the meeting: 50 private households of people with disabilities will receive financial assistance to make their homes accessible (ramps, handrails, entrance adaptations, etc.); The Kharkiv Social Services Centre will receive support to renovate its premises to make them comfortable and accessible for all categories of visitors; Polyclinic No. 14 has been included in a renovation programme focusing on physical accessibility, infrastructure improvements and the creation of comfortable conditions for patients with reduced mobility. All these actions are being implemented with the support of Solidar Suisse , an international partner that invests not only in infrastructure, but above all in human dignity and rights. Recovery is not a return to the old. It is the construction of something new, where equality, accessibility and respect for human beings are the foundation for the future.
08.07.2025
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News
President of the Swiss Parliament Maya Rhiniker visited Kharkiv
After official meetings in Kyiv, President of the National Council of the Swiss Federal Assembly Maya Riniquer visited Kharkiv, a city that remains at the epicentre of humanitarian challenges and military threats. Her visit was not only a demonstration of international support, but also an opportunity to hear first-hand from communities working on the front lines of change. “Being here today is truly important for me. With this visit to Ukraine and to the frontline city of Kharkiv, we want to better understand the needs, listen to our Ukrainian partners and show them our solidarity. And also see the impact of our contributions and bring all these insights back home” said Ms Riniker. In Kharkiv, she visited a number of humanitarian initiatives implemented with Swiss support, including a transit centre for IDPs, equipped underground auditoriums and vocational training projects. An important part of the programme was a meeting with the team of the Luhansk Association of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, which was invited to present its own experience. Together with partners with whom joint initiatives are being implemented with the support of Solidar Suisse, representatives of the LAGOI spoke about the concrete results of their work in frontline communities. In particular, they discussed improving living conditions for people with disabilities in their own homes — a solution that has not only practical but also deeply human significance. ‘This cooperation is more than just projects. It is about humanity, solidarity and shared responsibility,’ the LAOI said. They also thanked the people and the Swiss Embassy in Ukraine for their trust, support and attention to the real needs of people in high-risk areas. During her visit, the President of Switzerland also discussed the region's current needs with the regional leadership — preparations for winter, humanitarian response and demining issues. Meetings with Kharkiv Governor Oleg Synyegubov and First Deputy Mayor Oleksandr Novak demonstrated a commitment to further cooperation. The visit to Kharkiv demonstrated not only Switzerland's support, but also the strength of partnerships built on trust, mutual respect and a focus on people. I am ready to adapt this article for publication in the media, on the organisation's website or as part of a report.
08.07.2025
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