LAOPD Takes part in Strategic Meeting: Working on a New Large-Scale Project
22.02.2025
News
From February 18 to 20, the team of the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (LAOPD) took part in a strategic meeting in Kyiv to develop the concept of a new large-scale project within the FCDO SHARP initiative.
The purpose of the meeting was to identify key areas of support for persons with disabilities in the context of war, create an effective system of cooperation between partners and develop a project implementation strategy.
What we did:
- Identified the main areas of future activities - humanitarian assistance, social integration, and advocacy.
- Formed a common vision of the consortium - how to effectively combine efforts to maximize results.
- Developed a project concept - strategic priorities, implementation mechanisms and sources of funding.
What's next?
- Finalize the details of the concept and agree on the next steps.
- Preparing to implement the initiative together with partners.
- We continue to advocate and raise resources to support people with disabilities.
This project is an important step towards building an accessible and inclusive environment in Ukraine. We thank our partners for their work!
Follow our updates - important decisions and further actions are ahead!
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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.
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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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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.
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