Not just knowledge, but tools for real change!

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Not just knowledge, but tools for real change!

Not just knowledge, but tools for real change! Each of our trainings on barrier-free environments is much more than just a few days of instruction. We ensure that the knowledge gained does not simply remain in notes, but becomes an integral part of our participants' daily work. That is why, at every LAOOI training session, we provide participants with a printed copy of the "Album of Barrier-Free Solutions"—a practical guide designed to help create accessible and comfortable spaces for everyone. It contains concrete solutions, recommendations, and examples for developing a barrier-free environment that can be applied in professional practice. And that is just a fraction of what our participants receive! Upon completing the training, participants leave not only with a certificate but also with a wealth of knowledge, useful resources, and practical tools. Most importantly, we stay in touch, continuing to offer consultation and support to our graduates as they apply what they have learned. For us, it is not enough to simply conduct a training session; we want to see barriers disappear and new opportunities emerge for people as a result of this learning. The "Album of Barrier-Free Solutions" was developed as part of the "Barrier-Free" initiative, launched by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska. The project is implemented by the NGO "Barrier-Free" in collaboration with the Ministry for Communities Development, with support from the "Integrated Urban Development in Ukraine II" project—carried out by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and funded by the governments of Germany and Switzerland. The Album was developed by the urban planning bureau Big City Lab. Our training sessions are conducted 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 (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).

04.11.2026

Creating a barrier-free environment begins with knowledge and is brought to life through action!

Creating a barrier-free environment begins with knowledge and is brought to life through action! How can spaces be made accessible to everyone? How can assistance be provided without bias or barriers? How can one support others while maintaining one’s own resilience? These were the core questions addressed during the "Barrier-Free Environment in Action: Inclusion, Protection, and Resilience" training sessions, organized in Dnipro by the LAOOI team. Participants included staff from the Nikopol City Children’s Hospital, the "Malva" Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Social Adaptation for Children with Disabilities, and the "Tilimilitriamdia" speech therapy center. These professionals work daily with children, families, and people with disabilities. It is therefore essential that the principles of a barrier-free environment serve not merely as theory, but as an integral part of their professional practice. Throughout the training, participants not only deepened their knowledge but also engaged with real-life scenarios, exchanged experiences, and sought practical solutions. Together, they learned how to: identify physical barriers and assess the accessibility of premises; ensure equal access to social services; foster inclusive communication with children, families, and people with disabilities; facilitate effective collaboration between institutions and organizations; and prevent professional burnout while maintaining psychological resilience. Special attention was devoted to practical exercises, case studies, and the development of solutions applicable to daily work. The training concluded with the presentation of certificates; however, the most valuable takeaways for the participants were new knowledge, experience, and an understanding of how to translate the principles of a barrier-free environment into tangible change. After all, true inclusion goes beyond merely accessible buildings—it encompasses respect, equal opportunities, and a commitment to recognizing the needs of every individual. This training is conducted as part 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 (Priorities 1, 2, and 4)." The project is supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) and implemented by the Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (LAOOI) in partnership with Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo (VIS).

02.11.2026

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