Training for medical professionals in Zaporizhzhia: inclusion and resilience
25.06.2025
Articles
The team of the Luhansk Association of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, together with its partners, held a training session for medical professionals in Zaporizhzhia. The event was part of the project ‘Strengthening the resilience of conflict-affected communities in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine’, which is being implemented within the framework of JERU (Joint Emergency Response in Ukraine) with financial support from BMZ — the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The aim of the session was to raise awareness of an inclusive approach to healthcare provision and to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation with legal and social services and mental health professionals. Participants included representatives of medical institutions in the region, who not only listened to the theoretical part, but also exchanged experiences, familiarised themselves with practical cases and attended a session on stress management.
LAOPD representatives shared their observations on the situation in frontline communities, where people with disabilities often face double barriers — physical and informational. Examples of effective solutions that have already been implemented as part of previous initiatives were presented.
The event proved once again that sustainable results are only possible where there is cross-sectoral cooperation, trust and a systematic approach to the problems of vulnerable groups. The LAOPD team sincerely thanks its partners for working together to strengthen the medical system, enabling it to respond to today's challenges with humanity and professionalism.
If you need a shorter version for social media or news for the website, I can easily prepare it.
News and events
All publicationsArticles
Recovery project: launch of the field phase in communities in the east
The team at the Luhansk Association of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities has begun a new phase of practical implementation of the project ‘Restoring Lives and Expanding Service Opportunities in War-Affected Ukraine .’ Following the successful experience of previous initiatives, the first phase of targeted interventions is now underway in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. What is already happening: Housing repairs: minor and medium repairs are being carried out on houses and apartments — strengthening walls, replacing windows, repairing roofs. Physical accessibility: solutions are being implemented to create accessible spaces — ramps, adaptation of entrances, internal re-planning. Emergency assistance: financial support is provided for the purchase of solid fuel (firewood) and basic protective equipment. Psychosocial support: Along with material restoration, i ndividual and group consultations with psychologists have begun. This makes it possible to work not only with the destruction of homes, but also with the consequences of internal losses. Cooperation with communities: During the initial meetings in the communities, the LAOPD team discussed priority needs, agreed on response algorithms, and identified points of shared responsibility. Transparent processes, clear agreements, and a focus on human dignity are the basis of this cooperation. With proven tools and a professional team, LAOPD is ready to scale up its previous results. The work is not being done for the sake of reports, but for the sake of real change, which is already being felt in communities.
13.07.2025
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more