to form a Network of Inclusive Community Advisors that brings together activists, government and civil society representatives to promote inclusion and protect the rights of people with disabilities.

The Luhansk Association of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities initiated dialogues in communities in Luhansk Oblast with the support of UNDP and local governments in six “pilot” communities: Popasna, Hirske, Zolote, Shchastia, Stanytsia Luhanska, and Bilovodsk.

The main objective of the initiative was to engage active citizens in training and create a dialogue mechanism between the government, NGOs, and business to monitor, assess needs, advocate, and implement inclusive initiatives.

Main areas of activity

✅ Formation of a network of inclusive community advisors - 12 activists were selected and became part of the newly created inclusive community after the training.

✅ School of Inclusive Community Advisors - trainings and training modules on inclusion, protection of the rights of people with disabilities, monitoring and advocacy.

Dialogues in communities - discussions of inclusion issues with the participation of the authorities, the public and activists, which contributed to a better understanding and search for solutions.

Monitoring of accessibility of facilities - assessment of infrastructure and development of specific changes to improve it.

✅ Real changes in communities - with the support of partners, updated inclusive entrances to important facilities in communities were created.

✅ Strengthening of interregional dialogue - cooperation of civil society organizations in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, which facilitated communication between civil society and the government.

Main conclusions and results of the project

📌 Formation of an active community - activists have emerged in the communities of Luhansk region who not only discuss problems but also look for ways to solve them.

📌 Changing the approach to interaction with the authorities - citizens have realized that it is more effective not only to criticize, but also to build a dialogue with the authorities to achieve real change.

📌 Support for civic initiatives - new NGOs have emerged in remote villages and districts, which contributes to the development of local self-government and civil society.

📌 Training of government officials - training of local government specialists on inclusion to create sustainable communication platforms in communities.

Expanding partnerships - establishing a dialogue between civil society organizations in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts has contributed to positive changes in society and increased inclusiveness.

The project continues to develop, strengthening inclusiveness, civic engagement and partnership in the communities of Luhansk region.