The National Assembly of Persons with Disabilities of Ukraine actively continues its work to strengthen the participation of public associations of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in decision-making processes related to disability issues in the current context.
That is why, on April 24, within the framework of the project «Improving Rehabilitation Services in Healthcare Systems (SRSHS)», the NDPA held a regular online meeting of leaders of public organizations of people with disabilities - members and partners of the NDPA. More than 60 participants took part in the event.
The meeting was opened by the Secretary General of NAIU Viktoriia Nazarenko, who summarized the activities of the Secretariat and partner organizations since the previous meeting.
«When you receive positive feedback from a person with a disability or over 80 years old through various communication channels, it is so touching, and it gives us even more strength and inspiration to continue supporting such people,» says Victoria Nazarenko. "Over the past month alone, more than 500 people have received various types of assistance from the NAIU. A lot has been done, but there is still more to be done: strengthening cooperation with international institutions, implementing projects, working closely with communities, participating in decision-making processes, providing possible assistance to people with disabilities, elderly people, including IDPs affected by the conflict.".
Lawyer of NAIA Pavlo Zhdan familiarized the audience with the changes that have taken place in the legislation of Ukraine, in particular with the law on mobilization adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and signed by the President of Ukraine, which comes into force on May 18, 2024. He briefly presented the changes that emerged with the adoption of this law specifically for people with disabilities, introduced the new provisions, drawing attention to the main aspects.
“There is much to be said about this law, but many questions remain, in particular regarding the mechanisms for its implementation,” commented Zhdan. "We continue our work to improve the norms of the current legislation and improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families."
After reviewing the presentation, the meeting participants took an active part in the discussion and engaged in a lively debate.
Serhiy Kandyba, head of the Veles public organization of people with disabilities: «It is very important to consider the problems associated with the adoption of this law in a comprehensive manner. This applies to both the activities of the courts, which receive claims related to mobilization issues, and the possibility of establishing enterprises involving people with disabilities to bring peace and restore the country.».
Mykola Makar - representative of the Government Commissioner for the Rights of People with Disabilities in Ivano-Frankivsk region: “So far, I have not received any appeals regarding the implementation of the new law. But I feel that when it comes into force, there will be questions, because there are already some discrepancies.”.
Oleg Lepetyuk, Head of the Kharkiv Association of Blind Lawyers, NGO: «Some of the adopted provisions of the new law were already envisaged by the current legislation. Now it is very important how the new rules will be implemented in practice. Military Commissariats are military command and control bodies. Representatives of this structure often have their own understanding and vision. Each individual case related to mobilization, especially if it involves caring for people with disabilities, requires an individual approach. Therefore, the human factor, level of professional development, etc. play an important role. The issue of registration also remains open. Will the staff of the CCC be able to cope with the influx of people who need to be registered under the new law, receive military cards with the appropriate marks, while taking into account accessibility issues? There are gaps. The provisions of the Law are interpreted differently by different entities, so we are waiting for the bylaws and are ready to be actively involved in this process. I urge everyone to remain calm and, taking into account security issues, to contact the TCC in case of urgent need. Information on the legislation must be disseminated. If necessary, we are ready to provide legal assistance.».
At the end of the meeting, the attendees were informed about some of the activities in which representatives of the NAIA Secretariat participated, including a meeting of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine on the Strategy for the Development of Inclusive Education.
They also called on all participants to join the survey on the recovery of Ukraine to identify more important issues for advocacy and current areas of activity of the NAPD to protect the rights of people with disabilities in all regions of Ukraine. You can take the short survey by at the link.
Summarizing the results of the event, it was decided to bring up the topic «Ukraine in the EU: strategic issues, development, prospects and plans of NAIU's activities in this direction» for the next meeting.
We are sincerely grateful to all participants for their active participation. We thank the communities for their cooperation! Together we are strong! Let's go to peace and victory!
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This initiative is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development under cooperative agreement number 7200AA18CA00032 with Partnerships Plus, funded through September 28, 2018, and implemented by the JSI Institute for Research and Training under agreement number PP-EI-001 with Momentum Wheels for Humanity. The contents are the sole responsibility of the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
