The implementation of institutional support for public organizations of people with disabilities (OPDs) in Ukraine is a key element in fulfilling several of the country`s European integration commitments. This step is particularly relevant now, as Ukraine lays the groundwork for post-war recovery and aligns its policies and practices with EU standards, including the implementation of a barrier-free strategy. Today, it is essential to define the criteria for such support — a process that must involve civil society organizations directly, in line with the principle of “Nothing for us without us.”
This was stated by Viktoriia Nazarenko, Secretary General of the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine, during the online meeting "Discussion of Proposals of Public Organizations of People with Disabilities on Institutional Support for Their Activities at the Expense of the State Budget". The event was held within the framework of project "Rehabilitation in Ukraine (Rehab4U), made possible by the generous support of the American people.
As is well known, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the European Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for 2021-2030 — both taken into account by Ukraine in its European integration efforts — provide for institutional support to organizations of people with disabilities. Ukrainian legislation, in particular the Laws of Ukraine “On the Fundamentals of Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine” and “On the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine,” also recognizes the right of such organizations to participate in shaping state policy in this area and affirms their important role in rehabilitation and service provision.
The State Strategy for Barrier-Free Access until 2030 specifically envisages the participation of OPDs in the development of rehabilitation programs and standards. These legislative frameworks also provide for financial support to such organizations from both state and local budgets.
The event participants, including representatives of national and regional OPDs, stated that such support would strengthen the empowerment, sustainability, and leadership of their organizations and members, as well as enable more effective involvement in national processes.
A public discussion process on the criteria for institutional support from the state and local communities has been launched. Participants of the meeting are expected to submit their proposals, which will be analyzed, summarized, and published on the Assembly’s information platforms. These inputs will help develop future state policy regarding public organizations of people with disabilities.
NAPD Resource Centre::
Address: Office 109, 8/5A Reitarska St., Kyiv
Appointments can be made by phone at: +38 (044) 279 6182, +38 (095) 909 1413
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This material is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Momentum Wheels for Humanity and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
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