Karlivka for Inclusion: How the Community and People with Disabilities Are Transforming Their City

An advocacy campaign titled “Communities for All: Creating Change Together with People with Disabilities” has been launched in Karlivka. The first step was a sports and creative celebration that united the community around the issue of accessibility – a topic relevant to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability.

The event brought together people with disabilities, representatives of the city council, children, active community members, and everyone who cares about creating accessible spaces. Participants conducted an accessibility audit of key city sites, including the city park, supermarket, tax office, and more. During the audit, specific challenges and potential solutions were discussed — such as the need to lower curbs in accordance with national construction standards, create a safe walkway to the park, and provide businesses with recommendations to improve the accessibility of entrances and premises for people with limited mobility.

Children actively took part in the initiative by creating bright drawings on the theme of “an accessible city of the future” and making protective charms – angels in yellow and blue colors. These activities help foster inclusive thinking from an early age and teach empathy, respect, and understanding.

A highlight of the event was the inclusive sports competition. There were no winners or losers – only unity, support, team spirit, and mutual respect. Events like this show how inclusion works in practice: when everyone is valued and barriers disappear not only physically, but also mentally.

Karlivka has already taken an important first step. Next come the implementation of the recommendations, continuation of the campaign, new partnerships, and further actions. All interested residents are welcome to join the initiative – change begins with dialogue and support.

Inclusion is not about charity – it is about justice. People with disabilities should not have to “adapt” to their environment. The environment must change to be comfortable and open for all. Barriers don’t reside in a person’s body – they’re found in uneven stairs, lack of information, and harmful stereotypes. Changing these barriers is how we change society.

The active participation of people with disabilities in community life should not be the exception – it must be the norm of a healthy society. Their experience, vision, and engagement in decision-making make communities stronger, more humane, and more resilient. When a person doesn’t have to constantly “prove” their right to access, they can contribute to development and fully engage in educational, cultural, and civic processes.

Karlivka is one of those communities that understands: accessibility is not just about ramps. It’s about dignity, equality, and shared responsibility. And it’s from such small but tangible steps that big change begins.

This campaign is part of the project “Disability-Inclusive Multisectoral Humanitarian Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Returnees, Veterans, and Host Communities in Ukraine”, implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) with financial support from the Federal Foreign Office of Germany (GFFO), Christian Blind Mission (CBM), and the European Disability Forum (EDF). 

Oleksandra Perkova, Communications Manager of the Project