Halyna from Chernivtsi creates wedding accessories for brides. Her work requires creativity, patience, and attention to the smallest details. She spends many hours making accessories, as each piece involves meticulous handwork.
For Halyna, being able to pursue the work she loves is important. However, working for long periods often comes with physical discomfort. She uses a wheelchair and frequently experiences back pain due to prolonged sitting.
Recently, Halyna received a specialised ROHO pressure-relieving cushion. It helps distribute pressure more evenly while sitting and reduces the risk of developing pressure sores. For a woman who spends many hours working, this assistive device plays an important role in maintaining her health and everyday comfort.
Another Chernivtsi resident, Liliia, has been using a wheelchair for 42 years. Back pain and pressure caused by prolonged sitting have always been a challenge for her.
Despite her many years of experience using a wheelchair, this was the first time she had received a specialised pressure-relieving cushion of this type.
Liliia has already had the opportunity to try the cushion and has noticed improvements in how she feels. According to her, sitting has become significantly more comfortable, the pressure on her legs has decreased, and her back no longer hurts as much as it used to. She can now remain in her wheelchair for longer periods without the discomfort she previously experienced.
Liliia is grateful for the opportunity to receive an assistive device that helps make her everyday life more comfortable.
Specialised air cushions adapt to the shape of the body, help distribute weight more evenly, and reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. However, they must be properly selected and adjusted to meet each person’s individual needs.
Despite the importance of such devices, obtaining a high-profile pressure-relieving cushion through the state system for the provision of assistive rehabilitation devices can be challenging. Their high cost also makes purchasing them independently unaffordable for many people.
The stories of Halyna and Liliia demonstrate how important it is to consider the individual needs of women with disabilities. Access to high-quality assistive devices affects not only physical comfort but also the ability to work, pursue personal interests, and maintain independence in everyday life.
The Chernivtsi community is one of seven communities in Ukraine where the Women’s Health project is being implemented. The project aims to improve access for women with disabilities to essential support and healthcare services.
The project is implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) with the support of the Norwegian organisations FFO and Atlas Alliance.
Project implementation in the Chernivtsi community is coordinated by Valentyna Dobrydina, Head of the NGO Chernivtsi Regional Organisation of People with Disabilities “Leader” and Accessibility Adviser to the Head of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration.
Oleksandra Perkova, Communications Manager of the Project
