Roman is a 28-year-old resident of Rozhyshche, a town in the Volyn region. Due to a progressive chronic illness, he uses a wheelchair and has a second-degree disability status. “I used to barely leave the house. But now, thanks to the people who support me, I have the opportunity to be among others,” he says.
Roman is one of the beneficiaries of the project “Multisectoral Humanitarian Assistance for IDPs, Returnees, Veterans, and Their Host Communities in Ukraine.” This initiative not only provides financial and technical support to people with disabilities but also creates conditions for their full inclusion in community life. Socialization is a strategic goal of the project, allowing people to return to active life, feel their significance, and see their impact.
Socialization happens through the creation of an inclusive environment where each person not only receives assistance but also interacts with the community members, doctors, specialists, and local authorities. This model breaks down barriers of isolation and fosters a sense of belonging. Participation in community life—such as attending events, checking accessibility of public spaces, or joining advocacy campaign planning—enables a person with a disability to feel like an active agent of change rather than a passive recipient of services.
An essential component is also the building of social connections. New acquaintances, informal communication with coordinators, medical staff, and other participants all help to form a supportive environment where a person can share experiences and receive understanding and encouragement.
Another crucial element is the strengthening of agency—the process by which a person begins to recognize their own ability to influence events. When people with disabilities take part in accessibility monitoring or in the development of community initiatives, they shift from the role of “aid recipient” to that of “change-maker.” This not only supports inclusion but also transforms communities—making them more open, humane, and united.
Together with a team of doctors, Roman began rehabilitation using modern equipment provided to Rozhyshche Multidisciplinary Hospital by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) as part of another humanitarian initiative. A professional team of specialists supports him not only physically but emotionally as well. “When I lost the ability to walk, the future seemed uncertain. But now I believe: I’ll be able to stand on my feet again,” Roman shares.
Today, Roman is not only returning to an active life but is also participating in shaping change. One of the events he took part in was the opening of the Youth Center in Rozhyshche. “I used to barely leave the house. But now, thanks to the people who support me, I can be among others. I've discovered many new things, new opportunities, and meaningful connections.”
Roman is now also involved in planning an advocacy campaign aimed at strengthening the rights of people with disabilities in his community. His personal experience, insights into the problems, and proposed solutions will become an important part of this work.
Oleksandra Perkova
Communications Manager of the Project
Безоплатне забезпечення допоміжними засобами реабілітації – це не пільга, а гарантоване законом право. Проте опинившись перед такою необхідністю, люди часто губляться в процедурах: не знають, з чого почати, куди звертатися і які саме вироби можна отримати. Фахівці Ресурсного центру Національної Асамблеї людей з інвалідністю України детально пояснюють усі тонкощі: від правових підстав до підписання акта […]
Some citizens who own real estate had their property rights registered with the Bureau of Technical Inventory only on paper before January 1, 2013. As a result, such information is not available in the State Register of Real Property Rights and in the Register of Ownership Rights to Real Estate, the archival part of this register. As explained on its website [...]
The electronic employment record book, introduced in 2021, contains digital data on hiring, transfers, dismissals, and other changes related to employment. According to the Pension Fund of Ukraine on its website, information from a paper employment record book, which was the main document on a person's employment, may be digitized before January 1, 2004. After that, the information [...]
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a procedure under which the state will pay for health and recreation services for children in need of special social attention and support. According to the website of the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, children from Ukrainian families in need of support will be able to undergo rehabilitation in institutions included in the State Register of Property Objects of Rehabilitation and [...]
Ukrainians fleeing the war abroad can continue to acquire insurance record for their future pension. This is especially important for those who have little time left before retirement or who are in countries with which Ukraine does not have a social security agreement. As the Pension Fund of Ukraine states on its website, voluntary contributions to the Fund [...]
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved an act drafted by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine that defines a mechanism for providing financial compensation to people with disabilities and people with limitations in daily functioning for the conversion of passenger cars. As the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine explains on its website, compensation is paid in the amount of the actual costs of re-equipping a car [...]
