Oleksandr Yuriiovych previously worked as a physical education teacher. After sustaining a severe spinal injury, his life changed dramatically. The loss of mobility and the need for assistive devices and ongoing medical care became part of his daily reality. With the onset of the full-scale war, these challenges intensified — access to services became more limited, financial pressures increased, and transportation grew more difficult.
Support was provided through the project “Multisectoral Disability-Inclusive Humanitarian Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons, Returnees, Veterans and Host Communities in Ukraine”, implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine in partnership with the European Disability Forum (EDF), with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and CBM (Christian Blind Mission).
Oleksandr Yuriiovych received a modern adjustable care bed, a wheelchair, transportation assistance for medical visits, and financial support. These interventions not only eased his daily routine but, in his words, restored a sense of stability and reaffirmed that even in wartime, despite immense hardship, humanity and solidarity remain powerful strengths of Ukrainian society.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the project coordinator in the Karlivka community, Yelyzaveta Otlyvanna, for her compassion, professionalism, and care. Her work is a true example of humanity in action,” says Oleksandr Yuriiovych.
The project “Multisectoral Disability-Inclusive Humanitarian Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons, Returnees, Veterans and Host Communities in Ukraine” is based on a comprehensive, person-centered approach that responds to individual needs rather than providing standardized assistance packages. Such systemic support is critically important today for people experiencing war in situations of heightened vulnerability.
At a time when the country continues to resist and recover, initiatives like this demonstrate how partnerships between Ukrainian and international organizations can meaningfully improve the lives of persons with disabilities across Ukraine, regardless of how remote their place of residence may be.
Oleksandra Perkova, Communications Manager of the Project
