As Inna and Olena Prystup from Volyn prove, barriers are just prejudices
October 20, 2025
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In the Volyn town of Rozhysche, there is a family that proves that disability is not a limitation to talent and the desire for self-fulfillment. Inna and her daughter Olena have visual impairments, but this does not prevent them from living actively, developing, and working in fields that are usually considered "visual."
In the Volyn town of Rozhysche, there is a family that proves that disability is not a limitation to talent and the desire for self-fulfillment. Inna and her daughter Olena have visual impairments, but this does not prevent them from living actively, developing, and working in fields that are usually considered "visual."
Barriers exist not in people's physical abilities, but in social prejudices. Employers often ignore people with disabilities because of common stereotypes: that adapting the workplace is too expensive, that people with disabilities can only perform simple tasks, or that the team will feel uncomfortable. But these statements are not true. An inclusive labor market benefits everyone: it increases productivity, promotes economic growth, shapes a modern corporate culture, and opens up access to talented professionals.
This is the path that Inna and Olena are following. They not only work and create beauty, but also inspire others with their example. At one time, they received financial assistance from the project "Multisectoral humanitarian assistance with regard to disability 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) and supported by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and CBM (Christian Blind Mission), the women were able to develop their own business. Most importantly, however, they showed that visual impairment is no barrier to talent, creativity, and professionalism.
Oleksandra Perkova, Communications Manager of the Project
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