Main topic of the issue

NAPD News

Accessibility Is for Everyone: How a Community United to Achieve Change

The Principle of Dialogue: How People with Disabilities Can Influence Local Government Decisions

The National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) held an event titled The Principle of Dialogue: How People with Disabilities Can Influence Local Government Decisions, aimed at strengthening cooperation among communities, local authorities, and organisations of people with disabilities. The event was organised by NAPD’s Resource Centre as part of the Rehabilitation in Ukraine (Rehab4U) project.

We are convinced: Dialogue is the key to real change.

🌿 Consistency Creating Change

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How systemic support, partnership, and care can transform society. NAPD demonstrates that sustainable change begins with consistent action — from helping individuals to strengthening entire communities.

The project “Humanitarian Response and Recovery: Strengthening the Leadership of Organisations of Women with Disabilities” is implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine, with technical support from UN Women in Ukraine and funding from the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) — a flexible and rapid funding mechanism that supports high-impact activities aimed at enhancing the capacity of local women to prevent conflicts, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize critical peacebuilding opportunities.

Knowledge that Inspires: Feedback from Participants of Physical Rehabilitation Training

📚 Participants of a five-day physical rehabilitation training course, organised by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD), shared their impressions: a strong sense of teamwork, newly acquired skills, and practical tools for helping others. Read their feedback and feel the inspiration that generates change.

The training, organised by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), was more than just a course — it was a profound exchange of experience, collaboration, and open communication.

Together We Are Powerful: How the Training Camp that Brought Leaders Together and Taught them How to Act Came to an End

The National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine presents a video: “Assistance that Opens Up Opportunities” (Video)

We are grateful to our project partners — the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), the European Disability Forum (EDF), and the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) — for their support in delivering comprehensive assistance to persons with disabilities, elderly individuals, families raising children and youth with disabilities, and civilians affected by the war in communities across Ukraine.

New Booklet: “Rehabilitation Assistance within the Healthcare and Social Protection System”

The National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) and Project HOPE have jointly published a new informational and methodological booklet that explains, in a clear and accessible manner, how the rehabilitation assistance system for people with disabilities functions in Ukraine.

The publication covers:

• key concepts and types of rehabilitation;
• the rights and entitlements of persons with disabilities within the healthcare and social protection systems;
• practical advice for persons with disabilities, their families, and community organizations on how to access services and advocate for their quality and accessibility.

This booklet will serve as a valuable resource for specialists, activists, government officials, and community organizations — a tool for turning legislative provisions into real-life opportunities.

👉 For more details and to download the booklet, visit the NAPD website.

Webinar “Inpatient Care in Wartime: What You Need to Know” – September 23, 2025 (Video)

We invite you to watch the webinar “Inpatient Care in Wartime: What You Need to Know,” organized by the Resource Center of the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) as part of the “Rehabilitation in Ukraine” (Rehab4U) project.

The webinar provides in-depth information on the challenges facing Ukraine’s inpatient social care services and explores possible solutions.

Which legislative acts regulate inpatient care for people unable to care for themselves? What principles guide the provision of social services, and what are the state standards for inpatient care? How can the private sector be involved in this sphere?

These and other important questions will be discussed with an expert.

Speaker: Iryna Serhiienko, trainer at the NGO Ukrainian Human Rights Initiatives

This material was made possible through the generous support of the American people via the U.S. Government. The contents are the responsibility of Momentum Wheels for Humanity and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government.

NAPD Member Organisations Inform

“Pink October” — a Month That Calls for Action

October symbolizes the global fight against breast cancer, and October 20 is recognized as the All-Ukrainian Day of Action Against This Disease.

The National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) supports this initiative, reminding us of the importance of timely diagnosis, prevention, and access to quality medical and social services for women with disabilities.

Members of the public organization “Together Against Cancer” pay a lot of attention to breast cancer prevention, as they are convinced that every woman should be informed about the causes and symptoms of the disease, as well as methods of monthly self-examination, in order to protect herself and her loved ones.

The material emphasizes that a society that cares about the health of each of its members is a society that is barrier-free from within.

Psychological support as a source of strength for women with disabilities

In the wartime, women with disabilities face double pressure—security and socio-economic. This article explains how to build support systematically: from mutual aid groups and individual counselling to community partnerships and training for specialists. The focus is on the accessibility of services, confidentiality, safe spaces, and long-term work that reduces isolation and enhances independence.

This training was conducted by the public organization Poltava City Public Association of Persons with Disabilities “VIRA” as part of the project “Humanitarian Response and Recovery: Strengthening the Leadership of Women’s Organizations with Disabilities," implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) with technical support from the UN Women Ukraine and funding from the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF).

We Change Stereotypes

Fighting Barriers Through Care: The Lives of People with Visual Impairments in Communities

A Real-Life Story from Practical Experience

When People Who Understand Are by Your Side: A Story about Faith and Support

🌟 A Story of Strength from Volyn

Rozhyshche. A mother and her daughter, Inna and Olena Prystup, live with visual impairments — and consistently break down stereotypes. They study, work in fields that are considered “non-typical” for women, participate in public life, volunteer, and help others. The key is support: from family, the community, employers, and local services. This article shows how accessibility in transportation, education, and employment turns “barriers” into opportunities and prejudices into practical solutions. This is not a story of heroification, but a realistic case study of the everyday steps that help build a stronger, more inclusive community for all.

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. 

A Path to Oneself: Svitlana’s Story

The war changed the trajectories of many Ukrainians. Svitlana shares how she gradually regained her inner strength: accepting her own experience, seeking professional help, participating in community life, and returning to active life. The article emphasizes the role of systemic support—from accessible services to mutual aid networks—and shows how small practical decisions add up to a path toward independence.

The project is implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine with technical support from UN Women in Ukraine and funding from the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), a flexible and rapid funding instrument that supports high-quality activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of local women to prevent conflicts, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities.

This publication was prepared with the financial support of the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). The views and content expressed herein, however, do not necessarily reflect the official position of the United Nations.

From the Editors

Every new project, every meeting, and every story brings us closer to equal opportunities for all. We are launching this digest to keep you informed of the changes around us, share news, and support those who foster inclusion in Ukraine every day.

Read, join, and share – together we are stronger 💙💛