Accessibility in western Ukraine by GAR NGO
We are NGO Active Rehabilitation Group working since 1991 to help people with spinal cord injury (SCI) return as quickly as possible to maximally independent and free life, feel dignified and exercise their rights and freedoms equally with everyone.
With full-scale invasion, the number of Ukrainians with disabilities increased by 300 thousand before February 22, 2022 and reached 3 million people.
Our duty as competent organization is to influence creation of barrier-free society with values of - equality, inclusion, solidarity.
Our social networks:
Our organization continuously:
Conducts Active Rehabilitation Camps
Ten-day intensive course for people with spinal cord injury who use wheelchairs, to improve self-care skills, master active wheelchairs and overcome architectural barriers, understand their condition and prevent complications. Over 1600 people completed this program.
Implements First Contact program
Program aims to quickly identify SCI patients in hospitals and provide comprehensive support, motivate to exercise and active lifestyle, consult on wheelchair adaptation. Since full-scale invasion, 300 war-injured SCI patients received first contact services.
Raises public awareness about SCI
We conduct training seminars and webinars for medical staff and families of people with disabilities. Educational materials available on our YouTube channel.
Consults and advocates housing adaptation at state level
Barrier-free entrance/exit and equipped housing directly impacts quality of life for wheelchair users.
Barrier-free space means equal rights for everyone.
We aim to create regional teams of wheelchair users with SCI experience, successful in society. Provide knowledge and skills on barrier-free space and inclusion to become role models of proactive lifestyle for war-disabled people.
Target regions: Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Rivne, Volyn, Ternopil
Regional teams will:
- conduct accessibility audits and provide methodical recommendations for barrier-free space
- provide information education on inclusion, universal design and correct communication
- advocate for people with disabilities.
