Restoring workshops for people with autism

Inclusive workshops "Everyone Matters" - is a non-profit project that helps children and adults with autism socialize.

In the workshops, people with autism find friends, communicate, engage in creativity and receive pre-professional training - instead of being isolated within their homes.

in the photo: Nikita, student of inclusive workshops

Unfortunately, an effective support system for adults with mental disabilities has not yet been built in Ukraine, and there are practically no opportunities for social integration. All that awaits such a person beyond school is isolation within the family or residential institution. And the isolation everyone experienced during lockdown becomes lifelong for people with autism.

in the photo: Vova, student of inclusive workshops

But every person deserves a dignified life regardless of their health condition.

• Therefore, in 2019, parents of children with autism united and created an open space for all. Where people with autism could receive pre-professional training in 4 workshops, engage in creativity and find friends - in other words, live a normal life.

• Before the full-scale invasion, the project provided social services to: 12 teenagers and adults and more than 60 children.

• February 24, 2022 - the project was suspended...

• In May 2022, the workshops were reopened because many people with autism returned from evacuation or never left and needed a place where they could engage in activities.

• At the beginning of 2023, the project was compressed to one workshop where pottery, drawing, board games, and life skills classes are held in turns.

in the photo: Maksym, student of inclusive workshops

Currently, the project is attended by 14 children with autism and 8 adults and there is a need to restore the project to pre-war format: 4 workshops and a communication club with a training kitchen. To provide comprehensive support to those already attending and include 6-8 more adults with autism.

All necessary material base for restoring the workshops is available.

Also, the project team has already found part of the funding for workshop operations and proposes that society gather the remaining amount together: for this you can buy a ceramic brooch or shopper made by students or a greeting card or t-shirt with their drawings - warm gifts that carry meaning.

Or simply make a small voluntary contribution:)

in the photo: students Max and Andrii posing in t-shirts and with shoppers

We believe that people with autism should have a dignified life.

Join us.