Blog post by Mariya Yasenovska – Humanitarian Action Policy Officer – International Cooperation;
A group of representatives from the Ukrainian Coalition of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Inclusion Ukraine visited the European Disability Forum office on 12 March. The meeting sparked a powerful and emotional exchange on the current situation of people with intellectual disabilities in Ukraine.
Their continued exclusion from key reforms and decision-making processes was made clear, particularly through the moving testimony of self-advocate Anna Solovey, who urged:
Don’t talk about us without us. We can speak for ourselves.”
A hidden population still left behind
Ukraine had an estimated 261,000 people officially recognised with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities, including 32,000 children before the full-scale invasion, But official numbers only tell part of the story. Many individuals and families remain invisible due to stigma, institutionalisation, or lack of access to assessments and support.
Today, most people with intellectual disabilities in Ukraine continue to live in closed residential institutions—a legacy of the Soviet-era system. These institutions often operate far from cities, isolating residents from their communities and families. During the war, these people were among the most neglected and unprotected, with little to no evacuation plans or access to emergency support.
The main issues are:
- Legal capacity and political participation: many still lack the right to make decisions or vote.
- Independent living and community inclusion: institutionalisation remains common, with little support for community-based living.
- Housing and support: adapted housing and personal assistance are scarce.
- Education: access to inclusive and vocational education is limited.
- Employment: high unemployment and few accommodations in the workplace.
- Healthcare: persistent barriers in accessing adequate and inclusive health services.
- Representation: limited involvement in decisions that affect their lives.
“We Don’t Want Pity—We Want Respect and Opportunities””
Anna Solovey shared her experiences as a woman with an intellectual disability. She spoke of barriers to independent living, education, and work, but also of her determination to change things:
I want to live on my own, work, be useful. I want people to listen when I speak, not speak for me. I don’t need pity—I need respect.
Anna’s words are echoed by thousands of Ukrainians with intellectual disabilities whose rights are often overlooked—especially during times of crisis and reform.
What is done: best practices examples from Inclusion Ukraine and EDF
Self-Advocacy Initiatives
Inclusion Ukraine empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to become self-advocates, enabling them to represent their interests and rights effectively. Through training and support, these individuals gain the confidence and skills necessary to participate actively in societal discussions and decision-making processes. This initiative fosters independence and ensures that their voices are heard in matters affecting their lives.
Inclusive Education Programs
Recognizing the importance of education, Inclusion Ukraine has developed programs that promote inclusive education for children with intellectual disabilities. These programs aim to integrate students into mainstream educational settings, providing necessary support and resources to both students and educators. This approach not only enhances the learning experience for students with disabilities but also promotes diversity and understanding within the broader student community.
Community Living Support
Moving away from institutionalisation, Inclusion Ukraine advocates for community-based living arrangements for individuals with intellectual disabilities. They provide support services that enable these individuals to live independently or with minimal assistance within their communities. This initiative emphasizes the importance of autonomy, social inclusion, and the right to a dignified life for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
E-learning
EDF has developed two accessile e-learning courses tailored for persons with disabilities: “Inclusive Security for Persons with Disability in Ukraine” and “Disability Inclusion in Ukraine’s Humanitarian Action”. These trainings apply to persons with disabilities in Ukraine as well as persons with disabilities travelling to Ukraine. It’s also relevant for disability rights workers, organisations of persons with disabilities or individuals seeking to enhance their security preparedness and response. Both courses are available in Easy-to-Read format, making them accessible and user-friendly for people with intellectual disabilities.
A Call for visibility and ation
The visit to EDF was not only a symbolic moment of solidarity—it was a call to action. The Ukrainian disability movement is strong, determined, and growing, but it needs more international support, visibility, and pressure to ensure that no one is left behind.
As Anna reminded us:
“We are here. We want to live like everyone else. Please, hear our voices.”
Find more information in the report “Ambitions. Rights. Belonging. People with intellectual disabilities and their families in Ukraine”, by Inclusion Europe. You can also expore the Inclusion Ukraine website.