Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the European Disability Forum (EDF) and its partners quickly mobilised to support persons with disabilities, who were disproportionately affected by the conflict. With €6.6 million in funding from CBM International, EDF led a programme titled “Ukraine War: OPD-Led Disability-Inclusive Response and Recovery” across Ukraine and neighbouring countries from February 2022 to February 2025.
The programme focused on:
- Strengthening the disability movement.
- Promoting disability inclusion in humanitarian responses.
- Addressing immediate needs of persons with disabilities.
- Ensuring effective project management.
This report highlights key lessons from the engagement and leadership of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in the humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine. Drawing from the experience of EDF and its partners, the report reflects on how OPDs played a central role in ensuring disability-inclusive support, shaping more effective responses, and strengthening the disability movement in times of crisis.
Download the complete report below
- Disability-inclusive response and recovery: A learning report (PDF document)
- Easy to Read version – Our project to help people with disabilities in Ukraine. How did it go? (PDF document)