People with intellectual disabilities face severe discrimination, restriction of autonomy and institutionalisation. This was the case even before Russia launched its full-scale invasion against Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Since then, the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families have become even more difficult.
New report describes the situation of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Ukraine. The report shows how their rights are (not) being respected, and how the Russian war impacts their lives.
Read the report:
- Situation of people with intellectual disabilities in Ukraine (.pdf)
- Права та становище людей з інтелектуальною недостатністю та їхніх сімей в Україні (.pdf)
There are 260 000 are people with intellectual and psycho-social disabilities in Ukraine. Their situation is not, and never has been, an easy one.
The Russian war has led to destruction of infrastructure, forced displacement, inadequate shelter and disrupted healthcare access – all of which disproportionately affect people with intellectual disabilities.
The loss of community networks that once supported them leave them and their families in states of isolation and insecurity.
Already widely overlooked before the war, people with intellectual disabilities – especially those living in institutions and / or with complex support needs –, and their families are more segregated than ever.
What is the report about
The report has 2 parts:
The first part is based on what self-advocates and family members told us about their lives. Inclusion Ukraine created a focus group, of which 11 people with intellectual disabilities, or in some cases their family members, shared their experiences and views
The second part looks into the situation based on 7 important topics:
- Right to decide and right to vote.
- Right to live independently and to be included in the community.
- Housing and support.
- Education.
- Employment.
- Healthcare.
- Representation.
Read the report:
- Situation of people with intellectual disabilities in Ukraine (.pdf)
- Права та становище людей з інтелектуальною недостатністю та їхніх сімей в Україні (.pdf)
The report was created by Inclusion Europe in collaboration with Inclusion Ukraine. It was done as part of a project by the European Disability forum, funded by CBM.
The report was presented to European organisations and EU institutions during a visit to Brussels.