Ukraine’s western city of Lutsk welcomes new support center for disabled children and war victims

Free space for children with disabilities aged 6 to 12 has opened in the western city of Lutsk. 

The space is created for socialization, adaptation, and social integration for children with developmental difficulties, Rubryka reports, citing the Lutsk City Council.

What's the problem?

Children with disabilities also want to live, smile, and see smiles in return; to be approached, talked to, and listened to; to develop, learn, and try new things; to enjoy life, their moms, the sun, birds, snow, and to share the joy of life with others.

Children with disabilities can be grateful for communication, friendship, and companionship. They find joy in trees, the sky, rain, spring, and love; they hope and believe in their future. Despite their condition, these little hearts radiate joy, have a sense of dignity, and believe in themselves, the Lutsk city hall says.

What's the solution?

On February 6, Lutsk welcomed a center that offers free classes for children of the territorial community aged 6-12, children with disabilities of various nosologies, and children who have been affected by the war.

"There had been a pharmacy in this building. When, for various reasons, it ceased operations, we received many requests to rent this space. However, considering its location in the city center and accessibility by public transport, we decided to create a children's space here so that our children with disabilities have a comfortable place for socialization, creativity, and spending time together. Certainly, this will be a relief for the parents of such children," said Mayor Ihor Polishchuk, who attended the opening of the new location.

How does it work?

In a room of 82.5 square meters, educators will work on developing children's creative talents and their leisure activities. Specialized professionals will conduct correctional classes and provide psychological support and social assistance.

The space will provide the following social services:

• Information
• Counseling
• Crisis counseling hotline
• Mediation
• Representation of interests
• Social prevention
• Social support
• Emergency intervention
• Social adaptation
• Social integration and reintegration
• Daycare for children with disabilities (3 hours of stay with specialists)
• Natural assistance
• Sign language translation
• Transportation services.

Photo: lutskrada.gov.ua

The renovation of the building cost one million hryvnias, according to the city council. The Charitable Foundation "Children's Mission. Ukraine" financed the repairs.

Furniture, an interactive board, computer equipment, and an electric car for the Space were purchased with the support of the UNICEF Children's Fund in Ukraine.

In related news, the "LitoKryl" space for psychosocial support for children affected by war has opened in Kyiv, providing free psychological counseling to children and their parents and guardians.

Rubryka also reported that a new multimedia space for children with disabilities, "Different Abilities – Equal Rights," has opened in Vinnytsia.

The State Emergency Service opened Ukraine's first inclusive safety class for children with special needs in Khmelnytskyi.