Solutions from Ukraine: Kyiv unveils new rehabilitation center for war victims who lost their sight

Ukraine introduces a new rehabilitation center in Kyiv for victims of war who have become blind.

Rubryka reports this.

What is the problem?

The war in Ukraine left a tragic mark on the health and fate of thousands of people. One such consequence of war is loss of sight, a condition that forever changes a person's life.

According to the National Health Service of Ukraine, the number of people diagnosed with blindness or low vision increased from 17,478 in 2021 to 19,551 in 2022. And in just seven months of 2023, doctors have already certified almost the same number — 19,336 patients. 28% of the respondents testified that they personally or their family members/friends have lost or significantly deteriorated their vision since the start of the full-scale war. For comparison, 11% reported loss of limbs.

These people need not only medical care but also social adaptation, psychological support, education, and professional development Irrespective of their ability to see, they deserve to live complete and fulfilling lives.

What is the solution?

The Trinity Hub Educational and Rehabilitation Center in Kyiv is one place where people with profound visual impairments can get help.

The main focus of this one-of-a-kind facility is to provide rehabilitation and training, career guidance, and opportunities for sports and leisure to individuals with visual impairments, both civilians and veterans. The center's motto is "Unleash your potential!" and all rehabilitation services are free of charge.

How does it work?

"Trinity Hub is more than just a space. It's a big family."

As Ivan Lukasevych, the director of Trinity Hub, said, it all started with books.

Long before the full-scale war, the publishing house Anthology began producing specialized literature and products to meet the needs of children and adults with visual impairments. Subsequently, the publishing house opened an electronic Braille library, the only one in Ukraine, which includes modern books for children and adults. This allowed blind people to study the culture and history of Ukraine, expand their knowledge, and develop.

Over a decade ago, the international humanitarian organization Health of the Future launched the World to Touch initiative, aimed at assisting visually impaired individuals in experiencing the world's wonders through tactile means and broadening their possibilities.

^{Library in "Trinity Hub"}

"We united and realized that we want much more. Namely, to help people who have lost sight in rehabilitation, adaptation, and socialization. To create not just a space but a family where everyone can find support, understanding, and inspiration. In Trinity Hub, you can not only get help but also help others. Learn and teach others. Dream and make your dreams come true," Ivan Lukasevych says.

"Trinity Hub" officially opened on April 10, with space experts already working with those who have lost sight since last year. The author's complex program of rehabilitation and socialization is used in the work here for recovery and adaptation to modern living conditions. The center has a diverse team of specialists who teach essential life skills, offer advanced training courses for related and supporting professions, and create practical materials for the rehabilitation process. Additionally, blind individuals can learn special technologies, develop talents, and discover new hobbies and career opportunities at this center.

In addition, the Trinity Hub occupies 750 m² and has departments for the development of visual perception, orientation and mobility, restorative and dance therapy, education and family support, and psychological rehabilitation. Each of these directions helps blind wounded soldiers, civilian adults, and children feel more confident and open up new opportunities for themselves and their loved ones.

Thus, dance rehabilitation classes not only develop motor activity but also help blind people to perceive orientation and mobility classes more effectively. In the sensory room, classes are held that develop the vestibular system, fine motor skills, and tactile sensitivity. The creative workshop offers opportunities to participate in hands-on master classes that teach how to make various products. "Trinity Hub" also offers a unique psychological program called "Woman and her Strength" for girls and women with visual impairments. This program provides access to professional guidance from a psychologist and the chance to connect with others who share similar experiences and offer advice.

^{Hippotherapy classes}

In addition, in the center, rehabilitated persons can engage in horse riding, badminton, darts, chess and checkers, judo, arm wrestling, and rock climbing.

Furthermore, the center has introduced free massage therapy courses for visually impaired veterans looking to acquire a new skill set. Upon completion, they will have the opportunity to work in Kyiv.

"We cannot ignore those who defended our country, our freedom, our future. We must help them return to life, to society, to themselves," says Ivan Lukasevych, director of the NGO Trinity Hub.

Does it really work?

Every step forward is a path to new opportunities.

Currently, the center is able to simultaneously work with 60 participants of educational and rehabilitation programs per month, and it plans to reach the goal of 80 rehabilitators.

One of the center's rehabilitators is military officer Andriy Smolensky, who was seriously wounded near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia. The defender lost his sight and hands. Before the full-scale war, Andriy worked as an anti-crisis manager in large international corporations. Now, he is successfully mastering the white cane with his instructor Yevhen Sviet. Although before Andriy started working with Trinity Hub, many rehabilitation specialists said that due to the loss of his hands, orientation work was closed for him.

"Every step forward is a path to new opportunities. At Trinity Hub, we don't just overcome barriers; we create a world where every person can find their place and realize their potential. Our mission is more than helping; this is the faith shared by everyone with us," the hub team notes.

Even more useful solutions!

Currently, there is a great need to create conditions under which people with visual impairments can fully live, work, and develop and have access to education, culture, sports, and recreation.

The Trinity Hub team strongly believes these projects should serve as the foundation for building an accessible environment. The most successful outcome of Trinity Hub's efforts is establishing a nationwide network in Ukraine. This will guarantee equal opportunities for all rehabilitators, regardless of their location. As Ivan Lukasevych, the director of Trinity Hub, highlights, this environment must cover the country's northern, eastern, and western regions.