Our project ‘Strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian CSOs in the field of humanitarian response and business in integrating barrier-free solutions for all’ has come to an end, and we are ready to share its results.
This project was a response to the demand of the times: to make accessibility and inclusion not just a topic of conversation, but part of everyday decisions, actions, and strategies.
What we did:
📍 Facilitated meetings with CSOs in three regions:
🔹 Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil
🔹 73 representatives of civil society organisations
🔹 Discussions on challenges in work, relationships with donors, ways to strengthen sustainability
🔹 Joint developments — formed the basis of an analytical note, which we have already sent to partners and experts
📍 Online intensive course on accessibility and inclusion:
🔹 74 participants from 22 organisations across Ukraine
🔹 8 hours of content on:
— integrating inclusion into humanitarian response
— barrier-free communication
— ethical aspects of interacting with vulnerable groups
🔹 It was not only training, but also a space for support and rethinking the role of CSOs in challenging circumstances
📍 Business lunches and webinar ‘How to make business barrier-free for everyone’
🔹 Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk + online
🔹 51 representatives of small and medium-sized businesses
🔹 Discussion of specific steps: how to adapt space, communication, service
🔹 And most importantly — how to make inclusion a competitive advantage rather than an expense
What remains after the project:
▪️Digital guide ‘Barrier-free interaction between CSOs and business’ — a practical tool for anyone who wants to work inclusively, systematically and responsibly.
▪️Analytical note — an honest and accurate view of reality, with recommendations for donors and organisations.
▪️A new community — businesses, civic initiatives, and experts who speak the same language — the language of respect, dignity, and equality.
Key messages from participants:
🔹 Do not agree to partnerships that contradict your values.
🔹 Support teams, not just projects.
🔹 Look for resources not only outside, but also within your communities.
🔹 Invest in training, mentoring, and mental health.
🔹 Adapt reporting to the reality of small CSOs.
🔹 Do not create a ‘one size fits all’ framework for different organisations.
We did not just implement a project — we cultivated new meanings, connections and visions of how inclusion can become the norm in every sphere of life.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us during these six months of implementation. New stages lie ahead, but we have already laid the foundation.
The project was implemented by the Chernivtsi Association ‘Zakhyst’ in cooperation with the organisation ‘People in Need’ with the financial support of the Czech people.
