Today, we held the final event of our project, “Community-Based Rehabilitation: Opportunities for Individuals, Development for Communities.” Together with representatives from the government, international organizations, local communities, and experts, we discussed the results of implementing a comprehensive rehabilitation approach in the Rozdilna, Nizhyn, and Bashtanka communities. We shared experiences and outlined further steps to develop accessible rehabilitation services at the community level in Ukraine.
Rehabilitation is not just a medical process — it is a key element in restoring individuals, maintaining their quality of life, and enabling them to reintegrate into community life. It must be accessible where people live, ensuring a faster recovery, a familiar environment, and family support.
Together with our partners, we identified essential components for the development of rehabilitation in Ukraine:
Rehabilitation Must Be Close to Home
Everyone in need of recovery should receive the necessary services within their community. This includes not only rehabilitation but also prosthetics, social support, inclusive education, and employment opportunities. These services must be well-coordinated at the community level. This is especially critical for veterans returning to civilian life with injuries. People are the main resource of any community, and their ability to return, stay, work, study, and remain active citizens depends on the availability of these services.
Creating Opportunities for Individuals
Communities that invest in rehabilitation and social support become stronger both economically and socially. Individuals who receive high-quality assistance, along with their families, can return to work, start businesses, support their loved ones, and contribute to community development. This is crucial not only for veterans but also for civilians needing rehabilitation after illnesses, injuries, or challenging life circumstances.
Building on Existing Infrastructure, Not Just New Construction
Rehabilitation should be integrated into an efficient network of healthcare institutions. Resources should be directed not toward new buildings but toward the quality training of professionals—because it is people, not buildings, who restore health. Developing multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams—including physical and rehabilitation medicine doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and social workers—should be a priority for communities, along with strengthening social services.
An Inclusive Environment
Communities must create spaces where all residents feel comfortable. This goes beyond architectural accessibility to include social acceptance of people with disabilities, family support, and effective communication. It is essential to develop social adaptation programs, support mental health, and provide opportunities for employment and education.
What are the next steps for improving the rehabilitation system?
— Expanding community-based rehabilitation services through specialist training, the establishment of multidisciplinary teams, and the introduction of a unified rehabilitation service.
— Increasing access to rehabilitation for veterans and people with disabilities, considering their needs in education, employment, and social adaptation.
— Strengthening effective coordination between healthcare, social services, and employment sectors.
— Creating inclusive spaces by removing physical barriers, combating stigma, and raising community awareness.
Community-based rehabilitation is more than just a medical service—it is the foundation of a strong society where everyone has the opportunity to recover, work, study, and actively participate in community life. Communities that ensure these conditions not only support their residents but also build a sustainable future for all.
Project “Community-based rehabilitation in Ukraine: Piloting a Holistic Approach to Rehabilitation in Targeted Communities” funded by the European Union, implemented by the CF “Patients of Ukraine” and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH within the framework of the Special Assistance Programme for Ukraine/EU4ResilientRegions
