Oleg's Story
Oleg, a Ukrainian soldier wounded in 2014, has now earned his driver's license through the 'Barrier-Free Driving Schools' project. He is a graduate of this initiative, which is part of First Lady Olena Zelenska's broader 'Without Barriers' program. This program is a key part of Ukraine's efforts to support its veterans and civilians with disabilities following years of conflict.
Oleg has been defending Ukraine since 2014. That August, in the Donetsk region, he sustained mine-blast injuries which led to the amputation of his lower limb. Following treatment and rehabilitation, he was fitted with a prosthetic. Oleg independently mastered the theory of driving and passed the written exam on his first attempt in Kryvyi Rih. He completed his practical training at a barrier-free driving school in the Kirovohrad region, which enabled him to obtain his license and return to an active life.
The Impact of the 'Without Barriers' Program
Oleg's experience demonstrates how the 'Without Barriers' program fosters the integration of people with disabilities into society and empowers them to lead active lives. The 'Barrier-Free Driving Schools' project not only assists in obtaining a driver's license but also boosts participants' confidence and independence, marking a crucial step in their rehabilitation and social reintegration.