Zaporizhzhia Shelter Transformed by Rokada Foundation to House 12 Displaced Individuals with Mobility Challenges

Creating Accessible Living Spaces for People with Mobility Impairments

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The Rokada Charitable Foundation has completed the renovation of a shelter in Zaporizhzhia designed specifically for individuals living with mobility impairments. The upgraded facility now features four renovated rooms that comfortably accommodate 12 internally displaced persons (IDPs). This initiative prioritizes accessibility and also offers social, psychological, and legal assistance to those who have been uprooted by conflict.

The renovation project took approximately six weeks to complete. Doorways were widened to 1.2 meters, facilitating easier wheelchair access. The bathroom was redesigned and expanded, equipped with two shower systems to better serve both wheelchair users and those with limited standing endurance. Additionally, new sewage systems were installed, and floors and walls were tiled for durability and hygiene. A ramp and specialized handrails were also added to improve safety and mobility within the space.

Refugees Share Their Experiences

Among the new residents are a couple from Donetsk: Antonina Oleksandrivna (76 years old, recovering from a stroke) and Volodymyr Ivanovich (77 years old, post-heart attack). Antonina shared,

“Moving is difficult for us, especially as we’ve accumulated many health issues over time.” - Antonina Oleksandrivna

She emphasized the thoughtful design of the new housing, stating, “Everything here is arranged to make living both comfortable and safe for us.”

Serhiy Babenko, an engineer from the foundation’s regional office, highlighted the significance of the upgrades: “The modifications allow residents with various mobility needs to access any room independently. Beyond the room renovations, we also redesigned doors to open easily in both directions.” He added that the dual shower systems were specifically installed to enhance convenience for all residents.

The Rokada Foundation oversees 15 shelters across the Zaporizhzhia region and carries out this project with financial backing from the Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine. Alongside housing, displaced individuals receive comprehensive social, psychological, and legal support. The foundation also organizes creative workshops, excursions, and other community-building activities. Oksana Odynoka, a social worker at Rokada’s regional office, remarked,

“We maintain constant contact with the families we support, providing all forms of assistance - from consultations to transportation and accompaniment.” - Oksana Odynoka

Sophia Isupova, a psychologist at Rokada’s Zaporizhzhia branch, stressed the importance of social integration: “We help people cope with the trauma of evacuation. The most valuable events are those where individuals reconnect with fellow community members, reminisce about their hometowns, and form small supportive networks.”

This project underscores the critical role of accessible environments in improving the quality of life and social inclusion for people with disabilities. Providing suitable living conditions for internally displaced persons is a vital measure in supporting their well-being and easing their adaptation to new surroundings, especially amid the ongoing challenges posed by war and societal changes in Ukraine.