Inclusion in Ukraine is often discussed in the context of education, ramps, or "accessibility." But behind these words lies much more: the daily experiences of people who, for years, have been learning to literally fight for the right to a normal life. For example, being able to get to a coffee shop on your own, not having to ask strangers to carry you up the stairs, or simply not having to explain every single time why your child should be a part of society on an equal footing with everyone else.

Olha Pryntsovska, a practicing psychologist and director of "Caritas Uzhhorod," speaks of inclusion not as an abstract government policy or a buzzword. Her story is about the experience of a mother whose adult son uses a wheelchair, about a city that is slowly learning to become accessible, and how this progress is often driven by the initiative of individuals. 

– In our society, inclusion is most often associated with education. But this concept isn’t limited to that sphere—it’s about quality of life in general.

– Inclusion is an aspect of accessibility. It means accessible transit stops and a train station where it would be great to simply take an elevator up to the platform and board the train. Train cars should be equipped with various ramps and lifts. I could list many, many areas like this, because I have personal experience. My son is 26 years old, and he uses a wheelchair. I’d like him to be able to go anywhere without needing help from others. Because help from others isn’t always about dignity. It’s not always "okay" for a grown man to be grabbed and carried like a sack of potatoes. I’m very grateful that people help, but honestly, it would be great if he could get where he wants to go on his own.

My son Nikita was born in 2000, and when he was born, there was no inclusion in schools or preschools. There were special schools and boarding schools. I have nothing against them, but I’m the kind of mom who definitely wanted her child to grow up and be raised at home—to have the opportunity to learn and attend kindergarten or school in our neighborhood. At that time, that opportunity simply didn’t exist.

Read the full text of the interview on the zaholovok.com.ua website.

This material was prepared as part of the project "Bridging Gaps for Resilience: Strengthening Social Cohesion, Peace, and Protection for Children and Youth in IDP and Host Communities in Ukraine," which is being implemented by the Charitable Organization "Charity Fund "Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattya" with the support of "terre des hommes Deutschland e.V." and funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.