Статус проєкту: Completed

Background and relevance of the initiative

The idea for the project originated within the team at the NGO ‘Group for Active Rehabilitation’ as a result of many years’ experience in running active rehabilitation camps for people with spinal cord injuries. We recognise that the programme’s sustainable development is only possible when a new generation of leaders emerges within the organisation — instructors and trainees who possess not only practical skills but also an understanding of the philosophy of active rehabilitation, the principles of peer-to-peer learning and teamwork.

The idea of a leadership seminar is a long-standing practice within the organisation and is based on the experience of partner organisations in European countries, where leadership training is an integral part of the active rehabilitation system. We have adapted this concept to the Ukrainian context, drawing on our own experience and the needs of our community.

The full-scale war in Ukraine has led to a significant increase in the number of people with spinal cord injuries, particularly among military personnel and civilians. Consequently, the need for a high-quality active rehabilitation programme has also grown. Training new leaders and upskilling existing instructors will strengthen the organisation’s capacity to deliver more programmes, expand its geographical reach and respond to new challenges.

Aims and programme of the seminar

The aim of the project is to enhance the knowledge, skills and motivation of instructors, trainees and potential leaders of active rehabilitation programmes who have participated in such programmes over the past two years. The project focuses on developing leadership skills, working with camp participants, effective communication, and planning and evaluating sessions.

The leadership seminar programme comprises a 5-day intensive course combining theoretical and practical sessions. Participants will take part in interactive lectures, training sessions on organising active rehabilitation activities, and sessions on public speaking, teamwork and leadership. Practical modules will provide an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through role-play exercises, group projects and simulations of camp situations.

Expected outcomes and mission

We aim to create an environment where participants can share their experiences, receive support from more experienced colleagues, and deepen their understanding of the values and approaches of active rehabilitation. Through training modules, practical tasks and teamwork, we seek to strengthen the organisation’s human resources and ensure the sustainability of programmes for people with spinal cord injuries across Ukraine.

We believe that trained, motivated leaders are the key to enabling more people with spinal cord injuries to return to an active life, experience independence and become role models for others.

Leadership development is an investment in the future of the entire active rehabilitation system, grounded in the principles of peer-to-peer support and the full integration of people with disabilities into society.

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The project is funded with the support of the Abilis Foundation (Finland)

From training in Norway to building Ukrainian expertise

The story of this project began in the autumn, when a team of specialists from GAR and the Rivne Regional Clinical Hospital (ROR) undertook intensive training at the Sunnaas Sykehus clinic in Norway. Upon returning to Ukraine, the specialists applied their experience to local conditions. Today, they themselves act as trainers, helping other centres to implement this important experience.

Project aims and objectives

The main aim of the collaboration is to enhance the professional skills of Ukrainian rehabilitation specialists: physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and physiatrists. The parties aim to destigmatise the topic of sexuality in the rehabilitation process and provide medical professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools.

What will be implemented?

As part of the project, a series of three practical training sessions is planned to be held at the Rivne Regional Clinical Hospital:

• Training for hospital staff: Specialised training for staff at the base facility.
• Training for outreach teams: Training for specialists from regional centres in the Western and Central regions.

The training programme covers a comprehensive range of knowledge: from physiology and family planning to practical counselling skills and the correction of autonomic dysreflexia.

Geography and scope

The project provides logistics and training for outreach teams from the following cities: Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, Dnipro, Vinnytsia and Lviv. This enables the dissemination of training outcomes and the scaling up of practices in other regions of Ukraine.

Partnership and support

The project is being implemented on the basis of a memorandum of partnership between Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital HF and the NGO ‘Group for Active Rehabilitation’. The Norwegian side provides grant funding, methodological support, and expert review of all training materials. ARG is responsible for organisation, logistics, recruiting trainers and conducting events.

Key information:

• Implementation period: from 1 March 2026 to 31 July 2026.
• Support: Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital HF (Norway), the Ukrainian-Norwegian Rehabilitation Project, Rivne Regional Clinical Hospital Public Enterprise.

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This project has been made possible thanks to the financial and methodological support of Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital HF. Together, we are working to ensure that everyone has access to comprehensive support on their journey towards an independent life.

Проєкт «Колеса допомоги» покликаний допомогти людям з травмами спинного мозку, чиє фізичне та психічне здоров`я страждає через відсутність належних медичних та соціальних послуг в умовах пандемії.

Для реалізації цієї мети, ми створили координаційний штаб, який здійснює моніторинг становища людей з травмами спинного мозку від початку оголошення карантину й по цей час.

ІнваФішки — унікальна інформаційна платформа, яка дозволяє людям з різними травмами спинного мозку ділитися власним досвідом адаптації після нещасного випадку.

В рамках проєкту випущено цикл тематичних відео, які послідовно розкривають підготовку людини з інвалідністю до виходу з дому та шлях, який необхідно подолати задля участі в культурному житті.