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Orphanage Crisis In Ukraine

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Tom Sarlo

Apr 7, 2023

Ukraine

Categories:

Humanitarian Aid, War, Volunteering, Children, People with Disabilities

An article from Today.com dated June 22, 2022, featured the Vilshany Orphanage in southwest Ukraine. It is outdated and overcrowded. The patients are children and young adults, and they are diagnosed with mental and physical disabilities. The patients are not orphans since their parents abandoned them. Sadly, many have not had visitors for decades. Most of them lack human touch and affection. Many cry out for their mothers or fathers


The war has caused other orphanages to close and transfer their patients to Vilshany, resulting in more overcrowding. The Vilshany has discontinued therapy to make room for the extra patients. Activities such as outings and day trips in the community have also stopped. The patients lack much-needed medical care and therapy, and many are underweight.


There are over 11 million people that have fled the country, taking only their healthy children and leaving the disabled ones behind. Most families were advised by doctors when discovering their child was disabled to move them into these orphanages. Most families need both parents to work. Ukraine offers no help or medical benefits to families that decide to keep their children home. Schools do not permit these children to attend, and Ukraine's system is now in crisis.


What can we all do? To help those in need in Ukraine, we can help support family organizations that help to protect children and help keep families together. Research indicates that supporting these organizations results in better outcomes for children. Many times these facilities receive money, which does not benefit the patients. The Today.com article references a few organizations where you learn more.


European Network on Independent Living
Dzherelo Children's Rehabilitation Centre
Disability Rights International


In the field of social services, there is a need for local support.
How can we help and make a difference in our communities?
Sometimes taking the first step to help can open up possibilities for engagement. Many organizations welcome kindness and support. Below are some examples of how we can provide support in our communities, according to Works for Me - PA.


1. Smile and say hello, recognizing a person with a disability as a person. Sadly, most people ignore them or pretend they are not there because they are afraid or don't know how to interact with someone with a disability.

2. Offer help and support to families with members who have disabilities. Families may struggle to juggle time and resources to care for someone with a disability. Your assistance could make a difference. Check with local providers to see how you can help.

3. Be inclusive of all people with disabilities. If you are planning a private or public event, consider how a person with disabilities can participate meaningfully in the planning and actual event.

4. Educate yourself about various disabilities.

5. Offer assistance after asking first. Asking first is a sign of respect.

6. Be an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

7. Value and thank people with disabilities for their contributions to the community.


All people, regardless of ability, make a valuable contribution to humanity.


Photo by: Lucho Morales on Unsplash.

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0423.100.01.040723

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