Analytical report: “How power cuts affect the lives of people with disabilities”

The NGO “League of the Strong” conducted a survey to understand how power outages impact the lives of people with disabilities in Ukraine. The survey was conducted during the acute phase of stabilization outages from July 18 to 26, 2024.

The aim of the survey was to assess the effects of power outages on the health, healthcare access, and overall comfort of people with disabilities. Participants included both individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, representing all regions of Ukraine across various age groups.

The research covers several key aspects of the impact of power outages on people with disabilities, including their health, access to medical services, emotional state, and problems encountered in everyday life.

Key findings from the survey indicate significant adverse impacts:

  • Almost 89% of respondents experienced a deterioration in their psycho-emotional state, reporting increased stress and anxiety.
  • About 45% noted a loss of communication with the outside world.
  • Mobility restrictions were common, primarily due to difficulties in using elevators and reduced ability to perform daily activities.
  • Power outages also pose a serious risk to the lives and health of individuals with disabilities. For instance, 22% of participants faced challenges using essential medical equipment. Additionally, problems arose with the storage of medications requiring refrigeration, such as insulin.

These findings underscore the urgent need to develop support measures for vulnerable populations during crises, and they may serve as a basis for future support initiatives from international partners.

To receive the full text of the study