January marks the start of the second semester of the “School for Everyone” program for young people with complex developmental disabilities. This educational initiative not only helps participants acquire new knowledge but also provides opportunities for socialization and personal development. The program is implemented by the NGO “Seeing with the Heart”, with support from the NGO “League of the Strong”, as part of the “Uniting and Helping in Time of War” project.
The school year at “School for Everyone” follows the standard academic calendar, running from September to May. Participants are divided into two age groups: young people aged 14–18 and students aged 18+. The program has been operating for more than six years. This year, approximately 96 students from across Ukraine—including those from occupied territories and those forced to relocate abroad—participated in the program. Despite challenging conditions, the program continues to offer educational opportunities to young people in need.
The program is tailored to the individual needs of each student, with the curriculum evolving every year. This academic year, participants are studying Ukrainian, English, logic, cooking, financial literacy, and art therapy. For the first time, a new course titled “Around the World Scientifically” has been introduced, offering students insights into geography, astronomy, and the history of Earth.
According to the organizers, “School for Everyone” not only provides knowledge but also fosters the comprehensive, harmonious development of teenagers with complex disabilities. The program helps students improve communication skills, navigate the world, and build independence. Its curriculum is designed to unlock each student’s potential by focusing on their strengths, interests, and favorite activities.
One of the program’s participants is Danya, who joined “School for Everyone” a few years ago. His mother, Alina, shared how the program has been a transformative experience for him:
“It took him a few months to adjust to the classroom schedule and rules. He loves the communication, jokes, exercises, parties, and the closing circle at the end of each day. In fact, he enjoys all the classes! During this time, Danya has become more attentive, his voice more confident, and he has learned to answer questions, ask for help, manage his time, and take responsibility for his studies and tasks.”
Alina’s greatest dream is for Danya to one day have access to a modern, inclusive space where all psychological and social norms are respected.
The program also supports families searching for alternative educational opportunities. For example, at the beginning of this school year, a family with a 13-year-old son with complex developmental disabilities enrolled him in the program. Previously, the boy had never attended school — not even individual lessons. Now, he is able to participate in exercises, answer questions, and confirm correct information about himself aloud.
The school highlights that education is especially critical in frontline areas where many educational institutions remain closed. The demand for “School for Everyone” is high, as there are few, if any, alternatives for young people with disabilities in Ukraine. To meet this need, the organization plans to expand its institutional capacity, deepen existing programs, and open a dedicated school for children and adults with complex developmental disabilities.
The international project “Uniting and Helping in Time of War” was launched in Ukraine in 2022 with the support of the European Disability Forum. It is implemented by the public union “League of the Strong” in partnership with 11 other organizations. This project provides assistance to people with disabilities affected by the full-scale invasion. Over two years, more than 30,000 Ukrainians, including people with disabilities, have received support.
“The League of the Strong” was established at the end of 2021 to unite public organizations and empower people with disabilities to advocate for their rights. Since the full-scale invasion, the organization has prioritized supporting people with disabilities. Today, the “League of the Strong” community includes over 110 organizations.