Olena Zelenska Explores Supported Living Services for People With Disabilities

First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, recently visited the Kyiv region to learn about the rollout of supported living services for people with disabilities. Accompanied by Minister of Social Policy Oksana Zholnovych, Zelenska visited the supported living home “Family Home,” where seven residents with disabilities receive care and support from specialists. The residents, who previously lived in institutional care facilities or families, work with professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation specialists. They not only receive social and everyday support but also have the opportunity to engage in sports, hobbies, and employment opportunities.

The “Family Home” in the Kyiv region was established last year by the public organization “Family for People with Disabilities” with support from the Ukrainian-Swiss project “Mental Health for Ukraine” (MH4U). The Ministry of Social Policy, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is implementing similar services in other regions as well. Supported living homes and apartments are already operational in Lviv, Vinnytsia, Bukovina, and Kyiv, with plans to expand to the Volyn, Kirovohrad, and Ternopil regions.

Minister Zholnovych emphasized the importance of moving away from institutional care for people with disabilities, stating that the supported living service provides an alternative that allows for integration into community life, work opportunities, and family connections. The initiative aims to offer dignified opportunities for life, work, and development to individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and a more humane society. For more information, visit the official website of the President of Ukraine.