Dismantling the Barriers in Crimea

By Adria Pelensky

For those of you who have been reading my submissions, you are already aware that I travelled to the exotic Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea (The New Pathway Issue 47 November 29, 2007). What you don’t know is why I decided to take this journey. Aside from the obvious tourist motivations that I had never been to this part of the country before, I also had very legitimate professional reasons for travelling this great distance. Just over a year ago, through the same International Youth Internship Program offered through the Canadian International Development Agency, a Toronto-born intern travelled to Simferopol to promote inclusive education. The Canadian Centre on Disability Studies selected Ivanka Slywynska as their intern for their ‘no barriers’ (без барієрності) project. 

Since I would be working towards a similar goal, I felt it imperative to see another oblast since Lviv is considered quite progressive. It would also give me a sense of what a fellow Canadian intern could do in a foreign environment, in a limited amount of time trying to educate and encourage a barrier-less society.

I contacted some of the key people that Ivanka had worked with in Simferopol, Sevastapol and Evpatoria.  It was evident that Ivanka left a very lasting impression, as each person I spoke to would not stop talking about her dedication, determination, positive attitude, hard work and perseverance. At points, I thought the statues of Lenin would be taken down and replaced by ones of Ivanka.  Many admitted to Ivanka’s challenges, most relating to language since many in Crimea are ethnically Russian. However, by understanding and respecting this difference she was able to gain acceptance and appreciation for Ukrainian culture and language, impressing those who were initially intolerant.

Although the purpose of the internship was to promote inclusive education, Ivanka realized that this could not be introduced without proper infrastructure.  With limited structural accessibility, polarized social services or programs and few trained professionals, the intention was to create an appropriate climate for change, raising awareness, stimulating cooperation and to build on and empower the existing movement for disability rights. The former Soviet system created many social support organizations, but with its political collapse the organizations were left poor, isolated and with no rehabilitative sustainability.     

Promoting and organizing a series of actions to bring attention to the issue, Ivanka’s project culminated in mid-April of 2007 with a roundtable discussion as well as a walkathon, under the title “Treat Me as an Equal”. The roundtable session was held in the Crimean Council of Ministers and facilitated by the first-assistant to the Prime Minister of Crimea. It hosted over forty leaders of various Non-Governmental Organizations and representatives of government ministries discussing three main issues: accessibility, medical treatment and rehabilitation, as well as cooperation between NGO’s and government.  Resolutions from this roundtable were brought to the attention of the Crimean Verkhovna Rada. The walkathon itself had over five hundred participants from nine cities in Crimea, represented by over forty NGO’s, as well as government representatives. The walk ended at the main square – Ploscha Lenina – where performances and speeches entertained the crowds. Ukrainian media was very attentive, with all but one major television channel covering the event activities.

In an interview, a modest Ivanka stated, “Support in Simferopol was amazing! Over forty NGO’s for people with disabilities took part, police services provided security and parking with municipal government helping with logistics. Print and broadcast media spread awareness to those who did not participate. Even “Kanal 5” covered our event! Members of the National Paralympics Team came in support, the Young Leaders Club (a local youth group) helped plan and run the event. We had over 80 volunteers! Support came from many sources and besides monetary aid that came from the Children of Chornobyl Canadian Fund, [support] was all Ukraine-based. I could not have done it without the local partnerships.”

The overall goal was to bring attention to the challenges faced day-to-day, and how many of these could be easily changed through structural change and government support. While these actions had positive reactions and government officials began changing their stance, it is a slow process for change and many are still working towards the goals set out last year.

Meeting with Oleh Myskiv, an activist of the National Assembly of Invalids in Ukraine and Ivanka’s closest partner in Simferopol, he praised Ivanka for her efforts, but stated that it was one step in a series of many. He said, “Ivanka ignited interest and awareness for the disabled in Crimea and we continue our work, but it’s far from over. The roundtable was the first of its kind, and despite some of the promises made, the Crimean Verkhovna Rada did not pass resolutions. We need to keep working towards greater acceptance, but its one step at a time.”

Despite the Verkhovna Rada’s decision, the project was deemed successful. Partnerships were built, the community was brought together, some NGO’s work more closely together, and work does continue between the government and various organizations. Bereginya, a support Centre for Women and Invalids in Crimea is one of these active groups. The director, Anna Corniyvna Khomutova stressed the importance of the formed network. She said, “We need to work together to achieve a common goal.” Her group works closely with others in Crimea, but she eagerly welcomed communication with Canadians. “We love Canada, but many Canadians go to Kyiv or Lviv for projects. There is much to be done here. We don’t simply need or want money; we want to learn more effective practices and collaborate. We can gain much from each other.”

The City of Sevastapol saw some changes, especially in relation to structural renovations since last year. The Uniting Organization of Invalids in Ukraine documented progress of the renovation to structural barriers, but emphasized that structure is not all they work towards. Tania Fomina, Coordinator of the region’s Active Rehabilitation camps in Evpatoria stated, “We need to continue work on independent living. People with disabilities should not just exist, but should have full and active lives.”

What needs to be realized here is that there are many projects running across Ukraine. Some focus more on social services, some on inclusion and others on different forms of goodwill. However, because the situation in Ukraine is not optimal, do not assume that there aren’t knowledgeable, hardworking and competent individuals working in these various realms. Support is not just a matter of financial aid, but putting in the time and effort to work with people to create lasting partnerships for greater understanding, enriched learning and empowerment. Education comes in many forms; never assume you are done learning. These groups could learn a lot from you, and you from them.

For further information on: Bereginya () - Centre for Women and Invalids in Crimea, contact Anna Corniyvna Khomutova bereginya555@yandex.ru; Active Rehabilitation Group camps (Crimea), contact Tania Fomina at fomina7@rambler.ru; Uniting Organization of Invalids in Ukraine (Sevastapol), contact Iryna Alekseyevna Petrychenko sgovoisoiu@mail.ru or check out www.invalifes.iatp.org.ua; STAKI- Sportyvyj Turystychnyj Avto-Klub Invalidiv

Simferopol, Krym, contact Oleh Myskiv at oleg_krim@mail.ru; and UTOH- Ukrajins`ke Tovarystvo Orhanizacijiv Hluxyx, contact Vasyl Komendant at komendant-vasja@mail.ru.

 Adria Pelensky is a Canadian and CIDA intern as Project Coordinator, Community Development in Ukraine.