As members and leaders of the AADMD, we grieve for the Ukrainian citizens and the tragedies they are facing daily since the Russian invasion. The magnitude of the humanitarian crisis they now face cannot be understated and will likely not be completely understood for years to come. As hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens flee their homeland as refugees, the world must work to ethically support and welcome them. In nearly all crises and emergencies, we know that children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities face additional medical, social, behavioral, and financial barriers to seeking and maintaining safety. As a population that is overlooked in the best of times, we encourage political leaders, governments, and humanitarian relief agencies to intentionally adopt practices that ensure equitable aid for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We know that bias on the basis of disability status, ethnicity, race, and other factors greatly impacts the ways in which aid is allocated in times of crisis. We call upon all nations and organizations to commit to avoiding discrimination in provision of  personal security and supports, and especially adopting assurances for equity in assistance for persons with special needs.

Times of crisis such as the war in Ukraine can make us feel helpless. Although the impact may be small, we hope to provide updated information and opportunities to donate for those who wish to provide any support they can to people with disabilities in Ukraine. The AADMD appreciates the unique needs that are inherent in any crisis, upheaval and conflict and to that end we have contacted several organizations involved in the Ukrainian disability community asking them how we can best be of assistance.

We plan to review and update the information provided here regularly.

Inclusively,

AADMD Policy & Advocacy Committee

Organizations to support

Fight for Right is an organization fighting for the rights of people with disabilities in Ukraine.

Evacuation Information: how to get to the border (list of things to bring), what to do at or near the border, specific advice for men, and general advice.

Inclusion Europe & Inclusion International are organizations representing people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Europe. They are collecting donations — 100% of the money collected will be used directly to assist Ukrainian citizens with intellectual disabilities and their families impacted by war in Ukraine.

Down Syndrome Association UK is an organization calling for support of Ukrainians with Down’s Syndrome.

Polish Association for People with Intellectual Disability is raising funds to support refugees with IDD from Ukraine. They appear to have set up intakes at the Poland-Ukraine border

Suggested Reading

“Millions with disabilities ‘abandoned’ in Ukraine, charities fear” - The Independent

Potential contacts referenced in the article (all appear to be actively engaged on the ground in Ukraine):

1. US Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies - Anna Landre

2. Polish Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability - Adam Zawisny

3. Disability Rights International - Eric Rosenthal

4. Inclusion Europe - Milan Sverepa

The words of two wheelchair users in Bucha: “catastrophe” - The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies

1. TRIGGER WARNING: Actual plea from two people in ukraine, Uliana Pcholkina and Vitaliy Pcholkin

The Invasion of Ukraine: How You Can Help - European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities

Through this conflict in Ukraine, what happens to persons with disabilities? - International Disability Alliance

Extras

Down Syndrome International-Statement on Ukraine Conflict

European Disability Forum- Protection and safety of persons with disabilties in Ukraine

European Down Syndrome Association- Statement on the Crisis in Ukraine