Iryna Bryk, a 31-year-old teacher from Ukraine, fled to Hungary with her autistic son Roman, who is nine years old. However, even after a year, she has been unable to find suitable therapy for him in Hungary. Language barriers and limited resources in public institutions have made it challenging for Iryna to access the necessary support for her son. Unfortunately, Iryna’s family is not alone in facing these difficulties. According to a recent survey conducted by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), around 12% of families who fled Ukraine due to the war have a member with a disability.
The displacement caused by the conflict has worsened existing disabilities and created challenges for adaptation to the new environment, according to healthcare professionals. Roman was diagnosed with autism at the age of four and communicates solely through facial expressions and hand gestures. Iryna believes that with proper therapy, he will eventually learn to speak, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention for children with autism and other disorders.
In Ukraine, Roman attended a center that focused on interaction with other children, but now Iryna takes care of his developmental activities at home. During the day, she accompanies her mother to work at a charitable organization where she teaches preschool-aged Ukrainian refugees. Olena Andriichuk, a language therapist and refugee herself, plans to launch a self-help therapy program for refugee children in Hungary, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate care. The program aims to assist children who cannot adapt to local schools due to their disorders and language barriers.
In Poland, where a larger number of Ukrainian refugees have sought shelter, language barriers and limited access to therapy also pose challenges for people with disabilities. The Patchwork Foundation, managed by a group of migrant mothers with disabled children in Krakow, collaborates with Polish organizations to help over 180 Ukrainian refugee families integrate and access treatments. Khrystyna Rudenko, one of the foundation’s co-founders, wants refugee families to have equal opportunities for support and care.
However, the high demand for program placements in state and municipal centers has led to long waiting lists, prompting some families to return to their homes despite the daily bombings in Kyiv. The lack of available assistance and the longing for their homes, friends, and families become determining factors. Efforts are being made to address these challenges and ensure that refugee families and their children with disabilities receive the support and opportunities they deserve.