The event was organized by the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans’ Rights, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the Inter-Factional Deputy Association “Rehabilitation Forces of Ukraine” with the support of USAID, the International Organization for Migration, UNDP in Ukraine, WHO, Lviv Regional Military Administration and NGOs. The purpose of the forum was to present a roadmap for the development of veterans’ state policy and to build a platform for interaction between veterans, their families, family members of the dead, missing, and persons in captivity, communities, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and international partners.

During his speech, Oleksandr Tereshchenko presented his author’s social project for people with amputations, “I Did So Can You”. He said that he wanted to show how people with amputations can cope with everyday life on their own.

Oleksandr Tereshchenko urged people to go and subscribe to the project’s YouTube channel, where the first video tips are already available – https://www.youtube.com/@IcouldandYOUcan

“Together with the team, we are working on creating 12 video tips on how to do household chores for people with disabilities. We want to help with specific advice on how to start taking small steps towards independence and success,” said Oleksandr Tereshchenko.

The project “I Did So Can You” is implemented by the Oleksandr Tereshchenko International Charitable Foundation supported by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy to Ukraine. (The views of the authors do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Government.) 

The project is implemented by the Oleksandr Tereshchenko International Charitable Foundation in cooperation with the NGO Community Self-Help ’, docUA Platform, NGO NEWDONBAS, East Media Center Consortium of the Veteran Organization of the East and Mas Agency, a digital communication agency

On November 06, 2024, the Media Center Ukraine hosted presentation of the “I did – so can you” project aimed at social adaptation of people with limb amputations.

The project was conceived and authored by Oleksandr Tereshchenko, head of the International Charity Foundation, veteran of the russo-Ukrainian war. Oleksandr has amputation of both upper limbs and acts as a lead character in the first videos withrecommendations. Using his own experience, he shows specific ways to do certain everyday household tasks and encourages other veterans with similar amputations to share their experience.

Our project is designed, primarily, to help as many veterans as possible, those who have lost their limbs and are now only at the beginning of this journey, those who have no idea how to live their lives. Many of them are asking the question: “Is this life worth living at all when I am unable to do what I was used to do before, when I am helpless, and depend on others.”  We want to give specific recommendations on how to start making small steps towards independence and success, – stressed Oleksandr Tereshchenko.   

The goal of the project is to create 12 videos with recommendations for various everyday situations. A printed manual with a detailed description of all the steps will also be included. 12 podcasts on social adaptation matters will be posted on social media and online platforms. First videos of the project are available on YouTube channel:https://youtube.com/@icouldandyoucan.

Larysa Pokalchuk, film director of the project, tells that their team’s plan is to edit video recommendations online throughout the year until August 2025. 

She stresses that the main goal of each video is to create accessible consultations for people with an amputation. “We set ourselves a goal to create more than just videos with recommendations but products that you can watch, listen to, and read. It is very important since we work with veterans with various needs, – noted Larysa. 

Valerii Kucherenko, veteran who lost his both hands, explains at the press-conference his motivation to join the project. He seeks to show that life after injury does not stop but becomes a new stage. 

I would like to share what I have managed to achieve this year for the sake to prepare the brothers-in-arms morally and physically for their further life,- says Valerii. In his video on TikTok, he shows how to drive a car, cook food, and do other daily routine. Valerii also visits his brothers-in-arms in hospitals, give them recommendations and supports them on their path to recovery. And participation in the “I did – so can you” project is one of such ways. 

Many people do not realize what challenges the veterans, both men and women, encounter after being wounded, in their everyday lives. The project helps them to see and understand these realities. It creates space where everyone is offered opportunity to  understand real daily difficulties the veterans face, and to realize their strength and determination necessary to move forward. We mean not only practical advice for routine tasks, but also emotional support which assists in overcoming barriers on the path to independence, – says Marta Pyvovarenko, consultant on inclusion and psychosocial support issues of the “I did – so can you” project and the head of the department “Ensuring quality of services in the field of mental health and psychosocial interventions” at the NGO “Community Self-Help”.      

Oleksandr Tereshchenko added that these recommendations might be useful not only for people with amputations but also for ergotherapists and rehabilitologists who work with patients with amputations. In addition, these recommendations may be useful for relatives making it clear how they can help someone with an amputation to become an independent person. 

The “I did – so can you” project is implemented by the Oleksandr Tereshchenko International Foundation with support of the Department for Press, Education, and Culture of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. The views and opinions expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Government.

Partners of the project are: 

NGO “Community Self-Help,”

NGO “Novyi Donbas,” (New Donbass)

“Platform for Ukrainian Documentary,”

Docua-platform, 

East Media Center

Consortium of Veterans organization of the East, and 

communication digital agency “MasAgency.”