On the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, cyborg veteran Oleksandr Tereshchenko announced a social project “I did, so can YOU” aimed at strengthening the ability of veterans who lost limbs defending Ukraine to adapt to social life. The project involves the creation and distribution of training videos, manuals, and podcasts. These resources will provide practical advice on how to achieve everyday independence after becoming disabled.

For 11 years now, we have been fighting a desperate and bloody war for Ukraine’s independence. During this time, tens of thousands of our defenders have lost limbs or acquired other severe health disorders and are forced to learn to live in new realities. This is a difficult and long journey, which is full of self-doubt, despair, and obsessive thoughts about whether it is worth continuing to travel this world.

To accelerate the process of social adaptation of female and male veterans with amputations, the project team will produce 12 training videos and printed manuals for them during the year.

VIDEO – https://youtu.be/YOBrsjax9Dg?si=fCe_hQPY1_8sfh_D

These are not motivational videos about success stories in the form of stunning, post-traumatic growth. These are daily tips on how to become independent in everyday life again, step by step, after becoming disabled. Advice from veterans who have managed to return to full life after severe injuries and decided to share their experience.

We invite veterans with amputations who want to share their experience and life hacks with others to help them simplify their lives, to fill out a Google form and the project team will contact you – https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSej8QdI9Q1CHh…/viewform 

In addition to the videos, the project team is also launching a podcast on the topic of returning to a full life after becoming disabled. The podcast will discuss the problems of social adaptation in more detail, based on the experience of both those who have already gone through this path and those who are taking only the first steps.

Follow the project news on social media and subscribe to them:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@IcouldandYOUcan  

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CF.Tereshchenko.O 

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@icouldandyoucan  

The project “I did, so can YOU” is implemented by the Oleksandr Tereshchenko International Charitable Foundation with the support the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy to Ukraine. The views and opinions expressed in this material 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.