📍 Riga | Online (Zoom)
🗓 18 March 2026 | 11:00–13:00 EET

Across Europe, thousands of Ukrainian caregivers of persons with disabilities are navigating a double reality: displacement and responsibility. Yet their specific needs often remain largely invisible in integration policies and public debates.

Within the framework of the project “It’s Ability!” we will present the results of a new international research study: “Invisible Care, Unmet Needs: The Situation of Ukrainian Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities in the EU.” The research focuses on the experiences of Ukrainian caregivers in Lithuania, Poland, and Germany, bringing together perspectives from caregivers themselves as well as insights from experts, practitioners, and organisations working with these communities.

This is one of the first studies to comprehensively examine the situation of Ukrainian caregivers of persons with disabilities across these EU countries – highlighting everyday challenges, systemic barriers, and the policy gaps that still remain.

Following the presentation, we will host an international stakeholder dialogue bringing together policymakers, disability experts, researchers, civil society organisations, and representatives of Ukrainian caregiver communities from across Europe. Together we will discuss what needs to change – and how European policies and support systems can better recognise and support caregivers.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. Please confirm your attendance by Monday, 16 March 2026: https://forms.gle/uNiuYqpGsBQZPsK66. Online participants will receive access details after registration. Places for in-person participation in Riga are limited.

Organised by: Austausch e.V. as part of INKuLtur programme (Germany), Lithuanian Disability Forum, Polish Forum for People with Disabilities, Sustento (Latvia).

This event is organised within the framework of the project “It’s Ability! – Fostering the Integration of Caregivers for Persons with Disabilities among Ukrainian Refugees in Germany, Poland, and Lithuania” (project short name: It’s Ability!). It is part of the Social Innovation+ Initiative funded by the European Union. 

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.