The Confederation of Employers of Ukraine has officially presented its flagship initiative to promote the employment of persons with disabilities - “Together We Overcome Barriers”- to the national HR community. The presentation took place during a live broadcast on the platform of the prestigious HR-Brand Award.

Oksana Medvedska, Executive Director of the Confederation, emphasized that the project’s core mission is to support businesses in employing persons with disabilities. “The ongoing war has led to a significant increase in the number of people with disabilities, intensifying the demand for inclusive employment solutions. This project was designed to help companies create inclusive environments and respond to these urgent challenges,” she stated.

“Our mission is to help businesses become socially responsible, competitive, and resilient in the face of today’s realities. One of our strategic priorities is building an inclusive labour market in Ukraine,” added Medvedska.

According to official statistics, Ukraine is home to 2.7 million persons with disabilities, yet only one in six of working age is integrated into the labour market. The war has exacerbated this gap, underscoring the need for systemic, inclusive employment strategies.

At the heart of the initiative is the “Together” platform, developed by the Confederation with support from the International Labour Organization. The platform includes:

• A Guide for Employers on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities
• Recommendations for Developing and Implementing Inclusive Company Policies
• A training course “Together We Strengthen Business”
• An information and analytical system
• A national network “Together”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

The Guide for Employers offers step-by-step instructions covering all stages of employment- from candidate search and interviews to probation, contract conclusion, workplace organization, and termination procedures. Given the evolving legal landscape, the Guide is regularly updated.

“It’s not enough to hire people with disabilities. Employers must also ensure that workplace conditions foster productivity, dignity, and equal treatment. Today’s companies seek not only tools for recruitment but also systems that support long-term inclusion. That’s why we developed both the Guide and the Recommendations for internal policy development,” said Medvedska.

The Recommendations help companies assess their readiness for inclusion, develop tailored policies, and monitor their effectiveness. This ensures that inclusion is not symbolic, but embedded in operational practice.

The training course “Together We Strengthen Business”, available on the Razom platform, equips employers with practical knowledge to attract qualified talent. The course begins with self-paced learning, supported by integrated testing modules.

“This is not just a lecture series- it’s a comprehensive training programme. It enables employers to align HR processes with legislation, address workforce shortages by engaging talented professionals with disabilities, and create modern, safe, and inclusive workplaces,” Medvedska explained.

The course culminates in the development and implementation of internal company policies for disability inclusion. These policies are not formalities- they are strategic tools that enhance business resilience, reduce legal risks, and unlock new opportunities.

The curriculum includes:

• Module 1: Legal foundations, employer responsibilities, and principles of inclusion
• Module 2: Self-assessment and diagnostics of company readiness, HR processes, and workplace environment
• Module 3: Inclusive business policy- developing and embedding internal policies into daily practice

Companies that embrace equality and accessibility not only meet legal obligations - they cultivate a corporate culture grounded in respect, trust, and innovation.

 
This material was prepared within the framework of the project “Establishing a Consultative System for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities into the Workplace.” The project is implemented with the support of the International Labour Organization’s initiative funded by the Government of Belgium, titled “ILO Support to Ukraine: Prevention of Labour Exploitation and Human Trafficking, Support to Entrepreneurship Development and Social Partners,” as well as the ILO RBSA project “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Reconstruction in Ukraine.”