“The Light Within”: How Blind Veterans Search for a New Path in Life
Russia’s war against Ukraine has left behind thousands of shattered lives. Landmines and shell explosions have taken from many Ukrainian defenders their most precious gift — the ability to see. Before 2022, vision loss was a relatively rare consequence of combat, but now it has become a painful reality.
Bohdan Ferens
Ph.D., founder SD Platform
and Progressive&Strong
and Progressive&Strong
According to UNDP, in just the first seven months of 2023, over 19,000 Ukrainians suffered serious vision impairments. The Ministry of Veterans Affairs reports: among more than 130,000 veterans with disabilities, at least 18,000 have sight problems.
These numbers are not statistics — they are human destinies. They lost their vision while defending Ukraine. Now, they are searching for new grounding, relearning skills, and adapting to life in darkness. To support this journey, a four-day retreat camp called “The Light Within” was held in Kyiv for blind veterans and their families.
These numbers are not statistics — they are human destinies. They lost their vision while defending Ukraine. Now, they are searching for new grounding, relearning skills, and adapting to life in darkness. To support this journey, a four-day retreat camp called “The Light Within” was held in Kyiv for blind veterans and their families.
Who Stands Behind the Initiative
The camp became possible through the collaboration of several teams:
The goal of the retreat was to create a safe environment for recovery, experience sharing, and finding practical solutions that would help blind veterans integrate into society.
The camp became possible through the collaboration of several teams:
- NGO “Progressive&Strong”, known for its projects in social inclusion;
- NGO “SD Platform”, which develops civic engagement and youth leadership;
- Rehabilitation Center “Trinity HUB”, a space specially created for the adaptation of blind veterans;
- OPIC – The International Olof Palme Center (Sweden)
The goal of the retreat was to create a safe environment for recovery, experience sharing, and finding practical solutions that would help blind veterans integrate into society.
The Atmosphere of the First Days
On a hot August day at Trinity HUB, a special atmosphere filled the space. Organizers greeted participants at the entrance; the scent of coffee mingled with nervous anticipation. Participants shook hands as if for a moment forgetting the darkness. The phrase heard most often was
The first day was dedicated to introductions, simple exercises, and honest conversations about what a blind veteran feels after leaving the hospital. One participant admitted:
These words struck many deeply.
On a hot August day at Trinity HUB, a special atmosphere filled the space. Organizers greeted participants at the entrance; the scent of coffee mingled with nervous anticipation. Participants shook hands as if for a moment forgetting the darkness. The phrase heard most often was
“If others managed, so will I.”
The first day was dedicated to introductions, simple exercises, and honest conversations about what a blind veteran feels after leaving the hospital. One participant admitted:
“They discharge you — and you’re alone.
The world is there, but it feels foreign.”
These words struck many deeply.
Practice and Support
The second day had an entirely different mood. Workshops, therapy sessions, dance-movement exercises, orientation training, and even a climbing wall. What once seemed impossible became achievable: veterans climbed walls without fear. In their eyes there was no despair — only challenge.
The second day had an entirely different mood. Workshops, therapy sessions, dance-movement exercises, orientation training, and even a climbing wall. What once seemed impossible became achievable: veterans climbed walls without fear. In their eyes there was no despair — only challenge.
Psychological sessions were intense. For the first time, veterans openly voiced their deepest fears: “Becoming a vegetable, being useless.” Yet, sitting beside them were comrades whose very presence eased part of the pain.
A Day at the SPA
On the third day, participants visited Koncha Zaspa Park & Resort. Swimming pools, water, and breathing practices became true therapy. Veterans laughed, dove in, and discovered new experiences. One said:
For many, it was a moment of inner healing.
On the third day, participants visited Koncha Zaspa Park & Resort. Swimming pools, water, and breathing practices became true therapy. Veterans laughed, dove in, and discovered new experiences. One said:
“In the water I’m free. Here I’m like everyone else.”
For many, it was a moment of inner healing.
Dancing as Safety Training
One morning began with dancing. To music, veterans learned to step, keep balance, and sense space.
“Dancing is not for fun, it’s for safety,” explains Volodymyr Batishchev, rehabilitation trainer and military psychologist.
During the sessions, veterans shared stories. Andriy, who lost his sight a year and a half ago, said:
Mykola showed a photo of a destroyed combat vehicle:
One morning began with dancing. To music, veterans learned to step, keep balance, and sense space.
“Dancing is not for fun, it’s for safety,” explains Volodymyr Batishchev, rehabilitation trainer and military psychologist.
“Dance elements give a sense of space, reduce injuries. Often you need to leave a dangerous area quickly — a blind person’s body must be mobile. We use step aerobics, and the Viennese waltz helps keep balance.”
During the sessions, veterans shared stories. Andriy, who lost his sight a year and a half ago, said:
“Before, I couldn’t walk straight — I staggered.
Now I can. I even dance at home with my daughter.”
Mykola showed a photo of a destroyed combat vehicle:
“It was hit by an anti-tank missile. My comrade lost vision in his left eye, I in my right.
They say I’m still lucky.”
Technologies That Restore Independence
Another retreat block focused on modern technologies. Expert Ihor Kushnir demonstrated smart glasses and AI-powered smartphone apps that recognize money, traffic light colors, and photos.
“This already works and really improves quality of life. Guide robots are still in development, but smartphones already help blind people be more independent,” Kushnir stressed.
Another retreat block focused on modern technologies. Expert Ihor Kushnir demonstrated smart glasses and AI-powered smartphone apps that recognize money, traffic light colors, and photos.
“This already works and really improves quality of life. Guide robots are still in development, but smartphones already help blind people be more independent,” Kushnir stressed.
Heroes Among the Participants
Among the attendees was Maksym Lyozov, Hero of Ukraine.
He lost one eye in battles near Kreminna and Bakhmut but returned to the front. In August 2024, during artillery shelling, he lost his second eye. Despite this, Maksym remains active, engages in public life, and inspires others.
On February 26, 2025, he was awarded the Gold Star of the Hero of Ukraine. His participation in the retreat is a reminder: even after the heaviest losses, a veteran can embody strength and courage.
Among the attendees was Maksym Lyozov, Hero of Ukraine.
He lost one eye in battles near Kreminna and Bakhmut but returned to the front. In August 2024, during artillery shelling, he lost his second eye. Despite this, Maksym remains active, engages in public life, and inspires others.
On February 26, 2025, he was awarded the Gold Star of the Hero of Ukraine. His participation in the retreat is a reminder: even after the heaviest losses, a veteran can embody strength and courage.
What Blind Veterans Truly Need
On the final day, participants openly shared their challenges and needs.
Priority Needs of Blind Veterans:
1. State prioritization and dignified financial & social support – pensions, benefits, adaptation programs, and proper legal framework.
2. Post-hospital support – psychologists and rehabilitation specialists at the most vulnerable stage.
3. Regional medical & rehabilitation centers – accessible services without exhausting trips to Kyiv or big cities.
4. Modification and adaptation of physical spaces – streets, transport, government offices, and public areas must be safe and accessible.
5. Community funding support – local budgets to finance spaces, centers, and social services.
6. Family training & support – equipping wives, mothers, and children with knowledge on how to help.
7. Adapting education – from kindergarten to universities, teaching youth how to interact with people with disabilities.
8. Preparing society at large – inclusive workplaces, transport, cultural and educational institutions.
9. Career orientation & employment – opportunities for veterans to work and feel useful.
10. Access to guide dogs & canine services – crucial for mobility and safety.
11. Building community & discussion clubs – peer support and influence on policy.
12. Regular swimming as anti-stress therapy – valuable physical and emotional recovery.
On the final day, participants openly shared their challenges and needs.
Priority Needs of Blind Veterans:
1. State prioritization and dignified financial & social support – pensions, benefits, adaptation programs, and proper legal framework.
2. Post-hospital support – psychologists and rehabilitation specialists at the most vulnerable stage.
3. Regional medical & rehabilitation centers – accessible services without exhausting trips to Kyiv or big cities.
4. Modification and adaptation of physical spaces – streets, transport, government offices, and public areas must be safe and accessible.
5. Community funding support – local budgets to finance spaces, centers, and social services.
6. Family training & support – equipping wives, mothers, and children with knowledge on how to help.
7. Adapting education – from kindergarten to universities, teaching youth how to interact with people with disabilities.
8. Preparing society at large – inclusive workplaces, transport, cultural and educational institutions.
9. Career orientation & employment – opportunities for veterans to work and feel useful.
10. Access to guide dogs & canine services – crucial for mobility and safety.
11. Building community & discussion clubs – peer support and influence on policy.
12. Regular swimming as anti-stress therapy – valuable physical and emotional recovery.
Phrases heard during the retreat:
Feedback from veterans:
- “If others managed, so will I.”
- “Forgetting, even for a moment, that you are blind is important.”.
- “The new is a hard and stressful adventure.”
- The greatest fear — “becoming a vegetable, useless to family and society.”
Feedback from veterans:
- More training for accompanying persons.
- Learning to use gadgets and social media.
- Career guidance events.
- Even simple everyday improvements, like convenient tableware.
Behind the Scenes of the Retreat
Organizer Bohdan Ferens emphasizes:
Tetiana Kostenko, Deputy Director of Trinity HUB, adds:
Organizer Bohdan Ferens emphasizes:
“The retreat is recovery not only for blind veterans but also for those beside them — mothers, wives, children. We even planned a SPA day for them. It’s important that those blind since childhood share experiences with those who lost sight in war.”
Tetiana Kostenko, Deputy Director of Trinity HUB, adds:
“We seek donors, because the number of such men is growing.
Hospitals send new ones every day.”
Why It Matters
In Ukraine, there are almost no specialized public centers for blind veterans. “The Light Within” was the first project of its kind. It not only aids rehabilitation but also raises the issue of systemic support and broader advocacy.
Such initiatives:
Four days at “The Light Within” changed everyone. The confident step without a cane, the laughter at dinner, the quiet talk with new friends — all proved that the retreat gave more than rehabilitation.
In Ukraine, there are almost no specialized public centers for blind veterans. “The Light Within” was the first project of its kind. It not only aids rehabilitation but also raises the issue of systemic support and broader advocacy.
Such initiatives:
- Break barriers between people with disabilities and society.
- Build a new culture of interaction.
- Create partnerships between the state, communities, donors and NGOs.
Four days at “The Light Within” changed everyone. The confident step without a cane, the laughter at dinner, the quiet talk with new friends — all proved that the retreat gave more than rehabilitation.
Ukraine’s blind veterans today are not seeking pity. They want to live fully. And such initiatives are an essential step toward a society that truly hears them.
You can view stories about the Retreat at the link.
You can view stories about the Retreat at the link.
23.09.2025
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