Inclusive UETS Campus: A Step Toward Dignity and Access for All

Головна Блог Inclusive UETS Campus: A Step Toward Dignity and Access for All

At Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS), we believe that every person — regardless of physical ability — bears the image of God and has a place in His mission. That is why we are launching the Inclusive UETS Campus Initiative, a vision-driven project aimed at transforming our campus into a model of accessibility, dignity, and empowerment.

This initiative is more than just infrastructure — it is a declaration that people with disabilities are not on the margins of church life but are vital members of Christ’s Body, with the potential to serve as pastors, counselors, theologians, and leaders in their communities.

Vision

Our dream is simple yet bold:

A campus where dignity is felt by every student and visitor.
A place of training and growth for students with disabilities, where they are equipped for ministry.
A spiritual community where people with disabilities are not seen as passive recipients of care, but as active participants in God’s redemptive mission.

Context: A Growing Need in a Wounded Nation

Ukraine continues to endure the consequences of war, including a growing number of people living with disabilities. With over 50,000 people having lost limbs, our country is among the world’s leaders in amputation statistics. Many of these individuals face significant barriers — social, spiritual, and physical.

Inaccessible infrastructure, limited public awareness, and the absence of inclusive church environments mean that many are left behind. Without intentional change, these barriers contribute to isolation and the painful sense that they don’t belong.

At UETS, we are committed to changing this narrative.

Our Objectives

To make this vision a reality, we have identified key priorities for campus transformation:

Renovation of classrooms, dormitories, and restrooms to meet international accessibility standards.
Upgrading the campus canteen and library so they can be used comfortably by people with disabilities.
Rebuilding unsafe sidewalks and walkways to ensure safe movement across campus.
Installing ramps, accessible desks, and assistive technologies to support academic engagement.
Creating inclusive restrooms and showers that are usable by all students.
Implementing a campus-wide navigation system (including stands, steles, and signs) adapted for people with physical limitations.

Why It Matters

Accessibility is not just about architecture — it’s about belonging. An inclusive campus signals to future students, churches, and communities across Ukraine that people with disabilities are not to be pitied, but to be welcomed, equipped, and sent.

This initiative also positions UETS to serve in new ways, including state partnerships, chaplaincy programs, and post-war rehabilitation ministries. As a licensed theological institution, we are uniquely placed to train the next generation of leaders — including those with disabilities — for holistic, inclusive ministry.

Join Us

We invite you to stand with us in building a seminary that reflects the heart of Christ for all people. Through this initiative, we are not only shaping a campus — we are shaping the future of the Church in Ukraine and beyond.

Let’s make sure that no one is left behind.