Children's rehabilitation

In key Ukrainian cities like Uzhgorod, Kyiv, Lviv and Sumi Children Rehabilitation Centers provide assistance to children with disabilities. One of the key areas of the centers work is hippotherapy—therapeutic horseback riding that has a positive effect on the physical and psycho-emotional state of children.

To ensure safety and comfort during hippotherapy sessions throughout the year proper rehabilitation needs financial support which allows to expand the number of sessions, and make therapy continuous.

The cost of additional procedures is 210,000 euros per 12 months.

The implementation of this project will improve the quality of recovery for over 600 children with disabilities who undergo hippotherapy. This will significantly affect children's health, adaptation to social life, and overall quality of life.

Target Audience of the Project
The Little Hearts, Big Dreams project is designed to provide care and support for more than 600 children with disabilities, aged 3 to 18. The target group includes children affected by war and displacement, including those who have experienced unlawful detention in the Russian Federation, trauma, and loss. It also covers children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy (CP), Down syndrome, and other developmental or physical challenges. Each child represents a unique case of resilience, and the project seeks to ensure an environment of safety, care, and opportunities for their holistic development.

Overall Objective of the Project
The primary objective is to enhance the rehabilitation process and overall quality of life of children requiring special care and assistance. The project applies a comprehensive rehabilitation approach through intensive programs and innovative methods, such as hippotherapy, to support physical recovery, improve emotional stability, and strengthen self-confidence. The intended outcomes include improved health status, increased emotional resilience, and enhanced social integration of children with disabilities.

Rehabilitation Programs Offered

• Hippotherapy – therapeutic horseback riding aimed at stimulating physical development, improving coordination, reducing stress levels, and supporting emotional adaptation.
• Speech Therapy – correction of speech and communication disorders, particularly for children with autism and Down syndrome.
• Physiotherapy and Therapeutic Exercise (PT/TE) – a set of targeted physical exercises to improve motor skills, strengthen muscles, enhance flexibility, and build endurance, especially for children with CP and physical trauma.
• Psychotherapy and Art Therapy – professional support to help children overcome psychological and emotional trauma, including consequences of captivity, and to facilitate better social adjustment.
• Sensory Integration Therapy – specialized exercises for children with autism and other developmental disorders, focused on improving sensory processing and motor coordination.
• Music Therapy – use of music and rhythmic methods to reduce anxiety, enhance communication abilities, improve concentration, and support emotional regulation.
• Canis Therapy (Dog-Assisted Therapy) – structured interaction with specially trained dogs to promote social skills, reduce aggression and anxiety, and foster a sense of trust and emotional safety.