Local Communities

PROBLEM SITUATION
Rehabilitation of children in modern Ukrainian hospitals faces numerous challenges, especially in the context of war, family displacement, and the growing number of children with special needs. Children with disabilities, sensory integration disorders, autism spectrum disorders, delayed speech development, and those who have experienced trauma require not only medical care but also comprehensive psychological and sensory support. As of 2024, approximately 4 million children and adolescents in Ukraine need psychological assistance due to the ongoing conflict.

Parents, in turn, often cannot effectively help their children cope with stress, as they lack specialized sensory integration techniques. Children frequently experience significant discomfort during examinations, procedures, and rehabilitation sessions. Therefore, the key problem is the lack of a safe and effective space for comprehensive child rehabilitation that simultaneously supports medical staff and provides sensory stimulation for children and adults with various needs.

SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

Decision-Making and Project Concept
Благомай Charity Foundation, in partnership with Mondelez Ukraine JSC, decided to implement a comprehensive “Sensory Rooms” project, which included:

• Identifying hospitals with the greatest need for sensory rooms;
• Developing an individual technical plan for each facility;
• Preparing/renovating the premises;
• Purchasing and installing modern sensory and rehabilitation equipment;
• Training medical staff and parents in sensory integration methods and equipment use;
• Monitoring effectiveness.

The main goal of the project is to create a universal space (a hybrid sensory room covering the full spectrum of sensory integration needs) where rehabilitation sessions, sensory therapy, and psychological support can be conducted simultaneously, helping medical staff perform their work effectively.

“We believe that true business success is measured not only by financial results but also by the contribution to community development. Supporting sensory rooms in hospitals is part of our corporate social responsibility and sustainable development efforts, helping patients receive the care they need.” – Yaroslav Lyakhovych, representative of Mondelez Ukraine JSC.

Implementation Timeline

1. Needs Monitoring and Resource Assessment
   The foundation team visited over 10 hospitals in Sumy and Kyiv regions. Surveys were conducted with medical staff, psychologists, rehabilitation specialists, and parents. It was found that children often do not complete sessions, refuse procedures, and experience high levels of stress. Staff spend more than 30% of working time calming children, slowing down the rehabilitation process.
2. Individual Room Design Development
   Each hospital received a unique plan considering children’s age groups and specific disorders. The design included zones for sensory stimulation, soft modules for motor skills, interactive panels, lighting and tactile systems, and ergonomic workstations for staff.
3. Premises Assessment and Renovation Planning
   Engineers and designers visited the hospitals and measured rooms. A technical plan was developed: placement of sensory zones, ergonomic routes for children and staff, and electrical and network installation for interactive equipment. A renovation budget and materials list were prepared.
4. Equipment Procurement and Installation
   Rooms were equipped with:

• Interactive projectors and LED panels;
• Fiber optic lights and light tunnels;
• Ball pits;
• Balance paths and soft modules for coordination development;
• Sound therapy systems to reduce anxiety;
• Furniture and ergonomic workstations for staff;
• On average, 35 types of equipment per room.

Equipment was chosen considering safety, compliance with standards and certification, durability, and adaptability for different age groups.

1. Staff and Parent Training
   During project implementation, training included:

• Doctors and psychologists learned to work with sensory equipment and conduct sessions with children and adults;
• Rehabilitation specialists received algorithms for integrating sensory exercises into standard procedures;
• Parents learned how to support children in adaptation and home exercises.

“We chose the sensory room format because it is not a one-time aid. It is a space that works every day, helping children recover while medical staff gain tools for effective rehabilitation. For hospitals, this is a real breakthrough in working with children with special needs.” – Lina Popova, Head of Medical Direction, Благомай Charity Foundation.

Organizational and Technical Challenges

• Lack of suitable premises/renovation in hospitals → plans were adapted for each location.
• Equipment logistics during the war → delivered to Sumy region by partners.

Costs and Resources

• Cost per room: 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 UAH
• Implementation duration: 2 months per room
• Team involved: managers, psychologists, technical specialists, trainers, contractors, and designers
• Total project budget: 11,188,469.14 UAH

RESULTS OF THE SOLUTION

Social and Medical Impact
Sensory rooms allowed:

• Creation of a safe space for rehabilitation sessions;
• Effective sensory stimulation and psychological support;
• Reduction of stress levels in children and adults during procedures;
• Increased productivity and efficiency of medical staff.

Staff reported that children and adults became calmer and more active during rehabilitation, with the average time of procedures reduced by 20–30%.

Quantitative Indicators

• 8 hospitals received sensory rooms from the foundation;
• Over 15,000 children use the rooms for therapy and rehabilitation;
• Up to 50 medical staff and parents trained, ensuring effective room operation;
• The number of children needing additional support during procedures decreased by 25–35% in hospitals with sensory rooms.

Impact on Communities
Sensory rooms became centers of inclusion and support for children in communities. They allow comprehensive rehabilitation and psychological support for children with special needs, military personnel, and displaced families who experienced traumatic events.

Communities now have the opportunity to integrate sensory activities into regular hospital work and involve parents in the recovery process. This fosters a long-term culture of support for children with special needs and improves overall medical and social services.

Lessons Learned and Conclusions

1. The effectiveness of a sensory room depends on staff training. Without training, doctors cannot fully utilize equipment and methodologies.
2. Universal design (hybrid sensory space) allows adaptation for different age groups and types of disorders.
3. Investment in a sensory space is a long-term solution that saves hospital resources, improves the quality of medical services, and supports the psychological health of children and adults.
4. A comprehensive approach (equipment + staff training + parental involvement) ensures maximum effect in rehabilitation and sensory stimulation.