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Human Study in Ukraine

241
Professionals
in
14
Educational Projects

Human Study has developed and delivered educational programs through which 241 rehabilitation professionals in Ukraine have been educated and qualified, strengthening the country’s capacity to provide essential prosthetic and orthotic services. In addition, more than one hundred professionals have participated in targeted short-term programs designed to build critical skills within the national workforce.

All programs follow a structured approach aligned with international standards of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, ensuring quality, relevance, and long-term impact. By investing in people and their expertise, Human Study contributes to building a resilient workforce capable of responding to the growing demand for rehabilitation services.

Since 2017, Human Study has been working in Ukraine to develop education pathways in prosthetics and orthotics that are rooted in national capacity. In close collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, national service providers, and international partners, this work supports the development of a sustainable, locally anchored education system for rehabilitation professionals, contributing to the country’s long-term recovery.

The first project, funded by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), was implemented in partnership with the Institute for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics in Kharkiv. Through this collaboration, two cohorts were trained at the Associate Prosthetist-Orthotist (APO) level, with the second cohort completing their studies just weeks before the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Since then, the program portfolio has expanded in response to evolving needs. Two additional APO cohorts have been delivered, the Prosthetic-Orthotic Technician (POT) program has been implemented across four cohorts, and in 2025 the first Training of Trainers (Prosthetist-Orthotist Professional) cohort was launched. Together, these initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to workforce development in prosthetics and orthotics in Ukraine.

Beyond formal education, these programs foster long-term professional growth. Participants develop into mentors and educators, gaining advanced qualifications, practical experience, and the confidence to apply and share their knowledge. This enables specialists to engage with the international prosthetics and orthotics community on an equal level.

In line with standards established by the World Health Organization and ISPO, prosthetists and orthotists are trained as integral members of multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams. They work alongside physicians, physiotherapists, and other specialists to support patients in regaining mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Human Study’s programs are delivered by dedicated teams who ensure high-quality training and alignment with international standards. Alongside their professional expertise, these teams bring strong personal commitment, continuing to support and strengthen Ukraine’s rehabilitation system in a complex and evolving context.

Voices from Ukraine

I chose a profession I was once told was “not for women,” and I have never looked back. My journey began in the quiet of an office, handling documentation, but my heart was always in the workshop. I used to watch for hours as dust, machines, and life-changing engineering came together to restore a person’s ability to walk. I had passion, but I lacked the bridge to cross from observation to creation. Human Study became that bridge. Read more.

The image shows a woman in a workshop, holding a prosthetic limb. She is wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo and a white hairnet. The prosthetic limb is dark gray and appears to be made of a composite material. It consists of a socket and a lower shaft. The woman is smiling and looking at the camera. The background of the image is a workshop environment. To the left, there are some machines and equipment, including what looks like a stand with some cylindrical objects. A partial view of another person's arm and hand can be seen on the far left, possibly working on something. The wall behind the woman is white and there is a ceiling with fluorescent lighting. In the foreground, on a textured workbench, there are several objects. These include a metallic fitting on the left and some white and gray components of what might be other prosthetics or related equipment on the right. The workbench itself is cluttered with various materials, possibly remnants of the prosthetic fabrication process, such as small yellow and white specks. The composition is a close-up shot, with the woman occupying a significant portion of the frame. She is positioned slightly off-center to the right, and the prosthetic limb is held up in the left part of the frame, creating a balanced diagonal line. The perspective is from a slightly low angle, looking up at the woman. The focus is sharp on the woman and the prosthetic limb she is holding, with the background slightly blurred. Subtle details include the texture of the prosthetic limb's socket, which appears to be woven carbon fiber, and the details on the various fittings on the workbench.

Ukrainians for Ukraine

Behind every program are people who continue to learn, teach, and rebuild lives—often in the most difficult circumstances.
These stories offer a deeper look into the human impact of prosthetics and orthotics education in Ukraine.

Follow the journey of Tetiana Kolosova, whose work with Human Study spans from pre-war Ukraine to today.
Her story reflects how education, collaboration, and commitment continue, even in times of war.

Watch on YouTube (video ⏱ 9:26 min) or read more about the story here.

Through the perspective of Olena Latysh and the voices of Ukrainian students, this story shows how training becomes real skills, professional growth, and support for patients across the country.

Watch on YouTube (video ⏱ 12 min) or read more about the story here.

STORIES OF LIVES RESTORED

Behind every trained specialist are people whose lives are being rebuilt.

Every prosthesis fitted, every orthosis adjusted, and every rehabilitation session completed represents more than a clinical intervention – it is a step toward renewed mobility, independence, and participation in everyday life.

These individual journeys reflect the broader impact of Human Study’s work. They show how education translates into real outcomes: restoring confidence, dignity, and opportunity.

The following stories highlight this impact through the experiences of people at the center of rehabilitation.

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For the first time, I feel stable and able to move forward with confidence.

Liubov, teacher

A specialist ist working on a orthesis of a girl in a pink sweater, who is sitting, looking down
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My prosthetist believed in me even more than I believed in myself.

Yana, young athlete

A person standing on one leg, getting a protesis on the other leg, is looking down to see the specialist helping him
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When I stood on two legs again, I felt whole.

Yurii, father of six

Read More

PARTNERS AND COLLABORATION

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Human Study is our trusted partner in Ukraine. Through this partnership, we support the implementation of educational programs for people with disabilities and help expand the capacity of clinics and rehabilitation centers, responding to the growing demand for quality rehabilitation and inclusive services.

Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS)
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Human Study is shaping the future of prosthetics and orthotics in Ukraine empowering specialists to gain international certification at home and deliver dignity, mobility, and high-quality care to those who need it most.

Vladyslav Sikhovskyy, National Rehabilitation Center UNBROKEN
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On behalf of the German government, GIZ supports Ukraine in overcoming the war-related challenges facing its healthcare system. Particular attention is given to the availability of rehabilitation services, including prosthetics and orthotics. .[…]We are grateful to our partner Human Study for their strong commitment and expertise in addressing the very urgent need of training specialists with a practical training based on international standards. We value Human Study for their experience, professionalism, and service-orientated approach.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
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Human Study is transforming prosthetics and orthotics in Ukraine setting national standards, training the next generation of specialists, and ensuring care that meets international quality. We see this impact every day.

Andrii Vilenskyi, Medical Director of Superhumans Center

Partner with Human Study through SHFP

The Sepp Heim Funding Program (SHFP) was created in memory of Human Study’s late mentor and friend Sepp Heim (1938 – 2019), enables education as a foundation for lasting change. Through the program, organizations and companies can partner with Human Study to strengthen prosthetics and orthotics education, particularly in conflict-affected and underserved contexts.

Learn More