In the center of Kramatorsk, there is a small and cozy café. It always smells of freshly brewed coffee, and visitors are greeted with warm smiles. For its owner, entrepreneur Liudmyla Blyzniuk, this is more than just a business. It is a space where every employee is valued and where opportunities are given to those who need support.
By contacting the Kramatorsk branch of the Donetsk Regional Employment Center, Liudmyla received consultations on developing her business and learned about state programs that help employers create barrier-free workplaces for people with disabilities. This knowledge became her foundation when she decided to expand her team.
In October, the café hired a barista named Oleksandr — a young man with a disability who has education, professional experience, and remarkable motivation. He loves his work and puts warmth and skill into every cup of coffee.
Oleksandr says with a smile: “I love what I do. The coffee grinder is my main tool. I am strong and can work quickly and efficiently. When I have modern equipment around me, I feel like a real barista.”
To ensure that the workplace met Oleksandr’s needs, Liudmyla purchased a professional coffee grinder — equipment that allows him to work comfortably, safely, and as efficiently as possible. The state reimbursed her expenses through a program supporting the creation of workplaces for people with disabilities.
For some, it may just be equipment. For Oleksandr, it is a step toward independence, growth, and the opportunity to fully reveal his talent.
Having a job for a person with a disability is much more than a stable income. It is a sense of dignity, usefulness, and participation in community life. It is an opportunity to be independent, develop, and be part of a team that respects and supports you. Work restores confidence, helps you believe in yourself, and opens new horizons.
This story is about how mutual support and openness can bring real change. About how every person with a disability can have decent employment, and every employer can make their business more inclusive and socially responsible.
Because when support is real, even a small café can offer great opportunities.
More about the program: https://www.dcz.gov.ua/employer/choiceprofit/placeinvalid
Call center of the Donetsk Regional Employment Center: 0-800-219-713.