The graduation exam for the course “Basics of Ukrainian Sign Language” took place at the Kyiv Veterans Development Center, opened at the Kyiv College of Applied Sciences with the support of the All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders of Ukraine.

The educational project was implemented thanks to the initiative of Sofia Cherepanova, Head of the Women’s Wing of the Trade Union, for Ukrainian servicewomen and female family members of fallen, missing, or captured defenders. During the course, participants acquired basic skills in Ukrainian Sign Language: they learned about its history, studied the dactyl alphabet, and explored the fundamentals of nonverbal communication. The knowledge gained is practically valuable both for inclusive interaction and for supporting service members who have suffered concussions or hearing loss. The program lasted 2.5 months, totaling 60 hours (2 ECTS credits). The educational process was led by professional sign language interpreters from the Kyiv College of Applied Sciences — Oksana Tereshchenko, Iryna Skolotova, and Larysa Bondarenko — who provided thorough theoretical and practical training for the participants.

“For the All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders of Ukraine, this course was not just an educational project, but an important step toward creating a barrier-free society sensitive to the needs of veterans. Ukrainian Sign Language is a tool for support, mutual understanding, and dignified communication with those who have lost their hearing due to the war,” emphasized Sofia Cherepanova.

The certificate ceremony was a landmark event as part of the anniversary celebration of the Veterans Development Center, which has been operating for a year as a platform for support, education, and social adaptation for Ukrainian defenders and their family members.