The Deaf Do Not Hear Air Raid Sirens

In the midst of the War in Ukraine people with disabilities are fighting to live and survive. When disaster strikes, the most vulnerable become even more exposed.

The deaf do not hear air raid sirens. Escape routes are often inaccessible for people in wheelchairs. Sirens, evacuations and disrupted daily routines can be almost impossible to manage for people with cognitive or psychological disabilities. Many are left behind in their homes unable to flee on their own.

Amid the horrors people with disabilities are engaged with the Ukrainian disability movement and work to improve living conditions for themselves and others. They are determined to hold on to their life and believe that a future Ukraine can provide opportunities for everyone.

Before the 2022 invasion, 2.7 million Ukrainians were living with disabilities and the war has made their lives much more difficult. In addition, there are now hundreds of thousands more Ukrainians with war-related disabilities due to injuries, lack of treatment or illness. There are also many more Ukrainians carrying invisible scars.

The project was awarded a 1st prize in Danish Picture of the year (Årets Pressefoto) in the portrait-series category.