Smartwatches for Safety: A Fast & Flexible Response for People with Disabilities in Ukraine  

In the ongoing war in Ukraine, not everyone hears the warning before the danger strikes. For people with hearing impairments, air raid sirens offer no protection. But a recent partnership has changed that for dozens of residents in southern Ukraine. 

When the Ukrainian Assistance Organization (UAO) received an urgent request from Ukrainian Society of the Deaf (UTOG) - a national association that has supported people with hearing impairments for over 80 years—time was of the essence. 

When a missile threat is detected in southern Ukraine, civilians often have just two to three minutes to take shelter before impact. In this narrow window, timely information can mean the difference between life and death—especially as recent months have seen a sharp rise in civilian casualties. For people who cannot hear or see the warnings, the danger is even more acute. Without accessible alerts, they are robbed of the chance to act and protect themselves. In this context, access to information becomes a form of direct protection. While Ukraine’s air raid alert systems are increasingly sophisticated and capable of distinguishing between levels of threat, they often fail to account for the needs of people with hearing or visual impairments. Even in peacetime, these communities can be isolated and disconnected; in war, their vulnerability grows exponentially. 

That’s where the idea for a smartwatch came in—and with it, an example of what’s possible when coordination, flexibility, and community connection align. 

NP and its partner and subgrantee UAO moved quickly. Within just one month of receiving the request, the team reallocated grant funding, purchased the needed equipment, and delivered smartwatches equipped with vibration and light alerts tailored to people with hearing impairments. 

The devices also function as GPS trackers, allowing the location of individuals to be identified—even if they’re unable to respond—such as when trapped under rubble following a strike. 

The Ukrainian Society of the Deaf, with its longstanding role and deep ties in the community, provided a ready list of high-priority individuals. Many were elderly or living alone. These devices—often overlooked in traditional protection responses—offered an immediate way to help them respond to threats, particularly air raid sirens they might not otherwise detect. 

“This was a great example of coordinated work,” said Bella Khanameryan, NP Team Leader in Odesa. “It’s about the flexibility of NP and our partners—when they see a real need, they do everything they can to respond quickly.” 

That quick response had a direct impact. One participant emphasized what the device meant for her and her family:  

"Good day. My name is Iryna. I am deaf. There are four people in my family – and we are all deaf. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to receive a smartwatch. This is a form of support for us. It is our safety – to be able to take shelter, and for that, we need information. Thank you."  

Information about the project spread rapidly through social media and the networks of both UAO and UTOG, making it one of the few widely accessible initiatives focused specifically on people with disabilities. This also raised the much lacking awareness about the special needs of people with less obvious disabilities. 

“On behalf of the Ukraine Assistance Organization (UAO), we extend our sincere gratitude for your comprehensive support and effective collaboration within the framework of our joint project,” said Yelizaveta Malina, Project Manager at UAO. “Thanks to your assistance, we have been able to achieve significant results and implement real changes to support those in need.” 

Most importantly, it made a difference. Early feedback from smartwatch participants showed not only appreciation, but relief—they now have a tool that could help them stay safe in a rapidly shifting conflict. 

"My name is Yevhenii. I would like to thank you for the smartwatch. It is very convenient for staying connected, communicating, and receiving alerts about danger. Now I can protect myself in time (by taking shelter). It’s wonderful. Thank you." 

Today, 60 people who were previously left out of early warning systems are better protected. 

* * * 

This initiative is co-funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) within the HAVEN Consortium. The Ukrainian Assistance Organization is a partner organization and subgrantee of Nonviolent Peaceforce.  

The smartwatch distribution is just one part of a broader strategy to support people with disabilities. UAO also launched a sign language course for social workers, increasing access to services for people with hearing impairments. In a city where such training was previously unavailable, more than a dozen professionals now have the tools to communicate with and support these communities. UAO is also collaborating with local businesses—including bus stations, hotels, and libraries—to develop digital accessibility solutions.