Monday04 November 2024
telegraf.org.ua

Barrier-free Ukraine: Is the country prepared to face the challenges of war?

Barrier-Free Ukraine: Is the Country Prepared for the Challenges of War?
Безбарьерность в Украине: насколько страна готова справиться с вызовами войны?

Due to the full-scale war unleashed by Russia, the number of people with disabilities in Ukraine is rapidly increasing. This includes veterans who have been injured while defending our country from the occupiers, as well as civilians suffering from constant shelling by Russian terrorists. Ensuring proper and comfortable living conditions for them should be one of the main priorities for the Ukrainian authorities alongside defense and the economic recovery of the state. Currently, the situation regarding accessibility in Ukraine remains challenging, despite certain positive shifts in recent years, reports UNN.

The rise in the number of people with disabilities caused by the war has further highlighted the importance of addressing this issue. "The number of people with disabilities has increased by more than 300,000, and we understand that this primarily includes veterans who have lost limbs," stated Larisa Bilozir, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on State Power Organization, Local Self-Government, Regional Development, and Urban Planning.

In her opinion, the issue of accessibility has today become not just a requirement for infrastructure but a new social norm that reflects care for the individuals who have sacrificed their health for the country.

According to Bilozir, currently, only about a quarter of public buildings in Ukraine meet accessibility standards. "And while we talk about this a lot, the statistics remain disappointing. Approximately only one-fourth of public buildings comply with accessibility norms," the MP noted.

Support from Local Authorities is Crucial

The Brovary community is one of the positive examples of active work towards accessibility. Mayor Igor Sapozhko highlights that a program is being developed in the city to install elevators for people with disabilities in apartment buildings, planned for 4-5 years.

"We decided to go the route of installing mechanical or electric elevators, as a complete replacement of the concrete structure to install ramps is not always feasible in older buildings," explained the mayor of Brovary.

Moreover, the community is actively working on adapting public spaces. As part of the reconstruction of the city park, zones for people with disabilities have been created, and elevators have been installed in lyceums for access to bomb shelters. All government institutions in the city are equipped with ramps, and shopping centers have elevators and hygiene rooms.

"All government institutions are accessible to people with disabilities, including lyceums, which are equipped with elevators and ramps. The children's rehabilitation center also has the necessary equipment," shared Elena Akopyan, an advisor to the mayor.

She herself uses a wheelchair and notes that in recent years, Brovary has made significant progress in terms of accessibility. She believes that Brovary's experience could be beneficial for other cities, as local authorities actively collaborate with residents and public organizations to ensure inclusivity.

There is Still a Long Way to Go to Europe

Despite the positive changes, social policy expert Andrey Pavlovsky points out that the situation regarding accessibility in Ukraine is still far from European standards.

"We haven't even reached the minimum European level. In city centers, you can see ramps, but in the outskirts, accessibility is lacking," noted the expert. He emphasizes that there are almost no state programs to fund such initiatives, so the main burden falls on local budgets.

To improve the situation with accessibility, for instance, draft law No. 5344-d is being developed, which will require state bodies to employ people with disabilities. "This will certainly give a boost to the understanding that this is important and necessary right now," believes Sergey Grivko, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Subcommittee on Social Protection and Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities and Regulation of Their Enterprises and Public Associations.

In the current conditions, it is essential not only to ensure accessibility at the level of state facilities but also to involve businesses and public organizations in this process. There is still much work ahead; however, as specialists note, significant resources and the willingness of society to recognize accessibility as one of the core social values are needed for rapid changes.

Thus, creating an accessible environment in Ukraine will not only enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities but also promote the integration of all social groups into public life.