Ukraine unveils “Culture Without Barriers” to promote accessibility for people with disabilities in cultural spaces

During the Barrier-Free Council meeting, Ukraine's Acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy, Rostyslav Karandieiev, announced that the government would launch the flagship project "Culture Without Barriers" in 2024. 

"This project aims to make cultural services and spaces accessible to all Ukrainians, with a particular focus on veterans, people with hearing or vision impairments, motor disabilities, and mental or intellectual disorders," said Karandieiev, Rubryka reports.

He also mentioned that in the coming year, the ministry will focus on:

• Effective communication of accessibility issues by government bodies and media.
• Promoting the identity of accessibility.
• Updating the relevant communication strategy.
• Establishing an Expert Council for strategic communication planning on accessibility issues.
• Conducting regular communication events on accessibility policy in collaboration with other ministries.

The ministry's plans also include developing recommendations for accessibility practices, monitoring the availability of information provided by government authorities, and training government officials on using plain language and easy reading.

Karandieiev presented the results of the flagship project — the information campaign "Ukraine Without Barriers."

"The nationwide campaign 'Ukraine Without Barriers' aims to raise awareness among Ukrainians about their rights and opportunities and ensure the accessibility of public information. It also aims to introduce systemic accountability of the authorities in creating an inclusive environment. Importantly, it seeks to engage citizens in generating, supporting, and personally participating in changes," said the acting minister.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stressed that accessibility was an urgent necessity for millions of Ukrainians today. He highlighted the government's efforts in 2023 to implement relevant projects.

"In 2023, the government put a lot of effort into implementing relevant projects. The Ministry of Digital Transformation introduced European standards for digital communications by government agencies, which are now implemented in all state digital services," said Shmyhal. "The Ministry of Economy launched a compensation program for employers who arranged workplaces for disabled professionals. Electronic queue, document digitization. Funds have been allocated for activities to create an accessible environment."

He also mentioned that the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources was updating state building standards to consider accessibility requirements. 

This year, standards for hospitals, shelters, and temporary covers have been adopted. The Ministry of Health continues to implement active evidence-based rehabilitation step by step.

"Grateful to everyone for productive work. We do not stop at what has been achieved. We strengthen cooperation with local government bodies, as the final result depends on them," said the head of the government.

First Lady Olena Zelenska noted that the new section of "Barrier-Free Guide" — "People with War Experience. Dignity. Interaction" — integrates advice on interacting with people with respect for different experiences.

Zelenska is confident that the whole country and all its options should become barrier-free.

Rubryka reported that LUN Misto launched the interactive Map of Inclusiveness, "City Without Limits," which will indicate institutions, public spaces, and urban infrastructure where certain steps have already been taken for the free access of people with reduced mobility.

Earlier, representatives of ten NGOs appealed to central and local authorities and representatives of local self-government, urging them to ensure inclusive reconstruction of Ukraine.

Currently, five driving schools adapted to the needs of people with disabilities have opened in Ukraine.