Ukraine creates first inclusive accessibility department in Kharkiv

Kharkiv became the first city in Ukraine that plans to create a department of inclusive accessibility and barrier-free environment.

Rubryka writes about this, referring to the mayor, Ihor Terekhov.

What is the problem?

As the Deputy Director of the Department of Social Policy, Yurii Shparaha, noted, Ukraine has ratified several international documents in the inclusivity field, which were implemented by presidential decrees or government resolutions.

However, there was no structure at the local level that would monitor the implementation of the state's obligations.

What is the solution?

As Terekhov reported, the day before, officials of the Kharkiv City Council, at an extraordinary session, supported creating the department of inclusive accessibility and barrier-free environment.

The head of the city emphasized that it is not so much about certain technical shortcomings as about the need to start forming a completely different city philosophy with the creation of conditions under which everyone who lives in Kharkiv, regardless of age, gender, or health, will be able to have free access to any service or public places.

How does it work?

As Terekhov noted, architectural and infrastructure projects will be implemented with inclusive considerations taken into account.

The city council emphasized that the Department should provide a barrier-free environment for all population groups in various areas, in particular:

• transport,
• construction,
• landscaping,
• social infrastructure.

"Ensuring equal access to participation in public life is our direct duty, in particular, to the participants and veterans of hostilities who are sacrificing themselves for us and our country right now," added Terekhov.

The city council noted that the Department of Inclusive Accessibility and Barrier-Free Environment should comfortably arrange urban space for all categories of the population, regardless of their physical capabilities.

As Shparaha said, in particular, it is not only about ramps and braille but also about the employment of older people.

"To overcome this barrier, it is probably necessary to approve a retraining program for these people to help them realize themselves. If we want to join the world community, we must ensure a full life and protect the rights of all citizens," the official noted.

Local programs are planned to be developed after conducting a full audit of this industry in Kharkiv.

We will remind you that Ukraine intends to improve the system of monitoring the effectiveness of barrier-free and inclusive measures: according to last year's results, only 22% of 54,000 investigated objects were barrier-free. In addition, they want to strengthen control over the new construction regulations, which provide for a wide range of barrier-free standards.